NEW DELHI: Opposition parties will meet to discuss strategy on Monday for election of
Rajya Sabha deputy chairman amid indications that the lead player Congress would give top priority to getting a non-NDA member to occupy the crucial post.
The meeting, to be steered by leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha
Ghulam Nabi Azad will also discuss strategy for the coming monsoon session of Parliament, beginning on July 18. Congress leaders said there has not been any dialogue between the government and opposition on crucial issues including the bills stuck in the upper House like triple talaq and OBC commission.
“There is complete breakdown of communication between the government and opposition. The Modi government does not believe in talking to the opposition,” deputy leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said.
Indications are Congress would put consensus above any other consideration like pushing its own member. There is pressure from opposition parties like Trinamool Congress and Congress managers acknowledge the party has to be more accommodative to come across as a “coalition builder” in the run-up to a busy political calendar. The party also realises being accommodative is a must to take forward coalition talks with opposition parties in various states ahead of the
Lok Sabha polls.
Congress and Left bloc believe opposition has a strong chance of winning the election because key players are willing to make sacrifices. While Congress will seek suggestions from opposition parties, it will also keep its own candidate ready.
