The YSRCP leader noted that the extreme weather conditions in Delhi impacted the functioning of the Parliament.
Published Dec 02, 2024 | 8:38 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 02, 2024 | 10:47 AM
The new Parliament building. (Creative Commons)
Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy wrote to Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju proposing the idea of conducting two Parliament sessions every year in South India.
“This proposal is rooted in the broader goal of strengthening national integration while addressing the practical challenges faced by lawmakers during the extreme weather conditions in Delhi, particularly in winter and summer,” the Andhra Pradesh MP wrote in the letter dated 28 November.
He noted that prominent leaders, including BR Ambedkar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had discussed the idea.
The YSRCP leader noted that the extreme weather conditions in Delhi impacted the functioning of the Parliament.
“The climate in Delhi during these seasons severely impacts the daily functioning of Parliament. The harsh winter chills and scorching summer heat make it increasingly difficult for Members of Parliament and Parliament officials to work efficiently, not to mention the detrimental effect on the overall quality of life in the city,” he said.
“The core thought behind this initiative is to allow for more peaceful and productive sessions in a region with a more favourable climate, ensuring smoother legislative processes,” Gurumoorthy noted.
He also noted past instances when the idea was discussed.
“Historically, this idea has been discussed by many prominent leaders. Dr BR Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution, mentioned this concern in his book Thoughts on Linguistic States. Similarly, the late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee suggested that the government should remain open to the idea of holding Parliament sessions outside Delhi,” he said.
#Tirupati MP Requests Parliament Sessions in Southern India@GuruMYSRCP, Member of Parliament from Tirupati, has written to Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, @KirenRijiju, proposing the idea of conducting Parliament sessions annually in Southern India. In his letter,… pic.twitter.com/wuzbiOA9x6
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 1, 2024
Gurumoorthy noted that independent MP Prakash Vir Shastri had also introduced a private members bill in 1968 on the subject.
“These historical precedents clearly indicate the relevance and importance of this proposal in fostering a more inclusive and accessible parliamentary system,” he said.
“We believe that conducting sessions in Southern India would bring Parliament closer to the people of the region, thereby fostering a greater sense of inclusion. It would also reduce the logistical and climatic challenges faced in Delhi, allowing for more efficient and effective governance,” he added.
The Tirupati MP said that holding sessions in South India would serve as a symbolic gesture of national unity and decentralisation, showing that the Parliament represents the entire country, not just its capital city.
“Hence, I humbly urge you, to kindly consider this proposal with a positive outlook. I sincerely believe that this initiative will benefit the entire nation and help Parliament function in a more inclusive and efficient manner,” Gurumoorthy said.
