The central government convened an all-party meeting on Sunday, days before Parliament's Monsoon Session opens, to brief political parties on its legislative agenda for the session. Officials indicated the government is expected to outline the bills it intends to introduce, while opposition parties are set to raise a string of contentious issues, including the NEET row, the case involving Sonam Wangchuk and the Ram Mandir dispute.
Government's legislative plans
According to news reports, the government is likely to push through as many as five to seven new bills during the Monsoon Session, with the long-pending Foreign Contribution Regulation Act amendment bill, known as the FCRA bill, listed as a priority. The exact count cited varies across reports, ranging between five and seven, but the FCRA bill is consistently flagged as one the government wants cleared early in the session.
Opposition's list of concerns
Opposition parties are expected to use the all-party meeting to press the government on several flashpoints. The NEET examination row remains a live issue, alongside the situation surrounding Sonam Wangchuk, who was admitted to hospital after police action against him drew criticism from several opposition leaders. The Ram Mandir dispute is also likely to be raised, according to news reports, as parties look to corner the government on multiple fronts once Parliament convenes.
NDA to meet on July 21
Separately, the NDA's Parliamentary Party is scheduled to meet on July 21, where the Monsoon Session agenda is likely to be discussed further among the ruling alliance's own MPs before the session formally begins. The all-party meeting and the NDA meeting together are meant to help the government gauge the mood of both allies and opposition before Parliament opens for the Monsoon Session.
