Sonia Gandhi Calls for Debate on Key Issues Ahead of Special Parliament Session

As the special Parliament session scheduled to commence on September 18 approaches, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the inclusion of several critical topics in the session’s agenda. In her communication with the PM, Sonia Gandhi emphasized the need for discussions on various matters, including the country’s current economic situation.

Sonia Gandhi expressed the Opposition’s desire to actively participate in the upcoming special session, viewing it as an opportunity to address issues of public concern and significance. However, she noted that the session had been called without prior consultations with other political parties, leaving them unaware of the agenda.

In her letter, Sonia Gandhi stated, “You have convened a special five-day session of Parliament beginning 18 September 2023. I must point out that this Special Session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda.”

She continued, “All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for Government Business. We most certainly want to participate in the Special Session because it will give us an opportunity to raise matters of public concern and importance.”

The Congress leader outlined a series of topics for discussion during the special session, encompassing issues such as the need for a caste census, the situation in Manipur, communal clashes, inflation, and other pressing matters. She urged that time be allocated under the appropriate Rules for meaningful debates on these issues.

Sonia Gandhi’s suggested topics for discussion included the current economic situation, with a particular focus on rising prices of essential commodities, unemployment, increasing inequalities, and the challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). She also emphasized the commitment made by the Indian government to farmers and their organizations regarding Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and other related demands, along with the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the Adani business group’s transactions.

Furthermore, Sonia Gandhi called for discussions on the ongoing tensions between several states and the Central government, the plight of the people of Manipur, the breakdown of Constitutional machinery and social harmony in the state, the urgent need for a caste census, damages caused by natural disasters like extreme floods and droughts, and the rise in communal tension in various states, including Haryana. She also raised concerns about the “occupation of Indian Territory by China.”

Sonia Gandhi expressed the hope that these issues would be addressed in a spirit of constructive cooperation during the forthcoming special session.

Earlier, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh had announced that the INDIA bloc of opposition parties would participate in the special session, emphasizing their intention to raise important public issues during the proceedings.