The government has called for a "special session of Parliament" to be held from September 18 to 22, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that there will be five sittings. "Amid Amrit Kaal, looking forward to having a fruitful discussion and debate in Parliament," he said.

Government sources have, so far, been tight-lipped on possible agendas.

While sources said the agenda for the session is not clear yet, there is speculation in the BJP and official circles that the Modi government could go for a big-ticket move like commencing the procedure for ushering in simultaneous elections in the country or the Women’s Reservation Bill.

While a section of the government pointed to the electoral advantages of the two possibilities, others ruled these out as an agenda for a special session, especially at a time when the Opposition is uniting and is unlikely to cooperate with the government to push through major legislation.

Another source familiar with the government’s strategy said the special session is “intended for domestic as well as international politics”

“The occasion will be used to bolster the image of the government as one that has ushered in a new era for the country,” the source said.

Last year, the Winter Session was held between December 7 and December 23, after the Assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, with counting taking place on December 8.

This special session of Parliament will also set the tone for the forthcoming P20 summit – a meeting of Parliamentary Speakers of G20 countries – which is to be held in New Delhi in October. Speakers from more than 30 countries have already verified their participation in the congregation.

The Modi government last convened a special session of Parliament on June 30, 2017, to mark the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

“It can be an issue on which the Opposition could get divided with major parties, not in a position to reject it. An initiative on simultaneous elections and the women’s quota Bill fit into that,” said one of the BJP leaders

According to the leader, parties like the BJD, YSRCP and BRS – these are not part of the INDIA bloc – are possible to side with the government if these Bills are brought. But a senior leader of the YSRCP said there has been no discussion on a Bill for simultaneous elections. 2010‘s Commonwealth Games to 2023‘s G20 Summit: Indian govts love to hide poverty, strays from the world