Pegasus row: Rahul Gandhi’s breakfast meeting with Opposition begins; AAP, BSP stay away

Amid the ongoing stalemate in Parliament, the Opposition has signalled that it will harden its position and is drawing up plans to step up its offensive against the government over the Pegasus snooping issue. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is currently holding a meeting with opposition leaders over breakfast at the Constitution Club to chalk out a joint strategy on the Pegasus snooping issue. However, AAP and BSP MPs are present at the meet.

The meeting is being held to forge unity among the opposition ranks on the issue. All opposition MPs and floor leaders of 14 parties were invited to the meeting to strategise on their next course of action. Rahul’s invitation for breakfast was sent to NCP, Shiv Sena, TMC, Aam Aadmi Party, CPI, CPM, RJD, IUML, RSP, DMK, Samajwadi Party, National Conference, KCM, VCK and others.

Rahul Gandhi’s breakfast invitation assumes significance as it is seen as part of conscious efforts by him to engage non-NDA leaders and lead the front.

The Opposition has been demanding a discussion in Parliament on the Pegasus row and its leaders have been giving adjournment notices every day. The government has been saying that the opposition is creating a “non-issue” and the IT minister has already given a reply in both Houses of Parliament.

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday spoke to Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and sought his cooperation to end the impasse in the Parliament. 

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have failed to transact any significant business, except passage of some bills, amid continued protests by Opposition parties over the Pegasus since the Monsoon session of Parliament commenced on July 19. 

READ MORE: Pegasus row: Nitish Kumar favours Opposition’s demand for discussion in Parliament

READ MORE: Chidambaram attacks govt over Pegasus, asks whether it will give up ‘ostrich-like attitude’

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