Opposition Calls for Home Ministry Discussion in Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha has taken up discussions on the working of specific ministries after the Budget presentation, with opposition parties demanding that the Home Ministry also be discussed. The proposal was led by the Trinamool Congress and supported by several other opposition parties, as well as the Biju Janata Dal. So far, only the Urban Development and Agriculture Ministries have been approved for discussion.

With the Rajya Sabha commencing discussions on the functioning of specific ministries post-Budget presentation, opposition forces have strongly advocated for the inclusion of the Home Ministry in the debate.

The Trinamool Congress, supported by a coalition of opposition parties and the Biju Janata Dal, put forth this proposal during a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) on Tuesday. Although approvals have so far been granted for discussions on the Urban Development and Agriculture Ministries, the push to include the Home Ministry remains intense. TMC's parliamentary leader Derek O'Brien has formally requested Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to consider this inclusion.

The Rajya Sabha holds limited power over money bills, thus focusing on discussions around the operational aspects of various ministries. The BAC bulletin on Wednesday announced that the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry will be discussed. The decision on two more ministries will follow subsequent consultations. The TMC and DMK have been tapped to initiate further discussions. INDIA bloc parties and the BJD have collectively emphasized the need for Home Ministry scrutiny, a call underscored in O'Brien's direct appeal to the Chairman.