Govt for 3-day gap between Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha sitting

Lower House to meet from April 20, Upper House from April 23 to May 13

Though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not overly worried about getting the amended land acquisition Bill through in the Upper House, it has nevertheless decided to have a three-day gap between the dates of the sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for the Budget session.

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday recommended reconvening the Rajya Sabha from April 23 to May 13. The Lok Sabha is to meet from April 20.

This means the government will get another three days to stitch up support for the Bill in a House where it does not have a majority. The Biju Janata Dal (four MPs) and the Samajwadi Party (15 MPs) have already signalled support to the government, provided their concerns are taken on board. The government has added nine amendments and has repromulgated the ordinance. It is this tweaked legislation that is going to be debated in the Upper House.

The opposition is getting its forces together, but is conscious that it has suffered defections. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said earlier this week that her party with 10 MPs is going to oppose the Bill. The Congress, Trinamool Congress and the Left parties are also opposed to the changes. This adds up to 101 MPs in a House of 244 (with one vacancy).

However, given that the government is in a precarious position, it is exploring every option to get every MP on board. Those who are not in agreement with the legislation are being encouraged to walk out to show their protest. This includes the Janata Dal (United) with 12 MPs.

The land acquisition battle has become a matter of prestige for the government. As the opposition senses that the government has staked everything on this legislation, it too is getting ready to give the treasury benches a hard time. The expectation is that fur will fly during this session of the Rajya Sabha.