New Delhi: Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the delay in formally proroguing Parliament's Monsoon Session. In his letter, Kharge also raised concerns about proposed delimitation measures and constitutional amendment bills, urging the government to consult political parties before moving forward with significant legislative changes.

Kharge has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the proposed delimitation framework. He argued that discussions with all political parties are necessary before the proposals are finalised in Parliament. According to the Congress leader, issues with far-reaching constitutional and political implications should not be taken forward without giving opposition parties an opportunity to express their views.

Kharge Seeks All-Party Meeting on Delimitation

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Kharge stressed the need for consultations on delimitation before any proposal is finalised in Parliament. He called for an all-party meeting to allow different political parties to discuss the proposed changes, raise concerns and present their positions.

Delimitation concerns the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries and the arrangement of political representation. Changes in this area can have significant implications for electoral politics and the distribution of representation. Kharge's demand reflects the Congress's position that such decisions require transparency, consultation and an opportunity for all relevant stakeholders to participate in the discussion.

The Congress leader has urged the government to consider the concerns of opposition parties instead of rushing the process. His request for an all-party meeting is aimed at opening a formal channel of dialogue on the proposed delimitation measures and the broader constitutional questions associated with them.

Warning Against Forcing Constitutional Amendment Bills

Kharge has also warned the government against attempting to pass any constitutional amendment bill by force. He emphasised that proposals involving changes to the Constitution should be discussed through the prescribed parliamentary process and should receive proper consideration from political parties.

The issue has gained significance amid political debate surrounding women's reservation and delimitation-related proposals. Constitutional amendment bills are subject to special requirements under the Constitution. Under Article 368, such bills generally require a special majority in each House of Parliament, making the support of lawmakers crucial to their passage.

Kharge's intervention reflects the Congress's demand that the government consult opposition parties before taking major constitutional decisions. His letter calls for broader discussion rather than a process in which important changes are advanced without adequate political engagement.

The issue of possible constitutional changes has also featured in previous election-related political debates. Opposition parties had alleged that the BJP wanted a two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution. The government, meanwhile, has presented its own position on constitutional matters. Kharge's latest letter again places the emphasis on consultation, parliamentary procedure and the need to address concerns about proposed amendments.

Questions Over Delay in Proroguing the Monsoon Session

Kharge also raised the delay in formally proroguing the Monsoon Session of Parliament. According to his letter, the session was adjourned sine die on August 13, and 64 days had passed by the time of the letter without the formal prorogation of both Houses.

He questioned the delay and sought the Prime Minister's attention to the matter. The issue is relevant to parliamentary procedure because adjournment sine die and prorogation are distinct stages. While a House may be adjourned without a date being fixed for its next sitting, prorogation formally brings a session to an end.

Kharge linked his concern about the delay to the government's possible legislative plans. He urged the Prime Minister to ensure that major proposals, particularly those involving constitutional changes and delimitation, are discussed with opposition parties before decisions are finalised.

Jairam Ramesh Refers to Kharge's Letter

Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh also referred to the letter. He said Kharge had written to the Prime Minister about the unprecedented delay in proroguing Parliament's Monsoon Session and the government's possible plans.

The Congress has therefore publicly reiterated its demand for formal discussions on delimitation and constitutional amendment proposals. The party wants the government to convene an all-party meeting and provide political stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss the implications of the proposed measures.

Kharge's letter is likely to add to the debate over delimitation, constitutional amendments and parliamentary procedure. Attention will now be on the government's response to the demand for an all-party meeting and whether it agrees to consult opposition parties before moving forward with the proposals. The concerns and demands outlined in the letter represent the Congress leader's position; the government's response will help clarify the next steps.