Monsoon session marred by political drama even before it begins? TMC, Shiv Sena rows trigger walkout

Opposition parties staged a symbolic walkout from the all-party meeting convened by the Centre on Sunday ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, protesting the government's decision to invite the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Opposition parties walked out of the meeting for a few minutes as a mark of protest, alleging that the newly recognised grouping included "rebel" Trinamool Congress MPs. TMC MP Mahua Moitra claimed that the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, JMM, AAP, National Conference, Left parties and Shiv Sena (UBT) joined the walkout. She questioned why the alleged breakaway group was given separate representation despite the official strength of the TMC being listed at 28 members.