The BJP chief could not speak on the GST bill in the winter session due to repeated disruptions by the opposition.
New Delhi: BJP chief Amit Shah is likely to make his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing budget session of Parliament.
Sources told ThePrint that Shah will either participate in the debate over the President’s speech to the joint session of Parliament or present the party’s perspective on the budget, due to be presented Thursday.
It is learnt that Shah’s office has sought help from in-house experts to prepare on the topics of the President’s speech.
“While he is completely aware of the government’s work, he does not want to go unprepared — be it the Economic Survey, policies or achievements of the government,” said a source.
Shah was supposed to speak on the newly introduced GST bill — projected as a major tax reform by the BJP — in the winter session of Parliament, but could not do so due to the repeated disruptions by opposition parties.
The debate over the President’s speech is likely in the first leg of the budget session, which will continue until 9 February. The second phase is scheduled from 5 March to 6 April.
Although Shah is a party veteran and election strategist who is no stranger to addressing large gatherings, some in the party believe that addressing MPs can be a different ballgame as the opposition can register its protest and even disrupt proceedings.
According to political observers, his speech in Rajya Sabha would test his skills and effectiveness as a leader who can take on his opponents on another battleground — Parliament.
“Many of us are looking forward to hear his speech in the Upper House,” said a senior party leader. “He is the chief of the party and whatever he says will be important for the BJP.”