Views were sought from all states on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and, and Bharatiya Sakshya — the three bills introduced in Parliament. But two states did not participate. The home minister was asked to make a guess. And his guess was bang on — it was West Bengal and Kerala.
Between Nagpur and Russia
A 40-second clip from home minister Amit Shah’s Parliament speech made the heads turn. After the opposition reportedly teased that the government was receiving instructions from Nagpur, Shah responded saying, ‘Let’s assume that we are getting a signal from Nagpur, Nagpur is a part of India after all, not Russia or China. But your party used to take signals from Russia and China.’ You get it, right?
Tukde tukde and sedition law
A bill has been introduced in Parliament to abolish the sedition law. So, will those presently facing sedition charges also be relieved? The home minister clarified that those who keep talking about breaking the country will face action in any case. Shah also said that even a mere thought will invite action. Now, who can understand thoughts that are brewing in the mind? The answer is artificial intelligence. You know what we are talking here.
Spokesperson alliance
From NDA to BJP, it’s all on TV. Until now, BJP spokespersons used to undergo training. This time, even NDA spokespersons were trained in Parliament. In total, 79 spokespersons were trained. So, will BJP maintain an alliance with NDA, especially when BJP spokespersons are absent during a debate? Such a situation might rarely arise, because some former spokespersons, as BJP leaders, express their opinions without the party’s awareness, approval, or direction. However, the competition will surely increase, and if any NDA spokespersons prove their mettle, it wouldn’t be surprising if they become a BJP spokesperson.
The courageous ones
The Ministry of Home Affairs had also sought views from all MPs on the proposed laws. However, out of the 545, only 44 MPs provided suggestions. The BJP alone has 301 seats in the Lok Sabha. So, what will happen now? What about those who didn’t give suggestions? Now when it is the Home Ministry that’s formulating new laws, who will dare to give suggestions, sources say. By the way, those who courageously offered suggestions are definitely courageous ones.
Two manifestos
The Congress party will have two manifestos. One for the public – which will be publicly announced, and the other for the leaders, which will be circulated through secretive means. Congress often guarantees promises to the public – this will be given, that will be given. Now, a senior leader of the Congress in Rajasthan has suggested the high command that the party should also give assurance to those legislators or ministers who are not going to be fielded this time — that within 30 days of winning the election, they will be accommodated in boards or corporations. The suggestion is still under consideration. If accepted, it is estimated that in Rajasthan, Congress might make such promises to 35 legislators and ministers.
Back to the cadre
The monsoon session of Parliament has concluded and the BJP headquarters is once again bustling. The influx of leaders and journalists has suddenly increased. Everyone has returned to their original cadre. Well, being deputed to Parliament is after all a temporary job, lasting only for the session.Bottom of Form
Bharat Agrawal is Executive Director, Dainik Bhaskar Group, and a columnist.
By special arrangement with Dainik Bhaskar.