Parliamentary Affairs Minister Clarifies Prorogation Period After Adjournment Sine Die

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has clarified that there is no constitutional requirement prescribing a specific period within which a House must be prorogued following its adjournment sine die. Mr Rijiju said this in response to Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Kharge had written to the Prime Minister regarding the prorogation of monsoon session of Parliament and seeking all party meeting for discussion on the proposals on Delimitation before they are finalised and brought to Parliament.In the letter, Rijiju said that the 64-day gap since the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on 13th August this year, did not constitute a constitutional or procedural irregularity, citing past instances of extended periods without prorogation.Mr Rijiju said that government has consistently sought the Opposition’s support and cooperation for the consideration and passage of the Delimitation Amendment Bill. He said that after repeated requests the Congress Party didn’t give dates for discussion after which the Govemment’s outreach had extended to other political parties. He added that consultations were held with representatives of parties including the DMK, SP, YSRCP, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM and BJD with a view to facilitating dialogue and building a broader consensus in support of the proposed legislation.The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that the government has already made sustained efforts for dialogue. He said that these efforts reflect the government’s firm willingness to undertake consultation and constructive parliamentary engagement. Mr Rijiju urged the opposition parties to engage constructively and cooperate on upcoming legislation.