PNN/Agencies
New Delhi, July 16: The issues of cow vigilantism, farmers’ protests, Kashmir unrest, action of law enforcement agencies against some Opposition leaders over alleged corruption and India’s stand-off with China are likely to dominate the Monsoon Session beginning Monday.
A total of 32 legislations listed by the government are scheduled to be discussed by the law makers in the next 26 days.
The Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha will be adjourned Monday due to the death of sitting members of both the Houses and serious proceedings are expected from Tuesday. The session is slated to conclude August 11.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad made it clear that the Congress and other Opposition parties will target the government over the issues of Kashmir as well as the stand-off with China.
Targetting the government on the Kashmir issue, he said the government has ‘‘closed all doors for dialogue’’ on it which has led to political suffocation in the Valley. He also observed that the differences with China over Kashmir has become a new focal point and the Opposition parties would also seek a debate on the standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction.
The Congress and several other Opposition parties, including the Left, have been critical of the ruling alliance over the cases of violence by self-proclaimed cow protectors who have often attacked Muslims and, in some cases, Dalits.
Seeking to build a firewall for the government from the expected opposition attacks in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday made it clear that states should act tough against those violating law in the name of cow protection and insisted that the issue should not be given political and communal colour.
Economic issues, especially alleged lack of jobs, are also likely to be taken up by the Opposition parties to corner the government.
JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav has accused the Modi government of failing to fulfil its promises to create jobs and said the Opposition parties would raise the matter in Parliament.
BJP leaders have said they would take on the Opposition over these issues claiming that the government’s track record has been better than the UPA in terms of economy and agriculture growth.
‘‘The government would want the monsoon session of Parliament to be fruitful and constructive. We will also ensure good coordination and communication with the Opposition to help get legislative business passed during the session.
‘‘If the Opposition demands a discussion on some current issues, we will discuss the same in the business advisory committee and the chairman will decide the time and date of discussion,’’ Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.
