Congress, Akali Dal rejecting all-party meeting on government corona

New Delhi, 20 July 2021 Tuesday

The main opposition Congress and former BJP ally Shiromani Akali Dal has refused to attend a meeting on covid management held by the government with floor managers of all parties late on Tuesday evening.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that it was not the case that the Congress was boycotting the meeting but wanted the government to present the facts on the floor of both the houses.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said in a statement that his party would not be present at the meeting.

The health secretary is expected to give a presentation at the meeting, which is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Opposition parties have stated they will not run in the by-elections, adding that the session will be "extremely irregular" during the current parliamentary session, which aims to set aside norms.

Leaders, including Trinamool Congress and CPI (M) leaders, also said that when Corona and related issues could be discussed on the floor of the House, why hold a meeting outside?