NEW DELHI: In what could set the tone for the coming winter session of Parliament, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who is also leader of the party in Rajya Sabha , has given notice of a motion under Rule 169 for a resolution against “rising intolerance” in the country.

In his notice sent to Rajya Sabha secretary general on Friday, Yechury said the House of Elders should pass a resolution on the first day of the winter session. His resolution states: “The House strongly condemns the atmosphere of growing intolerance manifesting in violence and spread of communal polarisation in the country.” It is expected that few opposition leaders might support Yechury’s resolution. Some others are likely to give notice for a similar motion.

Left parties are gearing up to raise the issue of intolerance in a big way, be it the killing of rationalist MM Kalburgi, lynching of Mohd Akhlaq in Dadri over suspected consumption of beef and return of Sahitya Akademi awards by writers. “If government is serious about intolerance in the country, it should show it by letting the Upper House pass the resolution,” Yechury said. Recently Yechury had written about how the so-called fringe elements of the Sangh Parivar have taken centre-stage while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others have turned a blind eye to their activities.

But since senior ministers in the government have either been dismissive of the intolerance charge, it is unlikely that Yechury’s resolution or any such demand by opposition will be entertained. However, fresh from its victory in Bihar, main opposition Congress and its new allies JD (U) and RJD are going to make it difficult for the government to pass any legislation in Rajya Sabha, where government is in a minority. Congress has already said it would not allow the passage of Goods and Services Tax Bill.

The session is to begin on November 26 and end on December 23 before Christmas.