Opposition leaders on Sunday staged a symbolic walkout from the customary all-party meeting convened in New Delhi ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session, objecting to the invitation extended to the rebel Trinamool Congress MPs.
Held at the Parliament Annexe, the meeting was called by the government to seek cooperation from all political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses during the Monsoon Session and facilitate the transaction of scheduled legislative business.
However, the proceedings were briefly disrupted when Opposition leaders staged a walkout, objecting to the government's decision to invite the Nationalist Congress Party of India (NCPI).
The Opposition argued that the party should not have been included while questions regarding its status remain unresolved. The controversy comes in the wake of around 20 Trinamool Congress (TMC) rebel MPs joining the NCPI.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh took to social media to explain the Opposition's decision. In a post on X, he said, "All Opposition parties staged a walkout from the All-Party meeting for a few minutes. This was a mark of protest against the decision of the Modi Government to invite the NCPI, which is a parking place for 20 so-called 'rebel' TMC MPs when a final decision is still pending with the Speaker."
Echoing similar concerns, senior TMC MP Saugata Roy questioned the legitimacy of inviting the NCPI to the meeting. Speaking to reporters, Roy claimed that the party does not feature on the Election Commission's website and questioned how an unrecognised political party could be invited to an official all-party meeting convened by the government.
Roy said the Opposition's objection centred on the government's decision to accord recognition to a party whose legal and electoral status remains under scrutiny. He argued that such a move raised serious questions about the criteria used for inviting participants to discussions of national importance at all party meeting.
Although the walkout lasted only a few minutes, it served as a symbolic protest and underscored the growing friction between the government and the Opposition ahead of the Monsoon Session. The incident is widely seen as an indication of the confrontational approach the Opposition is expected to adopt during the session, with several contentious political and legislative issues likely to dominate parliamentary proceedings.
The opposition also protested against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decisions on the rebel TMC lawmakers, allowing them separate seats in the House and the merger of the rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had on Saturday invited leader of the breakaway Trinamool Congress (TMC) group Sudip Bandyopadhyay to the customary all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, noting that he and 19 other MPs "have joined the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI)".
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had on Saturday approved separate seating for the 20 rebel TMC lawmakers, who have claimed to have joined a little-known party, NCPI.
The TMC rebel group of 20 MPs will be seated separately, away from the parent party, sources had said.
No final decision has been taken on the demand of the rebel TMC MPs to be recognised as part of the NCPI, and the matter is still under consideration, they had said.
The TMC had demanded the disqualification of the rebel MPs.
Later on Sunday the defended the invitation extended to rebel TMC MPs, saying they cannot be ignored as they have petitioned the Lok Sabha Speaker for recognition and separate seats.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also said that the people of the country want smooth functioning of Parliament and "not any turmoil" in the House, while urging all parties to "give their positive support to bills".
He was speaking after the all-party meeting.
"The NCPI requested recognition from the Lok Sabha Speaker; how can you ignore them? It is the government's duty to invite everyone," Rijiju told reporters.
Rijiju said the government has listed eight bills for the Monsoon Session, and if there is additional business, it will follow necessary procedures.
He said in the past, protests by the opposition led to disruptions in the House, harming the interests of the country and its people.
"By protesting, no one is going to benefit politically. That is why I requested members of all political parties to take part in the proceedings wholeheartedly," he said.
The minister said all parties should work together for the nation and the government has noted the suggestions of the opposition.
"All parties have the right to speak in parliamentary democracy; I urge them to give their positive support to bills," he said.
(With inputs from PTI)