Recently, a YSR Congress Member of Parliament (MP) proposed the idea of conducting two Parliament sessions every year in south India highlighting the logistical and climatic challenges faced by MPs during the harsh winters and scorching summers in Delhi.
The idea, which has historical support from figures like B.R. Ambedkar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are now under fresh scrutiny.
Idea Supported by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar:
The idea of decentralizing parliamentary sessions was proposed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who suggested holding sessions outside Delhi.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in his book “Thoughts on Linguistic States”, proposed two capitals, arguing that Delhi is most inconvenient to the people of South due to cold and distance, making them feel ruled by the North.
He also highlighted Delhi’s vulnerability to attacks, being within bombing range of neighboring countries, as a critical defense concern.
He proposed Hyderabad as a second capital for India, particularly for summer months, citing its central location and suitability for year-round parliamentary sessions, unlike Delhi’s extreme climate.
Constitutional Status of Holding Parliament Sessions
The Constitution of India does not mandate a specific location for holding Parliamentary sessions.
Article 85 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to summon each House of Parliament at such time and place as deemed fit, ensuring that no more than six months elapsed between two sessions.
However, all sessions are traditionally held at the Parliament House in New Delhi, the nation’s capital.
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