New Delhi: In a parliamentary bulletin issued late on Wednesday (September 13), the Union government has listed the Bill on the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners for the parliament session beginning on September 18.
The development has come in the wake of speculations and conjecture over The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 and what it would mean for free and fair elections in the country.
The new Bill seeks to replace the current method of appointing the CEC with a selection committee headed by the prime minister, which will have one Union minister, also nominated by the prime minister, and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) as its members.
The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, which drew criticism from the Editors of Guild of India, among others, has also been listed according to the bulletin.
Rajya Sabha Bulletin. Photo: Special Arrangement
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said, “Finally, after pressure from Smt. Sonia Gandhi’s letter to the Prime Minister, the Modi Govt has condescended to announce the agenda for the special 5-day session of Parliament beginning September 18th. The agenda as published at the moment, is much ado about nothing — all this could have waited till Winter session in November. I am sure the legislative grenades are being kept up their sleeves to be unleashed at the last moment as usual. Parde ke peeche kuch aur hai (There is a hidden agenda)! Regardless, the INDIA parties will steadfastly oppose the insidious CEC Bill”.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi had earlier tweeted about the upcoming parliament session and an all-party floor meeting to be held on September 17. “Ahead of the parliament session from the 18th of this month, an all-party floor leaders meeting has been convened on the 17th at 4.30 PM. The invitation for the same has been sent to concerned leaders through email.
Letter to follow,” Joshi said.
The session will also include a discussion on the “Parliamentary journey of 75 years starting from Samvidhan Sabha – Achievements, Experiences, Memories and Learnings”, the bulletin read.
This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more.