Monsoon session to be extended by a week

The ongoing Monsoon session is likely to be extended by a week to make up for the time lost because of five days of continuous adjournments since Parliament opened on July 26. The session was earlier expected to conclude on August 27.

The ongoing Monsoon session is likely to be extended by a week to make up for the time lost because of five days of continuous adjournments since Parliament opened on July 26. The session was earlier expected to conclude on August 27.

HT Image

But fireworks are expected next week when the Lok Sabha debates allegations of corruption in the Commonwealth Games projects.

A general debate under Rule 193 which does not involve voting is expected on Monday. Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy will intervene and Sports Minister M S Gill will reply to the debate.

A preview of a heated discussion was seen in the Lok Sabha on Friday when the entire Opposition, put the government in the dock on the issue and accused it of allowing the “loot’’ of public money.

The Left demanded a joint parliamentary probe into the charges of corruption in the Games project.

A discussion on the Bhopal gas tragedy and the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on the issue is also slated next week.

The CBI’s role is also expected to be debated, with the BJP accusing the Centre of misusing the agency following the arrest of former Gujarat home minister Amit Shah in the Soharabuddin fake encounter case. Among the other issues to come up include saffron terror for which some Congress members have given notice and media trial.