Kharge Urges PM Modi to Convene All-Party Meeting Before Introducing New Bills

In his letter, Kharge referred to the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, relating to delimitation, which failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha on April 17.

He called on the Prime Minister to ensure wider political consultation before proceeding with any fresh legislative proposals, particularly those involving significant constitutional changes.

“Please convene an all-party meeting to have a detailed discussion on your new proposals before they are finalised for consideration in Parliament,” Kharge wrote.

The Congress leader argued that political parties should be given adequate time to examine the proposals, consult among themselves and engage with other stakeholders before parliamentary consideration.

He also criticised the government's earlier approach to the delimitation legislation, alleging that it had attempted to push through a far-reaching constitutional amendment without sufficient consultation.

Kharge recalled that he had first written to the Prime Minister on April 11, requesting an all-party meeting before the introduction of any constitutional amendment relating to delimitation. According to his letter, the government instead made the proposed bills public late on April 14 and convened a special parliamentary session on April 16.

He said he had renewed his request on July 16 and August 27, making Friday's communication his fourth appeal for an all-party discussion.

The Congress president also raised concerns over the parliamentary calendar, pointing out that both Houses had yet to be prorogued following the adjournment of the Monsoon Session on August 13.

Kharge described the situation as unprecedented, noting that 64 days had passed since the session was adjourned without the formal prorogation of either House.

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 16 by Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, alongside the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The proposed legislation failed to secure parliamentary approval after the Lok Sabha rejected the constitutional amendment bill on April 17.

Kharge's latest letter renews the Opposition's demand for broader consultations before the government brings forward major legislative proposals, particularly those involving constitutional amendments.