Congress issues whip to MPs ahead of key Parliament business

The Congress on Friday asked its MPs in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha to ensure their presence in Parliament on August 10, 11 and 12, saying “very important” issues are scheduled to come up for discussion.

The party has also asked its INDIA bloc allies to ensure their MPs attend the House on all three days, sources said.

The whip comes amid reports that the contentious FCRA amendment bill could be taken up for discussion and passage in Parliament next week. There is also speculation that the government may consider a Constitution Amendment Bill linked to delimitation.


However, the tentative government business for next week, outlined by the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, did not include either the FCRA amendment bill or the women's reservation bill involving delimitation.

In a three-line whip issued to Rajya Sabha MPs, Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh said “very important issues” would be taken up in the House on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

He directed all Congress MPs in the Rajya Sabha to remain present from 11 am until adjournment on August 10, 11 and 12 “without fail” and support the party's stand, adding that the instruction should be treated as “most important”.

An identical whip was issued to Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha.

(With inputs from PTI)