Kiren Rijiju rejects Mallikarjun Kharge’s concerns over Parliament prorogation deadline

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s concerns over Parliament not being prorogued, saying the Constitution prescribes no deadline for prorogation after a House is adjourned sine die.

Responding to Kharge’s reminder, Rijiju said 64 days had elapsed since the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on August 13, but the delay did not constitute any procedural irregularity.

“There is no constitutional requirement prescribing a specific period within which a House must be prorogued following its adjournment sine die,” he said.

Rijiju cited precedents of Houses remaining unprorogued for as long as 87 days. In 2008, he said, the Lok Sabha met on July 21 and 22 for a confidence motion, reconvened on October 17 and was subsequently adjourned to meet again in December without being prorogued.

The minister also addressed consultations on the proposed Delimitation Amendment Bill, saying the government had repeatedly sought the Opposition’s cooperation for its consideration and passage.

He alleged that the Congress had failed to provide dates for discussions despite repeated requests, prompting the government to approach other parties.

Rijiju said consultations were held with representatives of the DMK, Samajwadi Party, YSR Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM and BJD to encourage dialogue and build consensus on the legislation.