All parties must ensure that this session works

Besides the political agenda, pending legislative business must be wrapped up

Even as all eyes will be on the assembly election results, the final full-fledged session of the 16th Lok Sabha commences today. The winter session will see 20 sittings. The post-recess budget session was entirely washed out, the government’s willingness to confront a no-confidence vote paved the way for a productive monsoon session.

Given that the Parliament will be meeting right after a set of assembly elections, and four months before the general elections, it is inevitable that intensely competitive politics will play out. A range of issues is bound to surface. The Opposition will target the government on its handling of institutional relationships. It will bring up the Rafale allegations and also, on the back of the massive farmers’ march in New Delhi, put forth demands for loan waivers and hike in Minimum Support Prices. What is crucial, however, is that these issues are raised, debates happen, and civility is maintained. Obstruction and an impasse leading to the constant adjournments must not be the way forward in this session. The government is under increasing pressure from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to move on a legislation on the Ram temple. The government must be advised caution.

Besides the political agenda, the winter session also has to finish up with a range of pending legislative business. According to PRS Legislative Research, 23 Bills are listed for consideration and passage. The government’s focus will be on getting what is popularly referred to as the Triple Talaq Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha to replace an ordinance. Each Bill must be scrutinised carefully. But what is important is that both the government and opposition make the final, full session of the 16th Lok Sabha work. They owe it to the citizens.