On Monday, Janata Dal (United) gave a three-line whip to all its Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, asking them to turn up in the special Parliament session that is scheduled between April 16 and 18. The shift highlights the significance of the next session, during which the critical debates on legislation and potential amendments are likely to be held.
JD(U) which was one of the major partners in National Democratic Alliance now has 12 seats in Lok Sabha and four in the Rajya Sabha. The party leadership has directed its MPs to make sure that they attend all the three days session and make it compulsory that members are present and participate in proceedings.
The special session will be devoted to major legislative issues, such as possible changes in Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam that would grant women 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. These suggested changes will probably overcome the challenges in implementation and streamline the process of implementing the law.
The Bharatiya Janata Party had previously given a similar three-line whip to its members of parliament, including Union ministers, and urged them to strictly adhere and make sure they attend the session. The directive emphasized that there can be no leave and that members should make sure that they are part of the whole participation.
As both NDA allies have come out with tough whips, the coming session is likely to be characterized by a high attendance and high parliamentary activity, especially on major reforms and policy decisions.