MPs over 65 can skip monsoon session, TMC tells members

KOLKATA: Acting on the Centre’s advisory, Trinamool Congress has asked its MPs who are above the age of 65 not to attend the Parliament’s monsoon session, beginning September 14.
Sudip Bandyopadhyay, the party’s leader in Lok Sabha, and senior MPs Sisir Adhikari and C M Jatua, have been advised not to attend the session. Veteran parliamentarian Saugata Roy, however, is likely to be present. Rajya Sabha MPs Subrata Bakshi and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, the party’s chief whip, too are likely to skip the session. “Even in March, when Parliament was open, the party had advised its MPs to ensure Covid protocols,” a TMC veteran said.
As per sources, Sukhendu Ray has informed the RS chairperson about not attending Parliament. Former minister Dinesh Trivedi will attend only his swearing-in. TMC affairs in the Upper House will be conducted by Derek O’Brien.