While the political spectrum in Parliament has not changed in actual terms, Congress’ “presumptive” loss in the recent Assembly elections has left it to do a lot of manoeuvring to get its reforms and people-oriented agenda through.
Given that Congress will not be able to improve its Rajya Sabha tally in the biennial elections later this month, it is virtually certain the unfinished agenda of passing Lokpal Bill will meet the same fate as Women’s Reservation Bill.
The UPA government faces a stormy budget session beginning Monday, with Opposition parties (220 Lok Sabha members) and key ally Trinamul Congress (19) set to raise contentious issues such as NCTC and economic reforms on the pretext of federalism.
BJP, JD(U), AIADMK, TDP, the Akalis, SP and Trinamul are determined to raise objections to any government move which they feel might encroach on states’ rights.
However, there will be no threat to passage of the budget or to the government’s survival. There also exists a sense of belonging in the current Lok Sabha, as no less than 280 members do not want snap polls giving ruling Congress sense of relief.