BJP Set to Command Key Parliamentary Committees

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may secure the chairmanship of seven to eight department-related parliamentary committees in the Lok Sabha as the process for constituting these 16 panels begins. Congress and Samajwadi Party are expected to chair three and one committees, respectively, ensuring multi-party oversight. Representation in panels will reflect the strength of various parties in the current Lok Sabha.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to secure the chairmanship of seven to eight department-related parliamentary committees in the Lok Sabha, sources indicated on Monday, as the formation process for these 16 panels commences.

The Congress and the Samajwadi Party are anticipated to chair three and one committees, respectively. Despite being the fourth largest party with 29 MPs, the Trinamool Congress lacks the numbers for a committee chairmanship. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will use his discretion to ensure equitable representation among committee leaders and members.

Department-related committees, with 16 overseen by Lok Sabha members and eight by Rajya Sabha members, serve as multi-party oversight mechanisms for various ministries, enabling interaction with stakeholders and impact on policy.

The BJP, according to party sources, might support allies such as the Shiv Sena for chairmanship roles. Although the opposition's increased strength in the current Lok Sabha may boost their representation in these panels, efforts are underway to elect committee members by consensus. Notable committees already formed include the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Committee on Estimates, and the Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.