Monsoon Session of parliament today: Opposition, Centre to debate China, J&K

New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning on Monday is set to be dominated by issues such as cow vigilantism, farmers' protests, Kashmir unrest, action of law enforcement agencies against some opposition leaders over alleged corruption, and India's stand-off with China.

The Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha will be adjourned on Monday due to the death of sitting members of both the Houses and serious proceedings are expected from Tuesday. The session is slated to conclude on August 11.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad made it clear on Sunday that the Congress and other opposition parties would target the government over the issues of Kashmir as well as the stand-off with China.

Targeting the government on the Kashmir issue, he said the government "closed all doors for dialogue" on it which led to "political suffocation" in the Valley.

He also observed that the differences with China over Kashmir had become a new focal point and the opposition parties would also seek a debate on the



stand-off in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction.

The Congress and several other opposition parties, including the Left, have been critical of the ruling alliance over the cases of violence by self-proclaimed cow protectors who have often attacked Muslims and, in some cases, Dalits.

Economic issues, especially alleged lack of jobs, are also likely to be taken up by the opposition parties to corner the government.

JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav has accused the Modi government of failing to fulfil its promises to create jobs and said the opposition parties would raise the matter in Parliament.

BJP leaders have said they would take on the opposition over these issues claiming that the government's track record has been better than the UPA in terms of economy and agriculture growth.

"The government would want the monsoon session to be constructive. We will also ensure coordination with the opposition to help get legislative business passed," Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.