Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal have refused to attend the all-party meeting called by PM Narendra Modi to discuss the COVID-19 situation at 6 pm on Tuesday.
Talking to the media, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said: "We told that instead of floor leaders, all MPs should be called to the meeting. Everyone should be allowed to speak."
Mallikarjun Kharge said Congress is not boycotting the meeting, but will not attend it as Congress wants the government to present the facts on the floor of both houses of Parliament.
"We had asked them to do it in two slots. We are not getting involved because everyone should know about the COVID-19 status," he added.
Congress-Akali Refuse To Attend COVID-19 Briefing
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has refused to attend the meeting. Citing the farmers' issue, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal said: "Today, the Akali Dal will boycott PM Modi's briefing on COVID-19. Akali Dal will participate in the meeting only when he calls a meeting on the issue of farmers."
An all-party meeting has been called regarding the coronavirus situation in the country. The meeting is to be held at 6 pm in the Annexe building of the Parliament House.
The meeting is important and Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself will be present during the meeting. The heads of all the parties have been invited to the meeting.
In the meeting, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan will give a detailed presentation regarding the coronavirus vaccination done so far in the country and the government's policy on this issue. The present COVID-19 situation is also likely to be explained in detail in the presentation.
TMC To Attend Meeting
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien said that the Union Health Secretary will address political leaders in the House on Tuesday in the presence of PM Narendra Modi.
Brien termed it a victory for the "constructive opposition" which called for the PM to make a statement regarding the COVID-19 situation in Parliament.