New Delhi: The entire opposition on Sunday staged a symbolic walk out from the all-party meeting convened here ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session to protest against the invitation extended to rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs.
The opposition also protested against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decisions on the rebel TMC lawmakers, allowing them separate seats in the House and merger of the rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
"Opposition decided to walk out of all-party meeting to protest the Speaker's decision on rebel MPs of TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT)," Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told reporters at Parliament House complex where the meeting is underway.
CPM leader John Brittas said the invitation to rebel TMC MPs to the all-party meet was a "miscarriage of justice".
The opposition members returned to the meeting venue after a brief period and participated the proceeding.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had on Saturday invited leader of the breakaway Trinamool Congress (TMC) group Sudip Bandyopadhyay to the customary all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, noting that he and 19 other MPs "have joined the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI)".
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had on Saturday approved separate seating for the 20 rebel TMC lawmakers, who have claimed to have joined a little-known party, NCPI.
The TMC rebel group of 20 MPs will be seated separately, away from the parent party, sources had said.
No final decision has been taken on the demand of the rebel TMC MPs to be recognised as part of the NCPI, and the matter is still under consideration, they had said.
The TMC had demanded the disqualification of the rebel MPs.
India government defends invitation of rebel TMC MPs for all-party meet
After protests by the opposition, the government on Sunday defended the invitation extended to rebel TMC MPs, who had joined little-known NCPI, to an all-party meet, saying they cannot be ignored as they have petitioned the Lok Sabha Speaker for recognition and separate seats.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also said that the people of the country want smooth functioning of Parliament and "not any turmoil" in the House, while urging all parties to "give their positive support to bills".
He was speaking after the all-party meeting convened ahead of the Monsoon session.
Rijiju said the government has listed eight bills for the Monsoon Session, and if there is additional business, it will follow necessary procedures.
He said in the past, protests by the opposition led to disruptions in the House, harming the interests of the country and its people.
"By protesting, no one is going to benefit politically. That is why I requested members of all political parties to take part in the proceedings wholeheartedly," he said.
The minister said all parties should work together for the nation and the government has noted the suggestions of the opposition.
"All parties have the right to speak in parliamentary democracy; I urge them to give their positive support to bills," he said.
The monsoon session will begin on Monday and will continue till August 13.
The all-party meeting is held before every session of Parliament to discuss the government's legislative agenda and seek cooperation from political parties for the smooth conduct of proceedings.
The latest all-party meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and opposition leaders from different political parties.
