Ajay Kumar at 18:27, 25 September 2023

2023-09-25T18:27:55Z

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{{short description|13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha in India}}

[[File:New Rajya Sabha chamber in the New Parliament building.jpg|thumb|Rajya Sabha chamber in the [[Sansad Bhavan]]]]
[[File:Inside view of Lok Sabha chamber in New Parliament building.jpg|thumb|Lok Sabha chamber in the [[Sansad Bhavan]]]]

The '''Indian Parliament Special Session, 2023''' was a [[Parliament of India#Sessions|Special Session]] held in the [[Parliament of India]] from 18 to 22 September 2023. This 5-day assembly meet of [[Member of Parliament (India)|MP]]s was announced by [[Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (India)|Parliamentary Affairs Minister]] [[Pralhad Joshi]] on 31 August 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=Govt calls special session of Parliament later this month, gives no reason |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/govt-calls-special-five-day-session-of-parliament-from-sept-18-no-word-on-agenda-yet-8917674/ |access-date=14 September 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=31 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> This parliamentary gathering marked the 13th session of the [[17th Lok Sabha]] and the 261st session of the [[Rajya Sabha]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Special Session of Parliament from September 18-22 |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/special-session-of-parliament-from-september-18-22-lok-sabha-rajya-sabha-17686431.htm |access-date=14 September 2023 |work=cnbctv18.com |date=31 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

On 17 September, the [[Vice President of India]] and [[Chairman of the Rajya Sabha]], [[Jagdeep Dhankhar]] in presence of the [[Speaker of the Lok Sabha]] [[Om Birla]] hoisted the [[National Flag of India]] on the top of ''Gaja Dwar'', one day prior to the special session at the newly constructed [[New Parliament House, New Delhi|Sansad Bhavan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=VP Jagdeep Dhankar to unfurl tricolour at new Parliament building day before special session |url=https://northeastlivetv.com/topnews/vp-jagdeep-dhankar-to-unfurl-tricolour-at-new-parliament-building-day-before-special-session/ |work=Northeast Live |date=17 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Govt to convene All Party Meeting today, ahead of special session of Parliament |url=https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Govt-to-convene-All-Party-Meeting-today%2C-ahead-of-special-session-of-Parliament&id=467883 |access-date=17 September 2023 |work=newsonair.gov.in}}</ref> Leader of Opposition [[Mallikarjun Kharge]] skipped the event and expressed "disappointment" over receiving the invitation for the event "quite late". He scheduled Congress Working Committee meeting in Hyderabad on 16-17 September.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rajya Sabha Chairman hoists national flag at new Parliament building |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/17/rajya-sabha-chairman-hoists-national-flag-at-new-parliament-building-2615730.html |access-date=17 September 2023 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

As anticipated, this special session witnessed the transfer of parliamentary proceedings from the existing premises of British-era building to the New Parliament House, the Sansad Bhavan in the national capital.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian MPs move to new parliament building as gov’t holds special session |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/19/indian-mps-move-to-new-parliament-building-as-govt-holds-special-session |access-date=22 September 2023 |work=aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Govt releases agenda of Parliament's Special Session starting from 18 September |url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/government-releases-agenda-of-parliaments-special-session-starting-from-18-september-11694619581409.html |access-date=14 September 2023 |work=mint |date=13 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> and this special session of Parliament did not include [[Question Hour]], Zero Hour, or Private Member Business.<ref>{{cite news |title=No Question Hour, Zero Hour in special session of Parliament: Sources |url=https://www.firstindia.co.in/news/delhi/no-question-hour-zero-hour-in-special-session-of-parliament-sources |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=First India |date=2 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Parliament special session: Very few instances of Question Hour being scrapped |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/parliament-special-session-very-few-instances-of-question-hour-being-scrapped-8936588/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=12 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

On 21 September, the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha adjourned sine die, one day earlier than planned, subsequent to the successful passage of the 128th Constitution (Amendment) Bill known as [[Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam]] with an overwhelming majority in both Houses. The Lok Sabha concluded the four sitting session lasting about a little more than 30 hours after a debate on [[Chandrayaan-3]] mission. This special session in Lok Sabha saw a House productivity of 160 percent.<ref>{{cite news |title=Parliament Special Session adjourned sine die, a day ahead of schedule |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/parliament-special-session-live-updates-day-5-women-reservation-bill-sails-through-rajya-sabha-lok-sabha-bjp-congress/3251208/ |work=Financialexpress |date=22 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

==Agenda==
While the agenda for the House business was notified on 13 September, [[Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (India)|Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs]] convened a meeting with the floor leaders of various political parties on 17th September. On the inaugural day, both [[Lok Sabha]] and [[Rajya Sabha]] discussed ''Parliamentary Journey of 75 years starting from Samvidhan Sabha – Achievements, Experiences, Memories and Learnings.'' Opposition parties criticized the early announcement without disclosing the agenda.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Joy |first1=Shemin |title=Centre releases agenda for Special Session of Parliament: Details here |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/centre-releases-agenda-for-special-session-of-parliament-2685147 |access-date=14 September 2023 |work=Deccan Herald |date=13 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

The parliamentary bulletin showed the [[Post Office Bill, 2023]]; the [[Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023]]; and the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023 as legislative bills listed for business in the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha listed additional discussion on the [[Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023]] and the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bureau |first1=The Hindu |title=Special Session to debate Parliament's 75-year journey, take up Bills |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/special-session-to-commemorate-parliaments-75-year-journey/article67304410.ece |access-date=14 September 2023 |work=The Hindu |date=13 September 2023 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

==Business==
===Day 1===
The inaugural session commemorated the 75th anniversary of the parliamentary voyage, which commenced with the establishment of the Constituent Assembly. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha engaged in a discourse concerning the accomplishments, encounters, recollections, and insights gained over the past 75 years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Parliament Special Session: MPs Recall 75-Yr History on Last Day in Old Building |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/parliament-special-session-last-day-speeches-kharge-owaisi-shashi-tharoor |access-date=22 September 2023 |work=TheQuint |date=18 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Speaker Om Birla initiated the discussion and highlighted successful completion of [[2023 G20 New Delhi summit|G20 summit]] during India's presidency.<ref>{{cite news |title=Speaker Om Birla lauds PM's 'visionary' leadership for success of G20 Summit |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/top-stories/speaker-om-birla-lauds-pm-s--visionary--leadership-for-success-of-g20-summit.html |access-date=22 September 2023 |work=The Pioneer |language=en}}</ref>

==Reactions==
Delay in release of tentative agenda for the Special Session from official sources led to various assumptions across the political parties. Many saw convening of Parliament Special Session as something related to upcoming elections. The use at the [[2023 G20 New Delhi summit]] of the term "Bharat" rather than "India" sparked speculation that some sort of attempted elevation of the name "Bharat" might be proposed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaushik |first1=Krishn |title=Is India changing its name to Bharat? G20 invite controversy explained |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/is-india-changing-its-name-bharat-g20-invite-controversy-explained-2023-09-06/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=Reuters |date=6 September 2023 |language=en |quote=..... the government announced a surprise five-day special session of parliament later this month, without disclosing any agenda. The move prompted unconfirmed reports that a change of name could be discussed and passed during the session. There has been no confirmation that such a move is in the works, but members of the government and the ruling BJP have suggested that the name Bharat should take primacy over India.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=France-Presse |first1=Agence |title=Bharat G20 invitation fuels rumours India may change name |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/05/bharat-g20-invitation-fuels-rumours-india-may-change-name |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=5 September 2023 |quote=India hosts the G20 summit this weekend, and world leaders have received an invitation to a state dinner hosted by the "president of Bharat". Modi himself typically refers to India as Bharat, a word dating back to ancient Hindu scriptures written in Sanskrit, and one of two official names for the country under its constitution. Members of his Hindu nationalist ruling party, Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), have previously campaigned against using the name India, which has its roots in western antiquity and was imposed during the British conquest. The government has called a special session of parliament for later in the month, but remains tight-lipped about its legislative agenda, but the broadcaster News18 said unnamed government sources had told it that BJP lawmakers would put forward a special resolution to give precedence to the name Bharat. Rumours of the plan were met with a mix of opposition and enthusiastic support.}}</ref>

The session started on 18 September, seventy-four years exactly after a proposal to use "Bharat" as the country's name was proposed and defeated at the [[Constituent Assembly of India]]. The proposal was by H.V. Kamath of the [[All India Forward Bloc]], and the amendment was ultimately defeated by a vote of 38 to 51. Political analysts say it may not be a coincidence that the special session has been called on the same date.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chhabra |first1=Rahul |title=Constituent Assembly debated Bharat-India on 18 Sept 1949; special session on 18 Sept 2023 |url=https://sundayguardianlive.com/top-five/constituent-assembly-debated-bharat-india-on-18-sept-1949-special-session-on-18-sept-2023 |access-date=17 September 2023 |work=The Sunday Guardian Live |date=16 September 2023}}</ref>

Some speculated on the Government pushing for "one nation, one election" bill<ref>{{cite news |title=India ponders simultaneous federal, state polls to save time |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-ponders-simultaneous-federal-state-polls-save-time-2023-09-01/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=Reuters |date=1 September 2023 |language=en |quote=Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has called a surprise, special five-day session of parliament from Sept. 18 to 22 but has not disclosed the agenda. Media have reported that the "one nation, one election" move could be introduced this session but (Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad) Joshi, when asked about it, said the agenda would be made known later. Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has for long pushed the idea of combining state and federal elections as it would also help cut the cost of conducting polls in the world's most populous country.}}</ref> while [[Mamata Banerjee]] and [[Nitish Kumar]] guessed the current Lok Sabha might be dissolved to call for early national elections along with poll-bound states.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sinha |first1=Shishir |title=Special session of Parliament may see bills for One Nation-One Election, Women Reservation |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/special-session-of-parliament-from-sept-17-22/article67255245.ece |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=BusinessLine |date=31 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Pointing out the suspense over agenda, [[Jairam Ramesh]] said the government would throw "legislative grenades" during the special session.<ref>{{cite news |title=Much ado about nothing: Jairam Ramesh on Parliament session agenda |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/much-ado-about-nothing-jairam-ramesh-on-parliament-session-agenda-123091401496_1.html |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=Business Standard}}</ref> [[Asaduddin Owaisi]] demanded for a discussion on Chinese incursion in the Ladakh region.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohammed |first1=Syed |title=Parliament special session should include discussion on Chinese transgressions: Owaisi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/aimim-president-asaduddin-owaisi-demands-debate-on-china-others-in-special-session-of-parliament/article67258921.ece |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=The Hindu |date=1 September 2023 |language=en-IN}}</ref> [[Mallikarjun Kharge]] termed the government decision without consulting opposition parties to convene special session of Parliament as an indicator of "dictatorship".<ref>{{cite news |title='India becoming a dictatorship... no special session of Parliament when Manipur was burning': Kharge hits out at PM Modi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/parliament-special-session-pm-modi-kharge-8919691/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=1 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> [[Sanjay Raut]] said the special session of Parliament called by the Government is an act "deceit" and termed it as "cheating with ''Ganpati Ji''."<ref>{{cite news |title='Deceit, cheating with Ganpati Ji': Sanjay Raut slams special Parliament session |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sanjay-raut-slams-special-session-of-parliament-deceit-cheating-with-ganpati-ji-one-nation-one-election-2429578-2023-09-01 |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Sonia Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister raising the issues her party would like to have debate in the special session of the Parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sonia Gandhi writes to PM on special session, flags Manipur, Adani, caste census for discussion |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/sonia-gandhi-letter-pm-modi-8927045/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=6 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> [[Rahul Gandhi]] linked the session to "panic" of government as he was raising the "uncomfortable" Adani issue in the Parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government convenes Special Session of Parliament, speculations on agenda arise |url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/government-convenes-special-session-of-parliament-speculations-on-agenda-arise-all-you-need-to-know-11693541687935.html |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=mint |date=1 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> [[Nana Patole]] asserted that the forthcoming parliamentary session has been convened with the purpose of declaring [[Mumbai]] as [[Union territory|Union Territory]] and separating it from Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nana Patole: Special session of Parliament a ploy to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/nana-patole-special-session-of-parliament-maharashtra-congress-plan-to-separate-mumbai-from-maharashtra-8935703/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=12 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

Some hinted at Government bringing back the [[Women's Reservation Bill (2010)|Women's Reservation Bill]]. The [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]] led 15th Lok Sabha failed to pass the bill due to strong opposition from political parties, including [[Samajwadi Party]] and [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]]. It was suggested that BJP might "expose" ideological differences among the [[Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Athrady |first1=Ajith |title=Parliament special session likely to take up Women's Reservation Bill |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/parliament-special-session-likely-to-take-up-womens-reservation-bill-2670279 |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> Media reports emerged that the statehood of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] might be restored in this special session.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Special Session of Parliament: Could it be About J&K? |url=https://www.newsclick.in/special-session-parliament-could-it-be-about-jk |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=NewsClick |date=4 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Special session: CEC bill, Parl's 75-year history on the agenda |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/special-session-cec-bill-parl-s-75-year-history-on-the-agenda-101694629913403.html |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |date=14 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Political commentators signaled the possibilities of government bringing the [[Uniform Civil Code]], Universal Basic Income or the Presidential form of national elections.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chawla |first1=Prabhu |title=Surprise parliamentary session another Modi adventurism |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/prabhu-chawla/column/2023/sep/03/surprise-parliamentary-session-another-modi-adventurism-2611074.html |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=India may introduce 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in special session of Parliament — social media reacts |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/india-introduce-one-nation-one-election-ucc-women-reservation-bill-in-parliament-lok-rajya-sabha-17689961.htm |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=cnbctv18.com |date=31 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Parliament Special Session (India)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Parliament of India}}

[[Category:Parliament of India]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha]]
[[Category:Law of India]]
[[Category:National legislatures|India]]
[[Category:Government of India]]
[[Category:Politics of India]]
[[Category:2023 in India]]

2023 Special Session of the Parliament of India - Revision history

Ajay Kumar at 18:27, 25 September 2023