TMC seeks adjournment of Parliament session, cites elections in 5 states

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 8

The Trinamool Congress leaders in both Houses of Parliament today wrote to presiding officers asking for adjournment of the proceedings on account of elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

In his letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, TMC leader in the house Derek O’Brien said: “Because of the declaration of elections in five states, we urge you to consider the adjournment of the ensuing Parliament session.”

“The Election Commission of India, on February 26, 2021, had announced election dates in five states, including West Bengal. Due to the ongoing intensive election preparations in the state, the Members of Parliament from the All India Trinamool Congress would find it difficult to attend the second part of the Budget Session beginning from March 8, 2021.”

Also read: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 1 pm amid uproar by Opposition members

Attend Parliament, observe debates: Naidu to MPs

Attendance of Rajya Sabha members in DRSCs’ meetings improves, while of Lok Sabha declines

O’Brien cited two precedents, where under the Parliament sessions were adjourned in view of upcoming polls in multiple states.

The first precedent cited was the 222nd Session which commenced on February 21, 2011, was scheduled to conclude on April 21, 2011. However, due to the state Assembly elections announced in five states — Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the House was adjourned sine die on March 25, 2011.

The second was the 214h Session which commenced on October 17, 2008, which was adjourned early on October 24, 2008, to meet again on December 10, 2008. The session, as per the original schedule, was to continue up to November 21, 2008. However, owing to the state Assembly elections in some states then, the House was adjourned till December 10, 2008.

“I am optimistic you will consider this proposal of ours,” the TMC leader said.

TMC parliamentary party leader in Lok Sabha Sudip Bandopadhyay also wrote the same letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.