Congress rallies parties to push real estate bill to RS select panel

NEW DELHI: The Congress leadership has decided to oppose the Real Estate Regulatory (Amendment) Bill which the government has listed for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, after party vice president Rahul Gandhi met a delegation of aggrieved home-buyers. The party reached out to various “likeminded” parties on Sunday and decided to jointly give a notice on Monday, demanding that the bill be referred to a select committee of the Upper House.

Anand Sharma, deputy leader of the Congress in the Rajya Sabha, on Sunday telephoned leaders of opposition parties such as Janata parivar members, Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party, DMK, CPI-M and CPI, seeking their support. The Congress has termed the bill “pro-builders” and against the interests of middle-class home buyers.

Talking to ET, Sharma said several opposition parties, including the Congress had demanded that the Bill be referred to a select committee. The government, despite having earlier agreeing to this, has gone back on its word, he said. Sharma said the Congress is duty-bound to oppose the amendments.

“Rahulji has listened to the middle class home buyers precisely because there has been widespread concern about the changes the NDA government made to the UPA’s real estate regulatory bill,” he said.

There are indications that Gandhi, a Lok Sabha member, may also take up this issue in Parliament. Given that the ruling NDA lacks majority in the Rajya Sabha, the passages of the Bill depend largely on the government’s ability to get sections of the opposition on board.