Opposition looks to put government on mat over ‘intolerance’

NEW DELHI: Even as a revitalized opposition gears up to take on the government in the winter session of Parliament that begins on November 26, "intolerance" is likely to be the flavour of the season with the Trinamool Congress and CPM asking for a discussion on the issue.

Trinamool, in a combative mood with assembly elections in West Bengal coming up early next year, has given notice in Rajya Sabha for a discussion under Rule 167 on the "unity in diversity" theme, under which it hopes to bring the issue of intolerance and more. "We will ask all other opposition parties to join us on the issue," party MP Derek O'Brien told TOI on Sunday.

"Unity in diversity and operational federalism are two key issues that need to be discussed threadbare in Parliament," O'Brien said.

CPM has also given a notice on "intolerance" under Rule 176, which calls for a short duration discussion. With Bengal polls looming, it is unlikely that TMC and Left will join issue on the same notice as they are rivals in the state and would not want to be seen under the same umbrella. With a big chunk of minority votes in the state, both TMC and Left will try to outdo each other on the "intolerance" issue to burnish their secular credentials and woo Muslim votes.

With Congress upbeat after the Bihar polls, the lead is likely to be taken by the main opposition party and Left, TMC and others may have to fall in line, just like in the monsoon session.

"Our tactics will be decided on the floor of the House but our strategy is clear," O'Brien said.

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has instructed her contingent of 46 MPs that the party should engage in debate and make the points that it wants to, instead of disrupting business. While TMC leaders do not rule out participating in walkouts or disruptions initiated by others, they said the party will prefer to put the government on the mat through discussions.

Apart from "unity in diversity", TMC is also keen to take up operational federalism as the issue allows the party to hit out at the Centre for interfering in states' affairs, which is likely to see most other parties joining in.