Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said that during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, the party will raise several issues, including foreign policy, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, the functioning of the Election Commission, delimitation, "One Nation, One Election," and allegations of irregularities in donations made to the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
He alleged that the country's democratic institutions and electoral system are being steadily undermined, and that the government is avoiding discussions on important issues.
Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Jairam Ramesh said that the Congress is preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections and organizational meetings are being held across various states.
He said that 24 political parties and independent MP Kapil Sibal have written to the Chief Justice expressing concern over the SIR process in Bihar and the functioning of the Election Commission.
He alleged that the names of millions of people are being removed from the electoral rolls and that public confidence in the electoral process is weakening. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court would intervene appropriately in the matter.
On the issue of the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, Jairam Ramesh alleged that the BJP's real objective is to secure a two-thirds majority and amend the Constitution.
He claimed that after failing to achieve the expected success in the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has now resorted to politics of political vendetta. He also alleged that the BJP wants to avoid issues such as social justice and reservation.
On the Election Commission and the SIR issue, he said that the Commission's functioning in West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Haryana has raised questions about its impartiality.
Describing the all-party meeting held before the Monsoon Session of Parliament as merely a formality, he said that while the government listens to the opposition, the agenda is determined by the offices of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.
He added that the government is likely to reintroduce the Delimitation Bill and proposals related to "One Nation, One Election" during the Monsoon Session.
Referring to the alleged donation irregularities at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Ramesh said that public support and donations were collected in the name of Lord Ram, but allegations of misuse of those donations are now emerging.
He claimed that similar cases have been reported in Kedarnath and Badrinath and that these should be investigated impartially.
Criticizing the central government's foreign policy, Ramesh said that while the Indian armed forces achieved success in Operation Sindoor, India has suffered a setback on the diplomatic front.
Referring to the growing closeness between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan's military leadership, he said that Pakistan is gaining importance at the international level.
Speaking about the growing trade deficit with China and the proposed trade agreement with the United States, he said that the government has been avoiding parliamentary discussions on important issues related to China and foreign policy for the past several years.
