In a major update on the reconstitution of Parliament’s Standing Committees, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been retained as a member of the prestigious Defence Committee, while Bollywood actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, a first-time parliamentarian from the BJP, has made her debut in the Information Technology (IT) Committee. This announcement, issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Thursday, outlines the composition of these influential panels, which play a crucial role in overseeing the functions of their respective ministries.
Rahul Gandhi Continues Role in Defence Panel
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will continue his role as a member of the Defence Committee, a position he also held in the previous Lok Sabha. Chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh, the Defence Committee is tasked with scrutinizing the operations and policies of India’s Ministry of Defence. Rahul Gandhi’s inclusion reflects his ongoing interest in matters related to national security and defense.
As one of the most significant committees in Parliament, the Defence Committee allows its members to offer insights and recommendations on policies that safeguard the nation. Rahul Gandhi’s experience on this panel positions him to continue contributing to India’s defense strategy, while also holding the government accountable on key issues in this sector.
Kangana Ranaut’s Entry into the IT Committee
Kangana Ranaut, who has been a vocal supporter of the BJP and was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2023, has made her debut in Parliament by securing a spot on the Standing Committee on Information Technology. The IT Committee, which oversees critical issues such as digital infrastructure, social media regulations, and cybersecurity, is pivotal in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape.
With Ranaut joining this panel, the BJP has strategically placed a popular and outspoken public figure in a key role that deals with digital policies and governance. As the IT Committee navigates issues like data privacy, cyber threats, and the growing influence of tech giants, Ranaut’s presence will add a new dynamic to discussions, especially given her significant following on social media platforms.
Congress Chairs Four Standing Committees
The Congress party has been given chairmanship of four critical standing committees. Former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor, known for his diplomatic acumen, will lead the External Affairs Committee, an important body that examines India’s foreign policy and international relations. Digvijaya Singh has been appointed to chair the Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports, while ex-Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi will oversee the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing. The Rural and Panchayati Raj Committee will be led by Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, ensuring Congress’ strong presence in committees that impact rural development.
BJP Dominates Key Committees
As the ruling party, the BJP continues to hold key positions in several influential committees. Apart from Radha Mohan Singh heading the Defence Committee, Bhartruhari Mahtab will chair the prestigious Standing Committee on Finance. Nishikant Dubey, a key figure in the BJP, will take over as head of the Communications and IT Committee, a panel that has been the center of several high-profile debates, including issues related to social media regulation.
In the previous Lok Sabha, this committee saw heated exchanges between Dubey and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor over Facebook’s handling of hate speech policies. Dubey’s leadership of this committee signals the BJP’s intention to maintain a tight grip on discussions related to India’s digital economy and communication policies.
Opposition Leaders in Prominent Roles
Members from opposition parties have also been assigned significant roles. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party joins Kangana Ranaut in the Communications and IT Committee, creating an interesting mix of actors-turned-politicians. Priyanka Chaturvedi from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, who made headlines during the last Lok Sabha, are also part of the IT panel. The DMK’s Tiruchi Siva and Kanimozhi have been appointed to chair the Industry and Consumer Affairs, and Food and Public Distribution Committees, respectively.
Key Committees Headed by BJP Allies
Several of the BJP’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners have been given leadership of other standing committees. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will chair the Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, while Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU) will lead the Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture. These positions reflect the ruling coalition’s emphasis on strengthening its regional alliances ahead of upcoming elections.
In Maharashtra, where the BJP is preparing for a critical state election, allies like the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar’s NCP group have also secured leadership roles. Their parties will oversee the committees on Energy and Petroleum and Natural Gas, important sectors for Maharashtra’s economy.
The Role of Standing Committees
Parliamentary standing committees act as ‘mini parliaments,’ offering a platform for cross-party representation and dialogue. These committees scrutinize the functioning of various ministries and ensure that important issues are debated, policies are reviewed, and necessary changes are recommended. The reconstitution of these committees reflects the balance of power within Parliament and showcases the government’s priorities for the coming session.