Rahul Gandhi Takes on Major Responsibility as Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 27, 2024, New Delhi: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been entrusted with a significant new responsibility as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense. This appointment marks a return for Gandhi, who previously served on the committee. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat officially announced the formation of various parliamentary committees, revealing a reshuffling of key figures in crucial roles.

Apart from Gandhi, notable appointments were made, including Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who has been made a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology. Joining her on this committee are Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, making the panel a diverse mix of political and public figures.

Rahul Gandhi's appointment to the defense committee is seen as an acknowledgment of his growing role in national politics, particularly in matters of national security and defense. The defense committee will be headed by BJP MP Radhamohan Singh, and Gandhi’s inclusion signals his continued influence in critical policy discussions.

In addition to Gandhi, several other prominent MPs from the Congress party have been appointed to key parliamentary committees. Congress MP and former Foreign Minister Shashi Tharoor has been appointed as the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, underscoring his expertise in international relations.

The Congress party has also secured responsibilities in other important committees, including those on Education, Women and Child Welfare, Youth, and Sports. Veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh will lead the Education, Women and Child Welfare committee, reflecting the party’s strategic placement in areas of social and educational policy.

However, notably absent from any committee is seven-time MP and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, raising questions about her reduced role in parliamentary affairs. This has sparked speculation about the future direction of leadership within the Congress party and her involvement moving forward.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has also made significant strides in parliamentary representation. Veteran TMC MP Dola Sen has been named chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee. In addition, Burdwan-Durgapur MP and former national cricketer Keerti Azad has been appointed as the chairman of the standing committee under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, giving the former sports star an important role in shaping policy within this sector.

These appointments come at a critical time as the newly-formed standing committees are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing pressing issues related to defense, foreign affairs, education, and other key sectors in the upcoming parliamentary sessions. With Rahul Gandhi’s return to the Defense Committee and other key appointments, the Congress is positioning itself for an active and influential role in shaping policy and legislation.