Congress, TMC, SP Skip Birla’s Tea Party; Kharge, Sonia Attend RS Chairman’s Event
INDIA Bloc Skips Birla’s Tea Party, Kharge Sonia Attend RS Gathering
Several INDIA bloc parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Samajwadi Party (SP), boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday after the House was adjourned sine die. The decision came as opposition leaders chose not to attend the traditional gathering hosted by the Speaker at the conclusion of the parliamentary proceedings. However, DMK leader Kanimozhi was present at the event, according to sources.
The tea party hosted by Birla was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other senior leaders and Union ministers, sources said. A senior Congress leader said leaders from the Congress, SP, TMC and several other INDIA bloc parties did not participate in the gathering. The absence of several major opposition parties marked a contrast with the traditional practice of political leaders attending the Speaker's post-session interaction.
The customary tea gathering is held in the chamber of the Lok Sabha Speaker after the House is adjourned sine die. Such events traditionally provide an informal setting for members across political parties to interact after a parliamentary session. The corresponding gathering is also hosted by the Rajya Sabha Chairman after proceedings in the Upper House conclude. While the events are largely ceremonial, attendance can sometimes reflect the political atmosphere following a parliamentary session.
Also Read: Complaint Filed Against Pappu Yadav Over Ram Mandir Donation Skit
In the Rajya Sabha, however, opposition leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi attended the tea party hosted by Chairman C P Radhakrishnan. Their participation stood in contrast to the boycott by several opposition parties of the Lok Sabha Speaker's event. The gathering in the Rajya Sabha brought opposition and government leaders together after the conclusion of proceedings in the Upper House.
The differing attendance at the two events came after the conclusion of the parliamentary proceedings, with both Houses being adjourned sine die. The Congress, TMC and SP were among the INDIA bloc parties that stayed away from Birla's gathering, while the DMK's Kanimozhi attended. Sources said several senior leaders and ministers were present alongside the Prime Minister at the Speaker's chamber.
Tea parties hosted by the presiding officers have traditionally served as informal post-session gatherings involving members from across the political spectrum. The contrasting participation at Thursday's events highlighted a difference in the approach taken by opposition leaders in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. While several INDIA bloc parties skipped the Lok Sabha Speaker's gathering, senior opposition figures including Kharge and Sonia Gandhi attended the Rajya Sabha Chairman's event.
Also Read: All-Party Meeting Sees INDIA Bloc Exit Over Presence Of NCPI Leaders
