Former Union minister P Chidambaram has questioned the Centre’s decision to convene a Parliament session from April 16 to 18, when Assembly elections are due in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
In a statement, he said the timing appears “motivated” because Tamil Nadu votes on April 23 and West Bengal on April 29. He noted that 39 MPs from Tamil Nadu and 28 from West Bengal sit in the Opposition benches in the Lok Sabha, and would be deeply engaged in election work in their constituencies during April 16-18.
Chidambaram argued that if crucial Constitution amendment-related bills are taken up for debate and voting during those days, these 67 MPs would be unable to participate effectively. He said he suspects the intent is to keep them away from parliamentary proceedings.
He also criticised the proposed plan to raise the Lok Sabha’s strength to 816, calling it a regressive move that could widen the gap between high-population states and southern states that have kept population growth under control.
Chidambaram pointed out that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has opposed the April 16-18 schedule and suggested April 29 as an alternative. He asked why there is such urgency to meet on April 16 and what prevents holding the session on April 29.
