In a surprising turn of events, the Indian Parliament is set to hold a five-day special session from September 18 to 22, with a unique twist – it will commence in the old Parliament building and then relocate to the new one on September 19, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. This unprecedented move has sparked intense political speculations and debates among various parties, given the government's decision not to disclose any agenda for the session.
The special Parliament session marks a historic moment as it will be the first one conducted in the newly inaugurated Parliament building, a prestigious project of the Modi government. The state-of-the-art structure, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, 2023, stands as a symbol of India's commitment to modern governance. With a total cost of ₹971 crore, the new Parliament building boasts the capacity to accommodate 888 members in the Lok Sabha and 300 members in the Rajya Sabha.
One of the key controversies preceding this special session was the mention of "Bharat" on the G20 invitation card instead of "India," leading to an intense political battle between proponents of both names. Speculation is rife that the government might introduce a resolution during this session to officially change India's name to "Bharat." This proposed change reflects a broader discourse on national identity and cultural heritage.
Additionally, the session may witness discussions on the concept of "one nation, one election," as the government has established a panel to study the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections across states and the Centre. The idea of streamlining elections to reduce their frequency has been a topic of discussion in Indian politics for some time.
It's worth noting that this special session will not include traditional elements such as Question Hour or private members' business, as it is not a regular session. Unlike sessions like the Budget, Monsoon, and Winter, this one is unique in its scope and purpose.
The lack of a disclosed agenda has raised concerns among various political parties, with Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking transparency regarding the session's objectives. The secrecy surrounding the session's content has kept political observers and the public alike guessing about the issues and proposals that may emerge during this crucial gathering.
As India gears up for this special Parliament session that transcends its traditional boundaries, it remains to be seen how the debates and decisions made within the hallowed halls of both the old and new Parliament buildings will shape the nation's future. The juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, symbolized by the session's relocation, serves as a potent reminder of India's evolving political landscape.
