CPM opposes further extension of Monsoon session

They said that the government should call for an early Winter Session instead

The proposal for extending the Monsoon Session of Parliament did not find favour with the CPI(M), with the party suggesting that the Government should call for an early Winter Session.

"The session has already been extended once because of which a lot of members had to cancel their programmes. So, extending it again is not done. What the Government can do is to call an early Winter Session," party leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters outside Parliament.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath had earlier indicated that the Monsoon Session of Parliament may be further extended as crucial Bills are pending.

"If need be we can extend the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Key legislations are pending and must be passed. I am hopeful that all political parties will recognise this and cooperate," Nath said.

Sources said the government is in touch with BJP and other parties for extension of the session.

The Land Acquisition Bill is pending in Rajya Sabha and may have to be sent back to Lok Sabha in case fresh amendments are passed by the Upper House. The government has reportedly accepted four amendments of BJP.

The government is also keen on passage of crucial legislations including Securities and Exchange Board of India (Amendment) Bill, Pensions Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill and RTI Amendment Bill.

The Monsoon Session was scheduled to end on August 30 but was extended till September 6. With just two more days to go and several Bills pending, the government is keen on extending the session.