Ramesh Calls PM Modi’s Ministerial Meet ‘Chinta Baithak’, Questions Delay in Parliament Prorogation

NEW DELHI, SEP 17 : Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed September 23-24 meeting with Union Ministers as a “Chinta Baithak” rather than a “Chintan Baithak” and questioned the delay in the formal prorogation of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.

In a post on X, Ramesh said reports indicated that Modi had convened a two-day meeting of all Union Ministers on September 23 and 24. He alleged that the meeting was taking place amid questions and criticism facing the government.

According to reports, the proposed meeting is expected to focus on governance, reforms, policy implementation, coordination among ministries and the government’s future priorities, with Union Ministers scheduled to participate.

Ramesh also questioned why Parliament’s Monsoon Session had not yet been formally prorogued, noting that 35 days had passed since the session was adjourned sine die.

The Monsoon Session concluded on August 13 after 19 sittings spread over 25 days. However, Parliament had not been formally prorogued as of Thursday.

Ramesh alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was still seeking a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments related to delimitation, which he described as currently unattainable. He also referred to developments in the Lok Sabha on April 17, claiming that Opposition unity had prevented the passage of Bills that he termed “conspiratorial”.

He further asserted that Opposition parties would remain united despite what he alleged were continued attempts to divide and intimidate them.

His remarks came against the backdrop of repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session. According to PRS Legislative Research, the Lok Sabha functioned for 15 per cent of its scheduled time, while the Rajya Sabha functioned for 33 per cent. Question Hour accounted for one per cent of its scheduled time in the Lok Sabha and 12 per cent in the Rajya Sabha.

The government had maintained before the session that it was ready to discuss issues of national importance and had appealed to political parties to cooperate in ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament.

The session ultimately saw 12 Bills passed by both Houses, according to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

The government has not described the September 23-24 ministerial meeting in the terms used by Ramesh. Reports citing government sources have instead described it as a meeting focused on governance, reforms, policy coordination and future priorities.