Opposition members to meet at Mallikarjun Kharge’s office today to draw up strategy in RS

Leaders of like-minded Opposition parties will meet on Thursday at the office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, to devise a floor strategy for the ongoing second part of the Budget session.

Both Houses of Parliament have seen repeated disruptions since the Budget session resumed, with members of the ruling BJP demanding that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi apologise for his recent remarks in London and Opposition members reiterating their demand for a JPC inquiry into the report by US short-seller Hindenburg Research against the Adani Group.

“Leaders of like-minded Opposition parties are meeting tomorrow at 10 am at RS LoP Mallikarjun Kharges office to chalk out a floor strategy for the House,” said a source.

Earlier, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Opposition was attempting to divert public attention away from Rahul Gandhi’s “uncalled for” remarks in the UK by repeatedly disrupting proceedings in both Houses over the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Hindenburg report against the Adani Group. Members of the BJP have accused the Congress MP of slandering India on foreign soil.

“The Opposition members are simply trying to divert public attention from Rahul Gandhi’s remarks because they know that what he said was wrong,” Joshi said.

Even on Wednesday, both the Upper and Lower Houses were disrupted by the Treasury and Opposition benches raising a ruckus over Rahul’s comments in the UK. Both Houses will reconvene on Thursday at 11 a.m. On Tuesday, opposition members attempted to keep the pressure on the BJP by reiterating their call for a JPC on the Adani issue.

Soon after the Rajya Sabha convened for the day and papers were placed on the table, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced, “I have received 11 notices under Rules 267.” Soon after, however, the Treasury benches began demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi, causing a commotion. Congress leaders raised objections and countercharges against the government as well.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day amid accusations and counter-accusations flying thick and fast. The debate over Gandhi’s remarks in London has echoed in Parliament since the second part of the Budget session began on March 13.