India, July 19 -- Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday defended the Centre's decision to invite rebel leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the all-party meeting held ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session 2026.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament will begin on Monday and conclude August 13.

"It is the government's duty to invite everyone," said Rijiju. He further stated, "NCPI requested recognition from the LS Speaker; how can you ignore it," adding that, speaking about the Opposition's protests over the invitation to TMC rebels.

"We appealed to everyone to work together for the country. Many political parties put forward their views. We have heard them and taken note of them. Several suggestions were made, an...