Union Minister Defends Invitation to Rebel MPs' Party After Opposition Walkout

Union minister Kiren Rijiju has defended the government's decision to invite the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) to an all-party meeting, triggering a symbolic walkout by opposition parties. The walkout was staged in protest against the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs who had earlier joined the NCPI. Rijiju stated that the government followed parliamentary norms and could not ignore the NCPI's request for recognition. He questioned the opposition's stance, asking why they objected to a party seeking official recognition. The government, he said, is bound by rules to consider such requests. The incident occurred ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on Monday. Eight bills are listed for discussion during the session. Rijiju emphasized that all parties have the right to express their views and urged cooperation for the nation's interests. The opposition's walkout highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition parties. The NCPI was formed by TMC MPs who broke away from the main party, and its recognition as a separate entity remains a contentious issue.