Monsoon Session from July 20, to put Opposition unity to test

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

monsoon session of Parliament will be held from July 20 till August 11, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi announced on Saturday. It could be the first session in the new parliament building as well as the last in the old building, said people with knowledge of the matter.

The session is likely to start in the old Parliament building and later move to the new one, said people in the know. Announcing the dates, the parliamentary affairs minister urged all parties to contribute towards productive discussions on legislative business and other items during the session.

Joshi told ET that the government has always maintained it is ready for discussion on all mutually decided topics in a structured manner. Asked about a discussion on the Manipur violence, he said, “Whatever issues will be decided for discussion under the supervision of Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker, we are ready for that, but in a structured manner and without disruption.” ET had reported on June 27 that there were proposals to start the session either on July 17 or 20.

The session may also see the government introduce a bill to replace the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance. Aam Aadmi Party convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has been meeting opposition leaders from across the country to garner support in opposing the bill which nullifies the Supreme Court judgment that gave the Delhi government greater legislative and administrative control over “services”.