Parliament’s Monsoon Session concluded on Thursday. Both Houses then adjourned indefinitely. Afterwards, the Speaker hosted the traditional tea gathering. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and several opposition MPs skipped the event. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh attended alongside other NDA leaders. No Congress or opposition floor leader joined the gathering. However, DMK leader Kanimozhi became the only opposition representative present.
Congress sources explained the reason behind their boycott. They said the Speaker did not deliver the customary speech. Moreover, he did not explain how Parliament performed during the session. Therefore, opposition leaders decided to skip the traditional gathering.
Earlier, Congress had planned to send Priyanka Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi and Kharge were also expected to attend. The Lok Sabha Speaker usually hosts this meeting after Parliament adjourns indefinitely. Its purpose involves reducing bitterness between rival political camps. Additionally, the gathering aims to create a cordial atmosphere between government and opposition leaders.
Why Did Kanimozhi Attend Despite the Opposition Boycott?
Kanimozhi’s presence raised an immediate political question. If opposition parties boycotted the gathering, why did DMK send her?
According to the reference, her attendance represents a significant political move. Several factors sit behind this decision. These include DMK’s broken alliance with Congress and the battle over South Indian representation. Delimitation and the requirement for a two-thirds majority also shape this political calculation.
DMK recently ended its alliance with Congress. Therefore, Kanimozhi’s attendance also signals a separate political position. The reference suggests DMK does not stand with NDA. However, it also indicates that the party does not completely reject delimitation.
DMK Wants Dialogue Open Before the Delimitation Battle
DMK wants any delimitation exercise to remain fair. Specifically, the party does not want Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary voice to weaken.
According to the reference, DMK understands that disruption alone cannot protect Tamil Nadu’s interests. Similarly, joining Congress in every boycott may not secure the state’s position.
Therefore, the party wants dialogue with the ruling side and Lok Sabha Speaker to remain open. This channel could become important when the delimitation bill reaches Parliament.
Through continued communication, DMK wants to present Tamil Nadu’s case more forcefully. Kanimozhi’s attendance therefore carries significance beyond a customary tea gathering.
