Opposition strategises to stall Triple Talaq Bill in Rajya Sabha

Opposition parties are gearing up to put a spanner in government's plans for the successful passage of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 which is listed to be tabled on Monday.

The opposition parties are having an informal meeting on Monday morning at 10:30 am, before the Rajya Sabha convenes, to finalise a joint strategy to stall the Bill. They are likely to issue a chief whip to ensure maximum attendance in the House to keep up the required strength to defeat the BJP's plans for the Bill. The BJP is also expected to issue a whip to their members.

"We will ask the government to send the Bill to a select committee for further scrutiny. A Bill of this nature needs further discussion," said CPI MP D Raja.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O'Brien on Friday claimed opposition unity with support from a total of 129 MPs, including 13 from the AIADMK, in the 244 member Upper House.

The BJP is also trying to convince the fence sitters — the BJD (9), TRS (6) and YSR Congress (2). It is also hopeful of AAP's three members supporting it given their positive response in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Commonly referred as the Triple Talaq Bill, it has already crossed the threshold of Lok Sabha and now awaits nod of the Rajya Sabha to become an Act. The Modi government is very keen to showcase the Bill as one of its achievements in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"We are not arguing about merits of the Bill, it is about the process. Parliamentary legislation process must allow for scrutiny. The government cannot keep bulldozing Bills in Lok Sabha," O'Brien said.

All controversial Bills, including ones on transgenders, trafficking and triple talaq, have to be referred to parliamentary committee and a resolution for the same can be moved by any member under Rule 125, he added.

"All institutions and lawful laid procedures are being destroyed, including parliamentary procedures and legislation. The Cabinet does not exist. The CBI and RBI have become a joke. This is not some 800 square feet jewellery shop in Ahmedabad where only two people will decide about the window display. This is Parliament of India," said O' Brien insisting that the question is not being in favour or against the Bill.