The halls of Indian Parliament are witnessing chaos after a security breach on Wednesday (December 13) stunned the entire nation. Fourteen&nbsp;Members of Parliament (MPs) have been suspended for stalling the proceedings of the house. Among the MPs suspended for "unruly behaviour", nine are from Congress, two from CPM, and one each from DMK, CPI (M) and TMC.

Let's have a look at MP suspensions in India, the criteria and what happens to the grounded leaders.

<h2>Recent suspensions</h2>

On Thursday (Dec 14), a total of 15 MPs were suspended, 14 from Lok Sabha — the lower house and one from Rajya Sabha — the upper house. Later, the suspension of DMK MP SR Pratiban, a Rajya Sabha MP, was withdrawn.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliament-security-breach-all-accused-were-part-of-bhagat-singh-fan-club-sent-on-remand-669707">Indian parliament security breach: All accused were part of 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'; sent to remand</a>

The 14 leaders that stand grounded are: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party; P R Natarajan-Communist Party of India (Marxist); V K Sreekandan-Congress; Benny Behanan-Congress; K Subbarayan-CPI; S Venkateshan-CPM; Manickam Tagore-Congress party; Mohammed Javed-Congress; T N Prathapan-Congress; Hibi Eden-Congress; S Jothimani-Congress; Ramya Haridas-Congress and Dean Kuriakose-Congress.

They stand suspended for purportedly stalling proceedings in both houses, which led to subsequent adjournments.

On Wednesday (Dec 13), the security of Lok Sabha was breached after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled canisters of coloured smoke while raising slogans of 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy).

<h2>Rising MP suspensions under NDA</h2>

As per the Indian Express, it has been alleged by the Opposition that the ruling NDA targets their MPs for protests over various issues. They have also raised concerns over the government's approach to dissent.

Under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the number of suspensions has nearly doubled, reported The Hindu in October.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-security-breach-two-more-suspects-with-links-to-lalit-jha-detained-for-questioning-669906">Parliament security breach: Lalit Jha, 'mastermind' of entire row, sent to seven-day police remand</a>

As per the report, during the Indian National Congress-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government, 50 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended over the two terms from 2004 to 2014. Under the current government, the number of suspensions reached 94 in October. With the latest groundings the number has crossed 100. Reportedly, none of the suspensions during the NDA terms were of BJP members.

<h2>What is the process of suspension of MPs?&nbsp;</h2>

As a general principle, it is the role and duty of the Presiding Officer — Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha — to maintain order so that the Parliament House can carry out its duties smoothly. To ensure this, the House presiding officers are empowered to force a member to withdraw from the House.

<h2>What happens to a suspended MP?</h2>

The Member of Parliament, who stands suspended by the order of the leader of the House, is barred from entering the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha chambers. Furthermore, they cannot attend the meetings of committees.&nbsp;

Additionally, suspended MPs are not eligible to give notice for discussion or submission, and they also lose the right to get a reply to their questions, if any.

The period of suspension in either house cannot exceed the remainder of the ongoing session.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-lalit-jha-the-mastermind-who-planned-the-parliament-security-breach-669916">Who is Lalit Jha, the mastermind who planned the Parliament security breach?</a>

<h2>Is there any method of recourse available to them?</h2>

The suspension can be terminated by a motion in the Parliament House. However, suspended MPs cannot demand a court intervention, as under Article 122 of the Indian Constitution, parliamentary proceedings cannot be questioned before a court.

<h2>The largest MP suspensions in India (Decreasing order)</h2>

— 1989: 63 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for a week on 15th March 1689 for loudly protesting the Thakkar Commission report looking into the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi.

— 2019: 45 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five consecutive sittings for disrupting proceedings.&nbsp;

— 2015: 25 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for "persistently, wilfully obstructing" the lower house of the Indian Parliament by displaying placards and shouting slogans.

— 2022: 19 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for pressing for an urgent discussion on price rise and GST hike.

— 2014: 18 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for the rest of the session for creating chaos in the house over the introduction of the Telangana Bill. One of them even used pepper spray to disrupt the proceedings.

— 2023: The recent suspension of 14 Lok Sabha members for their "unruly behaviour" amid security concerns after the parliament attack.

— 2013: 12 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five days for causing unending disruption. They were protesting the creation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh.

— 2021: 12 Rajya Sabha Members were suspended for the rest of the session for "unprecedented acts of misconduct, contemptuous, unruly and violent behaviour and intentional attacks on security personnel". This happened after the Bill to repeal the farm laws was passed in the Upper House of Parliament.

— 2012: Eight Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for demanding the separate state of Telangana.

— 2020: Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for "unruly behaviour" during the passage of the so-called farm bills.

-2020: Seven Lok Sabha MPs were suspended after they trooped into the well and snatched papers from the Speaker’s table.

— 2010: Seven Rajya Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for "unruly behaviour" over the Women's Reservation Bill.

(With inputs from agencies)

The halls of Indian Parliament are witnessing chaos after a security breach on Wednesday (December 13) stunned the entire nation. Fourteen Members of Parliament (MPs) have been suspended for stalling the proceedings of the house.

The halls of Indian Parliament are witnessing chaos after a security breach on Wednesday (December 13) stunned the entire nation. Fourteen Members of Parliament (MPs) have been suspended for stalling the proceedings of the house. Among the MPs suspended for "unruly behaviour", nine are from Congress, two from CPM, and one each from DMK, CPI (M) and TMC. Let's have a look at MP suspensions in India, the criteria and what happens to the grounded leaders. Recent suspensions On Thursday (Dec 14), a total of 15 MPs were suspended, 14 from Lok Sabha — the lower house and one from Rajya Sabha — the upper house. Later, the suspension of DMK MP SR Pratiban, a Rajya Sabha MP, was withdrawn. Also read | Indian parliament security breach: All accused were part of 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'; sent to remand The 14 leaders that stand grounded are: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party; P R Natarajan-Communist Party of India (Marxist); V K Sreekandan-Congress; Benny Behanan-Congress; K Subbarayan-CPI; S Venkateshan-CPM; Manickam Tagore-Congress party; Mohammed Javed-Congress; T N Prathapan-Congress; Hibi Eden-Congress; S Jothimani-Congress; Ramya Haridas-Congress and Dean Kuriakose-Congress. They stand suspended for purportedly stalling proceedings in both houses, which led to subsequent adjournments. On Wednesday (Dec 13), the security of Lok Sabha was breached after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled canisters of coloured smoke while raising slogans of 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy). Rising MP suspensions under NDA As per the Indian Express, it has been alleged by the Opposition that the ruling NDA targets their MPs for protests over various issues. They have also raised concerns over the government's approach to dissent. Under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the number of suspensions has nearly doubled, reported The Hindu in October. Also read | Parliament security breach: Lalit Jha, 'mastermind' of entire row, sent to seven-day police remand As per the report, during the Indian National Congress-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government, 50 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended over the two terms from 2004 to 2014. Under the current government, the number of suspensions reached 94 in October. With the latest groundings the number has crossed 100. Reportedly, none of the suspensions during the NDA terms were of BJP members. What is the process of suspension of MPs? As a general principle, it is the role and duty of the Presiding Officer — Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha — to maintain order so that the Parliament House can carry out its duties smoothly. To ensure this, the House presiding officers are empowered to force a member to withdraw from the House. What happens to a suspended MP? The Member of Parliament, who stands suspended by the order of the leader of the House, is barred from entering the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha chambers. Furthermore, they cannot attend the meetings of committees. Additionally, suspended MPs are not eligible to give notice for discussion or submission, and they also lose the right to get a reply to their questions, if any. The period of suspension in either house cannot exceed the remainder of the ongoing session. Also read | Who is Lalit Jha, the mastermind who planned the Parliament security breach? Is there any method of recourse available to them? The suspension can be terminated by a motion in the Parliament House. However, suspended MPs cannot demand a court intervention, as under Article 122 of the Indian Constitution, parliamentary proceedings cannot be questioned before a court. The largest MP suspensions in India (Decreasing order) — 1989: 63 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for a week on 15th March 1689 for loudly protesting the Thakkar Commission report looking into the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi. — 2019: 45 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five consecutive sittings for disrupting proceedings. — 2015: 25 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for "persistently, wilfully obstructing" the lower house of the Indian Parliament by displaying placards and shouting slogans. — 2022: 19 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for pressing for an urgent discussion on price rise and GST hike. — 2014: 18 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for the rest of the session for creating chaos in the house over the introduction of the Telangana Bill. One of them even used pepper spray to disrupt the proceedings. — 2023: The recent suspension of 14 Lok Sabha members for their "unruly behaviour" amid security concerns after the parliament attack. — 2013: 12 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five days for causing unending disruption. They were protesting the creation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. — 2021: 12 Rajya Sabha Members were suspended for the rest of the session for "unprecedented acts of misconduct, contemptuous, unruly and violent behaviour and intentional attacks on security personnel". This happened after the Bill to repeal the farm laws was passed in the Upper House of Parliament. — 2012: Eight Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for demanding the separate state of Telangana. — 2020: Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for "unruly behaviour" during the passage of the so-called farm bills. -2020: Seven Lok Sabha MPs were suspended after they trooped into the well and snatched papers from the Speaker’s table. — 2010: Seven Rajya Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for "unruly behaviour" over the Women's Reservation Bill. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Parliament security breach: Exploring the dynamics of suspension of MPs

Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament&nbsp;Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case.&nbsp;

Announcing her expulsion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said: "This House accepts the conclusions of the Committee that MP Mahua Moitra's conduct was immoral and indecent as an MP. So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP."&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee tabled its report recommending Moitra's expulsion early on Friday and within hours, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP was shown the door.&nbsp;

TMC and other parties backing Moitra argued that she was not given a chance to plead&nbsp;innocence in the house. The TMC had requested the speaker to allow Moitra to speak on the party's behalf during the debate.

Explaining his decision to not give Moitra an opportunity to speak for herself in the house, Birla said he followed the precedent set by former speakers Somnath Chatterjee and Pranab Mukherjee.&nbsp;

"Somnath Chatterjee had said that members against whom there are accusations are given ample time to speak before the Committee. This House has the tradition that the traditions followed by the previous Speakers are always further followed by the next Speakers," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-mahua-moitras-cash-for-query-row-how-tmc-mp-became-the-eye-of-the-storm-656879">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Mahua Moitra's cash-for-query row: How TMC MP became the eye of the storm</a>

<h2>Ethics panel broke every rule: Moitra&nbsp;</h2>

Speaking to media after her expulsion, Moitra maintained there was no 'evidence' that could prove her involvement in the case.&nbsp;

“There was no evidence of any cash, any gifts anywhere. The recommendation of expulsion was solely based on the complaint that I shared my login. But there is no rule whatsoever in this regard,” a visibly furious Moitra told reporters outside the parliament.&nbsp;

"Ironically, the ethics committee which was set up to serve as a moral compass for members, instead has been abused today to do exactly what it was never meant to do - which is to bulldoze the Opposition and become another weapon to 'thok do' (blast) us into submission. This committee and the report have broken every rule in the book," she added.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

<h2>What is the cash-for-query controversy?</h2>

Moitra, one of the prominent voices in the opposition, was accused by her former&nbsp;friend&nbsp;and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai and Nishikant Dubey - a&nbsp;lawmaker from PM Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;— of having accepted money and expensive gifts in return for asking a certain set of questions in Lok Sabha.

Later, Dubey approached Birla for Moitra's expulsion and the case was handed to the ethics committee which was tasked to investigate the truth behind the allegations.&nbsp;

Notably, Moitra accepted in front of&nbsp;the committee that she&nbsp;shared her online credentials with a businessman friend to allow submission of her pre-approved questions which she later intended to ask in Lok Sabha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-mp-mahua-moitra-admits-sharing-parliament-login-credentials-with-businessman-friend-652243">Also read |&nbsp;India: TMC MP Mahua Moitra admits sharing Parliament login credentials with businessman friend</a>

The committee investigating the allegations adopted its 500-page report last month. The draft report&nbsp;adopted by 6:4 majority in the panel showed that Moitra visited the UAE four times from between 2019 to 2023 while her login was accessed several times.&nbsp;

According to reports, the committee observed that&nbsp;not only Moitra&nbsp;breached the parliamentary code of ethics but she also compromised the country's national security.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case.

Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case. Announcing her expulsion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said: "This House accepts the conclusions of the Committee that MP Mahua Moitra's conduct was immoral and indecent as an MP. So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP." The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee tabled its report recommending Moitra's expulsion early on Friday and within hours, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP was shown the door. TMC and other parties backing Moitra argued that she was not given a chance to plead innocence in the house. The TMC had requested the speaker to allow Moitra to speak on the party's behalf during the debate. Explaining his decision to not give Moitra an opportunity to speak for herself in the house, Birla said he followed the precedent set by former speakers Somnath Chatterjee and Pranab Mukherjee. "Somnath Chatterjee had said that members against whom there are accusations are given ample time to speak before the Committee. This House has the tradition that the traditions followed by the previous Speakers are always further followed by the next Speakers," he said. Also read | Explained | Mahua Moitra's cash-for-query row: How TMC MP became the eye of the storm Ethics panel broke every rule: Moitra Speaking to media after her expulsion, Moitra maintained there was no 'evidence' that could prove her involvement in the case. “There was no evidence of any cash, any gifts anywhere. The recommendation of expulsion was solely based on the complaint that I shared my login. But there is no rule whatsoever in this regard,” a visibly furious Moitra told reporters outside the parliament. "Ironically, the ethics committee which was set up to serve as a moral compass for members, instead has been abused today to do exactly what it was never meant to do - which is to bulldoze the Opposition and become another weapon to 'thok do' (blast) us into submission. This committee and the report have broken every rule in the book," she added. #WATCH | "The Ethics Committee has no power to expel....This is the beginning of your(BJP) end," says Mahua Moitra after her expulsion as TMC MP. pic.twitter.com/WZsnqiucoE — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2023 × What is the cash-for-query controversy? Moitra, one of the prominent voices in the opposition, was accused by her former friend and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai and Nishikant Dubey - a lawmaker from PM Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party — of having accepted money and expensive gifts in return for asking a certain set of questions in Lok Sabha. Later, Dubey approached Birla for Moitra's expulsion and the case was handed to the ethics committee which was tasked to investigate the truth behind the allegations. Notably, Moitra accepted in front of the committee that she shared her online credentials with a businessman friend to allow submission of her pre-approved questions which she later intended to ask in Lok Sabha. Also read | India: TMC MP Mahua Moitra admits sharing Parliament login credentials with businessman friend The committee investigating the allegations adopted its 500-page report last month. The draft report adopted by 6:4 majority in the panel showed that Moitra visited the UAE four times from between 2019 to 2023 while her login was accessed several times. According to reports, the committee observed that not only Moitra breached the parliamentary code of ethics but she also compromised the country's national security. (With inputs from agencies)

India: MP Mahua Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha over cash-for-query row

Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”. Responding to the allegations, the TMC leader has said that she would welcome any probe into the claim.&nbsp;

<h2>What are the allegations?</h2>

In a letter to the speaker of Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Om Birla, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey demanded setting up an inquiry committee against Moitra and sought her “immediate suspension” alleging that he has “irrefutable evidence” that bribes were exchanged between her and businessman Darshan Hiranandani.&nbsp;

Dubey said&nbsp;that the TMC leader received “cash” and “gifts” to ask questions in Parliament claiming that out of Moitra’s recent 61 questions, 50 “shockingly seek information, with the intent of protecting or perpetuating business interests of Shri Darshan Hiranandani and his Company.”

“The questions were also often focused on the Adani Group, another business conglomerate, Hiranandani Group was bidding for business against,” the letter added.&nbsp;

The “entire conspiracy” doesn't end there, the BJP MP wrote, and said that the TMC leader also “vehemently targeted” PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah by “constantly referencing…the Adani Group giving the impression that she was critical of the Government, possibly with the intention of seeking cover against her clandestine criminal operation”.

In the letter, Dubey also wrote how he and “several other Members of Parliament, were always perplexed&nbsp;as to why this ‘shouting brigade’ of TMC led by Smt Mahua Moitra indulges in such tactics, which infringes on the constitutional rights of other members, to debate and discuss the issues of common people and policies of the Government.”&nbsp;

The BJP MP said that the TMC leader is in clear ‘Breach of Privilege’ and ‘Contempt of the House’ and her actions would also attract penalty for a criminal offence under Section 120-A of the Indian Penal Code and went on to call for an inquiry committee to be set up for the case.&nbsp;

“I also request you that during the interregnum period, i.e. constitution of an ‘Inquiry Committee’ and its submission of Report, Smt Mahua Moitra may be immediately suspended from the services of the House,” wrote Dubey.&nbsp;

<h2>TMC leader responds</h2>

In response to these allegations, Moitra in a series of posts on X&nbsp;said CBI is welcome to investigate “right after they finish investigating Adani’s offshore money trail, over-invoicing, benami account”.

“If Adani group is relying on dodgy dossier created by dubious Sanghis &amp; circulated by fake degree wallahs to either shut me up or bring me down I would advise them not to waste their time. Use your lawyers wisely,” said the TMC leader in a separate post.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”.

Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”. Responding to the allegations, the TMC leader has said that she would welcome any probe into the claim. What are the allegations? In a letter to the speaker of Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Om Birla, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey demanded setting up an inquiry committee against Moitra and sought her “immediate suspension” alleging that he has “irrefutable evidence” that bribes were exchanged between her and businessman Darshan Hiranandani. Dubey said that the TMC leader received “cash” and “gifts” to ask questions in Parliament claiming that out of Moitra’s recent 61 questions, 50 “shockingly seek information, with the intent of protecting or perpetuating business interests of Shri Darshan Hiranandani and his Company.” “The questions were also often focused on the Adani Group, another business conglomerate, Hiranandani Group was bidding for business against,” the letter added. The “entire conspiracy” doesn't end there, the BJP MP wrote, and said that the TMC leader also “vehemently targeted” PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah by “constantly referencing…the Adani Group giving the impression that she was critical of the Government, possibly with the intention of seeking cover against her clandestine criminal operation”. In the letter, Dubey also wrote how he and “several other Members of Parliament, were always perplexed as to why this ‘shouting brigade’ of TMC led by Smt Mahua Moitra indulges in such tactics, which infringes on the constitutional rights of other members, to debate and discuss the issues of common people and policies of the Government.” The BJP MP said that the TMC leader is in clear ‘Breach of Privilege’ and ‘Contempt of the House’ and her actions would also attract penalty for a criminal offence under Section 120-A of the Indian Penal Code and went on to call for an inquiry committee to be set up for the case. “I also request you that during the interregnum period, i.e. constitution of an ‘Inquiry Committee’ and its submission of Report, Smt Mahua Moitra may be immediately suspended from the services of the House,” wrote Dubey. TMC leader responds In response to these allegations, Moitra in a series of posts on X said CBI is welcome to investigate “right after they finish investigating Adani’s offshore money trail, over-invoicing, benami account”. “If Adani group is relying on dodgy dossier created by dubious Sanghis & circulated by fake degree wallahs to either shut me up or bring me down I would advise them not to waste their time. Use your lawyers wisely,” said the TMC leader in a separate post. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: BJP MP claims Mahua Moitra took bribes to ask questions in Parliament; TMC leader welcomes probe

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his last speech in the country's old Lok Sabha on Monday (September 18) as the Parliament's five-day special session started. The session will conclude on September 22. 
 
The prime minister stated that the MPs will shift to the new building on September 19. He added that the special session will be held for a short duration but the people's representatives will take historic decisions during the five days. 
 
The prime minister started his speech with the historic legacy of the old Parliament building.

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“All of us are saying goodbye to this historic building. Before independence, this House was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After independence, this gained the identity of Parliament House. It is true that the decision to construct this building was taken by foreign rulers but we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen,” PM Modi stated.

<h2>G20's success is the success of 1.4 billion citizens: PM</h2>

Speaking about the success of the G20 Summit and Chandrayaan-3, the prime minister said, “Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. I express my gratitude to you. G20's success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India's success, not that of an individual or a party. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate." 
 
“Today, the achievements of all Indians are being discussed everywhere. This is the result of our united efforts during the 75 years of the history of our Parliament. The success of Chandrayaan-3 has not only made India but the world proud. This has highlighted a new form of India's strength which is connected to technology, science, the potential of our scientists and the strength of the 140 crore people in the country. Today, I again want to congratulate our scientists,” he added.

<h2>PM recalls terror attack on Parliament</h2>

"There was a terror attack (on the Parliament). This was not an attack on a building. In a way, it was an attack on the mother of democracy, on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident. I also bow before those who took bullets to their chest to protect the Parliament and all its members, while fighting the terrorists," reminisced the prime minister. 
 
Speaking about historic decisions taken, PM Modi said, “This House removed Article 370 [on special status of Jammu and Kashmir], took decision on Goods and Services Tax and One Rank One Pension, implemented reservation for Economically Weaker Section.”

WATCH |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi to visit Greece, focus on Mediterranean | WION Pulse

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<h2>Modi takes sharp jibe at Congress</h2>

In his speech, the prime minister also took a sharp jibe at Congress. “This is a House where the four-member party was in the government and the largest party was in the Opposition bench. This House also witnessed 'cash for votes' scam during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” said PM Modi. 
 
The prime minister further acknowledged various leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh for their work in the Parliament. 
 
“This Parliament will remember Indira Gandhi's decision on Pakistan's partition and formation of Bangladesh. Nehru's ‘At the stroke of Midnight Hour’ poem will always echo inside the premises of the old Parliament building," PM Modi said. 
 
“By just one vote, Atal Vajpayee's government fell in this building," he said while remembering his famous speech 'Sarkarein ayengi jayengi' (governments will come and go). 
 
Speaking about the tough path he trod to reach this place and the love he received in the Parliament, he said, “When I first entered this building (Parliament) as an MP, I bowed down and honoured the temple of democracy. It was an emotional moment for me. I could have never imagined that a child belonging to a poor family, living on the railway platform would ever be able to enter the Parliament. I never imagined that I would get so much love from people."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his last speech in the country's old Lok Sabha on Monday (September 18) as the Parliament's five-day special session started.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his last speech in the country's old Lok Sabha on Monday (September 18) as the Parliament's five-day special session started. The session will conclude on September 22. The prime minister stated that the MPs will shift to the new building on September 19. He added that the special session will be held for a short duration but the people's representatives will take historic decisions during the five days. The prime minister started his speech with the historic legacy of the old Parliament building. ALSO READ | Modi launches PM Vishwakarma scheme, inaugurates mega convention centre 'Yashobhoomi' “All of us are saying goodbye to this historic building. Before independence, this House was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After independence, this gained the identity of Parliament House. It is true that the decision to construct this building was taken by foreign rulers but we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen,” PM Modi stated. G20's success is the success of 1.4 billion citizens: PM Speaking about the success of the G20 Summit and Chandrayaan-3, the prime minister said, “Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. I express my gratitude to you. G20's success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India's success, not that of an individual or a party. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate." “Today, the achievements of all Indians are being discussed everywhere. This is the result of our united efforts during the 75 years of the history of our Parliament. The success of Chandrayaan-3 has not only made India but the world proud. This has highlighted a new form of India's strength which is connected to technology, science, the potential of our scientists and the strength of the 140 crore people in the country. Today, I again want to congratulate our scientists,” he added. PM recalls terror attack on Parliament "There was a terror attack (on the Parliament). This was not an attack on a building. In a way, it was an attack on the mother of democracy, on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident. I also bow before those who took bullets to their chest to protect the Parliament and all its members, while fighting the terrorists," reminisced the prime minister. Speaking about historic decisions taken, PM Modi said, “This House removed Article 370 [on special status of Jammu and Kashmir], took decision on Goods and Services Tax and One Rank One Pension, implemented reservation for Economically Weaker Section.” WATCH | Indian PM Modi to visit Greece, focus on Mediterranean | WION Pulse Modi takes sharp jibe at Congress In his speech, the prime minister also took a sharp jibe at Congress. “This is a House where the four-member party was in the government and the largest party was in the Opposition bench. This House also witnessed 'cash for votes' scam during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” said PM Modi. The prime minister further acknowledged various leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh for their work in the Parliament. “This Parliament will remember Indira Gandhi's decision on Pakistan's partition and formation of Bangladesh. Nehru's ‘At the stroke of Midnight Hour’ poem will always echo inside the premises of the old Parliament building," PM Modi said. “By just one vote, Atal Vajpayee's government fell in this building," he said while remembering his famous speech 'Sarkarein ayengi jayengi' (governments will come and go). Speaking about the tough path he trod to reach this place and the love he received in the Parliament, he said, “When I first entered this building (Parliament) as an MP, I bowed down and honoured the temple of democracy. It was an emotional moment for me. I could have never imagined that a child belonging to a poor family, living on the railway platform would ever be able to enter the Parliament. I never imagined that I would get so much love from people." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Blood, sweat, tears and legacy': PM Modi reflects on Indian Parliament's rich history

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”. The meeting was called at the CPP office at the Parliament at 10:30 am. 
 
On Thursday (August 10), a resolution was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi for the suspension of Chowdhury after the Congress leader's certain remarks on the prime minister amid the no-confidence motion debate led to outrage from the treasury benches. The resolution was passed using a voice vote. 
 
Later, Chowdhury defended his remarks stating that he was not insulting the country's prime minister. "Modi ji is sitting 'nirav' on Manipur issue, which means sitting silent. 'Nirav' means to be silent. My intention was not to insult PM Modi," said the Congress leader in Lok Sabha.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/adhir-ranjan-chowdhury-suspended-from-lok-sabha-till-report-of-privileges-committee-624370">Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended from Lok Sabha till report of Privileges Committee</a>

"PM Modi did not feel that he was insulted, his darbaris (courtiers) felt so and brought this proposal against me. I came to know that (the matter) has been referred to the privileges committee and I have been suspended till then," he added.

<h2>Congress responds to Chowdhury's&nbsp;suspension</h2>

Congress MP Manish Tewari said that the suspension was “unfortunate” and an “utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India”. 
 
“It has profound implications for democracy &amp; freedom speech in Parliament &amp; the legislatures,” he said while writing on X. 
 
“It is in utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India that states Subject to the provisions of this constitution and the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament,” he added. 
 
“This is a fit case for to challenge the suspension in an appropriate Court of Law,” Tewari stated. 
 
Meanwhile, Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore stated, "First time for speaking against Modi, largest opposition (party) leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended. Unbelievable. Undemocratic. Condemn the autocracy."

WATCH |&nbsp;No-Confidence motion LIVE: PM Modi attacks Opposition in Parliament: They are betraying people| WION

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Speaking in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi stated, “It has become habitual for him (Adhir) and it has become most unfortunate. He is the leader of the Congress party, which is the largest party in the opposition in this House. Despite repeated warnings, he has not improved himself.” 
 
"Always in his debate he makes these baseless charges, he tries to lower the dignity of the government. There are no facts in his arguments and he never apologises. Today also, we demanded that he apologise. He did the same thing when the home minister was speaking," Joshi added.

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Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”.

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”. The meeting was called at the CPP office at the Parliament at 10:30 am. On Thursday (August 10), a resolution was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi for the suspension of Chowdhury after the Congress leader's certain remarks on the prime minister amid the no-confidence motion debate led to outrage from the treasury benches. The resolution was passed using a voice vote. Later, Chowdhury defended his remarks stating that he was not insulting the country's prime minister. "Modi ji is sitting 'nirav' on Manipur issue, which means sitting silent. 'Nirav' means to be silent. My intention was not to insult PM Modi," said the Congress leader in Lok Sabha. ALSO READ | Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended from Lok Sabha till report of Privileges Committee "PM Modi did not feel that he was insulted, his darbaris (courtiers) felt so and brought this proposal against me. I came to know that (the matter) has been referred to the privileges committee and I have been suspended till then," he added. Congress responds to Chowdhury's suspension Congress MP Manish Tewari said that the suspension was “unfortunate” and an “utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India”. “It has profound implications for democracy & freedom speech in Parliament & the legislatures,” he said while writing on X. “It is in utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India that states Subject to the provisions of this constitution and the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament,” he added. “This is a fit case for to challenge the suspension in an appropriate Court of Law,” Tewari stated. Meanwhile, Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore stated, "First time for speaking against Modi, largest opposition (party) leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended. Unbelievable. Undemocratic. Condemn the autocracy." WATCH | No-Confidence motion LIVE: PM Modi attacks Opposition in Parliament: They are betraying people| WION Speaking in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi stated, “It has become habitual for him (Adhir) and it has become most unfortunate. He is the leader of the Congress party, which is the largest party in the opposition in this House. Despite repeated warnings, he has not improved himself.” "Always in his debate he makes these baseless charges, he tries to lower the dignity of the government. There are no facts in his arguments and he never apologises. Today also, we demanded that he apologise. He did the same thing when the home minister was speaking," Joshi added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Sonia Gandhi to hold meeting with Congress MPs over suspension of Adhir Ranjan from Lok Sabha

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday over “deliberate and repeated misconduct” and the matter has been referred to Privileges Committee. The resolution for suspension of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is Congress leader in Lok Sabha, was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.

"This House having taken the serious note of the gross, deliberate and repeated misconduct of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in utter disregard to the House and authority of Chair resolves that the matter of his misconduct be referred to Committee of Privileges of the House for the further investigation and report to the House and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury be suspended from the service of the House till the Committee submits its report," he said.

The House adopted the resolution by voice vote. Earlier in the day, some remarks of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury pertaining to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were expunged from the proceedings.

BJP members had strongly objected to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s remarks. Pralhad Joshi had raised point of order and demanded an apology from the Congress member. After the debate on no-confidence motion, which was defeated, Lok Sabha Speaker said that conduct of BJP member Virendra Awasthi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had not been in accordance with the decorum of the House. Virendra Awasthi tenderd apology for his conduct and said he could not tolerate words against the Prime Minister.

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Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday over “deliberate and repeated misconduct” and the matter has been referred to Privileges Committee.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday over “deliberate and repeated misconduct” and the matter has been referred to Privileges Committee. The resolution for suspension of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is Congress leader in Lok Sabha, was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. "This House having taken the serious note of the gross, deliberate and repeated misconduct of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in utter disregard to the House and authority of Chair resolves that the matter of his misconduct be referred to Committee of Privileges of the House for the further investigation and report to the House and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury be suspended from the service of the House till the Committee submits its report," he said. The House adopted the resolution by voice vote. Earlier in the day, some remarks of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury pertaining to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were expunged from the proceedings. BJP members had strongly objected to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s remarks. Pralhad Joshi had raised point of order and demanded an apology from the Congress member. After the debate on no-confidence motion, which was defeated, Lok Sabha Speaker said that conduct of BJP member Virendra Awasthi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had not been in accordance with the decorum of the House. Virendra Awasthi tenderd apology for his conduct and said he could not tolerate words against the Prime Minister. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended from Lok Sabha till report of Privileges Committee

Prices of tomatoes will be slashed as the government is taking steps to control inflation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday (August 10) that tomatoes are being imported from Nepal to meet the demand and check prices.&nbsp;

While speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the no-confidence motion, Sitharaman said: "Lot of steps have been taken to contain inflation. Group of Ministers has been taking timely steps to control prices which are hitting common people."&nbsp;

While mentioning rising prices of other food items, she said that Tur dal is being imported from Mozambique, Urad dal will be imported from Myanmar, while around three lakh tonnes of onions have been procured to create a buffer stock.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-speaks-on-manipur-issue-says-centre-and-state-working-together-to-restore-peace-624288">PM Modi speaks on Manipur issue, says centre and state working together to restore peace</a>&nbsp;

The finance minister said that tomatoes are being procured from Maharashtra and Karnataka, and distributed in Delhi-NCR, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and other cooperative societies.&nbsp;

She further stated that the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) has distributed 8.84 lakh kg of tomatoes in these states and also said that the wholesale prices of tomatoes in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are coming down.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uber-ride-gone-wrong-driver-assaults-indian-woman-and-son-over-cab-mix-up-624208">Uber ride goes wrong, driver assaults woman and son over cab mix-up</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China's economy slides into deflation. What are its impacts on the global economy?&nbsp;

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She said, "This will continue, and be increased."&nbsp;

"We have allowed imports from Nepal by removing import restrictions. The first lot will reach Varanasi, Kanpur, and Lucknow this week," she said.&nbsp;

The minister said that more such steps will be taken by the government to control the prices. She added NCCF is also planning a mega sale of tomatoes in the Delhi NCR region at a subsidized rate of Rs 70 per kg this weekend.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Prices of tomatoes will be slashed as the government is taking steps to control inflation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday (August 10) that tomatoes are being imported from Nepal to meet the demand and check prices.

Prices of tomatoes will be slashed as the government is taking steps to control inflation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday (August 10) that tomatoes are being imported from Nepal to meet the demand and check prices. While speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the no-confidence motion, Sitharaman said: "Lot of steps have been taken to contain inflation. Group of Ministers has been taking timely steps to control prices which are hitting common people." While mentioning rising prices of other food items, she said that Tur dal is being imported from Mozambique, Urad dal will be imported from Myanmar, while around three lakh tonnes of onions have been procured to create a buffer stock. Also read: PM Modi speaks on Manipur issue, says centre and state working together to restore peace The finance minister said that tomatoes are being procured from Maharashtra and Karnataka, and distributed in Delhi-NCR, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and other cooperative societies. She further stated that the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) has distributed 8.84 lakh kg of tomatoes in these states and also said that the wholesale prices of tomatoes in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are coming down. Also read: Uber ride goes wrong, driver assaults woman and son over cab mix-up Watch: China's economy slides into deflation. What are its impacts on the global economy? × She said, "This will continue, and be increased." "We have allowed imports from Nepal by removing import restrictions. The first lot will reach Varanasi, Kanpur, and Lucknow this week," she said. The minister said that more such steps will be taken by the government to control the prices. She added NCCF is also planning a mega sale of tomatoes in the Delhi NCR region at a subsidized rate of Rs 70 per kg this weekend. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian government taking steps to control price rise, tomatoes being imported from Nepal

Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday.&nbsp;

The bill, which will replace the ordinance for control of services in Delhi, will provide the Central Government with the authority to make rules in relation to the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi which include the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees.&nbsp;

The centre had promulgated the ordinance days after the Supreme Court's verdict on the issue that had ruled that Delhi's elected government has control over services except in matters of law and order, police and land.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-case-muslims-approach-indias-top-court-to-contest-ruling-allowing-asi-survey-622014">Gyanvapi mosque: Muslim group moves India's top court against archeological survey</a>

<h2>Walkout by members of I.N.D.I.A alliance</h2>

The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed by a voice vote after a walkout by members of I.N.D.I.A alliance.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the debate on the bill in the Lok Sabha, made a sharp attack on parties of the I.N.D.I.A bloc and said that their main aim is to “save their alliance”.&nbsp;

Shah said that the opposition parties did not participate in the debate on any of the bills that were passed in the House, rather kept staging demonstrations on their respective demands over the debate on the ongoing Manipur situation. While pointing towards opposition benches, he asked as to what changed suddenly that made them take part in the passage of bill which was related to Delhi.

“The opposition's priority is to save their alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur...Everyone is talking about the rights of a state. But which state? Delhi is not a state but a Union Territory...The Parliament has the right to make laws for Delhi...," Amit Shah said.

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"Even after the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, PM Modi will become the Prime Minister again with full majority...All bills are important &amp; you should have been present in House...After this (Delhi Services bill) bill is passed, the alliance will be broken," he added.

Earlier, while moving the bill for passage in the house, Shah took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party government saying that the party's motive was not to serve the people, but rather, to fight with the Centre.

“In the year 2015, a party came to power in Delhi whose only motive was to fight, not serve...The problem is not getting right to do transfer postings, but getting control of the vigilance department to hide their corruption like building their bungalows,” Amit Shah said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The bill, which will replace the ordinance for control of services in Delhi, will provide the Central Government with the authority to make rules in relation to the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi which include the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees.

Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The bill, which will replace the ordinance for control of services in Delhi, will provide the Central Government with the authority to make rules in relation to the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi which include the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees. The centre had promulgated the ordinance days after the Supreme Court's verdict on the issue that had ruled that Delhi's elected government has control over services except in matters of law and order, police and land. Also read: Gyanvapi mosque: Muslim group moves India's top court against archeological survey Walkout by members of I.N.D.I.A alliance The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed by a voice vote after a walkout by members of I.N.D.I.A alliance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the debate on the bill in the Lok Sabha, made a sharp attack on parties of the I.N.D.I.A bloc and said that their main aim is to “save their alliance”. Shah said that the opposition parties did not participate in the debate on any of the bills that were passed in the House, rather kept staging demonstrations on their respective demands over the debate on the ongoing Manipur situation. While pointing towards opposition benches, he asked as to what changed suddenly that made them take part in the passage of bill which was related to Delhi. “The opposition's priority is to save their alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur...Everyone is talking about the rights of a state. But which state? Delhi is not a state but a Union Territory...The Parliament has the right to make laws for Delhi...," Amit Shah said. #WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "The opposition's priority is to save their alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur...Everyone is talking about the rights of a state. But which state? Delhi is not a state but a Union Territory...The Parliament has the… pic.twitter.com/9ivxALDKfB — ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2023 × "Even after the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, PM Modi will become the Prime Minister again with full majority...All bills are important & you should have been present in House...After this (Delhi Services bill) bill is passed, the alliance will be broken," he added. Earlier, while moving the bill for passage in the house, Shah took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party government saying that the party's motive was not to serve the people, but rather, to fight with the Centre. “In the year 2015, a party came to power in Delhi whose only motive was to fight, not serve...The problem is not getting right to do transfer postings, but getting control of the vigilance department to hide their corruption like building their bungalows,” Amit Shah said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lok Sabha passes bill to replace ordinance for control of services in Delhi; Shah slams opposition

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital. 
 
The new parliament, which is a part of the government's ambitious Central Vista project, has been constructed in a span of two years by Tata Projects Limited, a Tata Group company.

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PM Modi unveils plaque; dedicates new Parliament building to nation 
 
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> Story | <a href="https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r">https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewParliamentBuilding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewParliamentBuilding</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewParliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewParliament</a> <a href="https://t.co/cRs8VM1snJ">pic.twitter.com/cRs8VM1snJ</a>
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<h2>PM installs 'Sengol' in Lok Sabha</h2>

Before the inauguration of the parliament, PM Modi attended an early morning ‘havan’ and multi-faith or 'sarv-dharma' prayers. The prayer meeting was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, union ministers and CMs of different states. 
 
The prime minister also performed "Ganapati Homam" to invoke Gods and seek their blessings before the parliament building's inauguration. Adheenams from Tamil Nadu's different mutts also arrived at the new parliament building to attend the inaugural ceremony.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-glimpses-of-indias-new-parliament-set-to-be-inaugurated-on-may-28-597151">In Pics | Glimpses of India's new parliament inaugurated by PM Modi</a>

The prime minister prostrated before the 'Sengol' to pay&nbsp;his respects. The much-talked-about 'Sengol' is a historical sceptre whose name originates from the Tamil word "semmai" which means righteousness. 
 
PM Modi installed the 'Sengol' or sceptre in the new parliament building's Lok Sabha chamber, next to the chair of the speaker, in a special enclosure. The Adheenams handed over the historic 'Sengol' to the prime minister before it was installed in the new parliament. 
 
India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had received the sceptre as a mark of transfer of power from the British. 
 
The prime minister also met the workers who were involved in the construction of the new parliament building and felicitated them. 
 
On Saturday, the prime minister had received blessings from Adheenams, spiritual leaders from Tamil Nadu, at his residence.

After the inauguration, PM Modi tweeted, "As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress."&nbsp;

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As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress. <a href="https://t.co/zzGuRoHrUS">pic.twitter.com/zzGuRoHrUS</a>
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<h2>All about India's new parliament building</h2>

The new parliament building will have more seating capacity. In the Lok Sabha, there will be seats for 888 MPs which was earlier only for 552 MPs and in Rajya Sabha, the seating capacity enhanced from 245 to 384.

WATCH |&nbsp;India's new Parliament: PM Modi inaugurates the new building | Key features of the new Parliament

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The design of the new Lok Sabha is inspired by India's national bird peacock and Rajya Sabha has been designed with a focus on India's national flower – lotus. The new parliament is spread over an area of around 65,000 square metres. 
 
If a joint session is held, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate 1,272 members. In the rest of the building, there will be four floors with offices of ministers and committee rooms. 
 
The new parliament building has been constructed ensuring that there is the latest communications technology, efficient space utilisation, and secure infrastructure which can meet the demand for workspaces.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital. The new parliament, which is a part of the government's ambitious Central Vista project, has been constructed in a span of two years by Tata Projects Limited, a Tata Group company. PM Modi unveils plaque; dedicates new Parliament building to nation Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r#PMModi #NewParliamentBuilding #NewParliament pic.twitter.com/cRs8VM1snJ — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 28, 2023 × PM installs 'Sengol' in Lok Sabha Before the inauguration of the parliament, PM Modi attended an early morning ‘havan’ and multi-faith or 'sarv-dharma' prayers. The prayer meeting was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, union ministers and CMs of different states. The prime minister also performed "Ganapati Homam" to invoke Gods and seek their blessings before the parliament building's inauguration. Adheenams from Tamil Nadu's different mutts also arrived at the new parliament building to attend the inaugural ceremony. ALSO READ | In Pics | Glimpses of India's new parliament inaugurated by PM Modi The prime minister prostrated before the 'Sengol' to pay his respects. The much-talked-about 'Sengol' is a historical sceptre whose name originates from the Tamil word "semmai" which means righteousness. PM Modi installed the 'Sengol' or sceptre in the new parliament building's Lok Sabha chamber, next to the chair of the speaker, in a special enclosure. The Adheenams handed over the historic 'Sengol' to the prime minister before it was installed in the new parliament. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had received the sceptre as a mark of transfer of power from the British. The prime minister also met the workers who were involved in the construction of the new parliament building and felicitated them. On Saturday, the prime minister had received blessings from Adheenams, spiritual leaders from Tamil Nadu, at his residence. After the inauguration, PM Modi tweeted, "As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress." As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress. pic.twitter.com/zzGuRoHrUS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2023 × All about India's new parliament building The new parliament building will have more seating capacity. In the Lok Sabha, there will be seats for 888 MPs which was earlier only for 552 MPs and in Rajya Sabha, the seating capacity enhanced from 245 to 384. WATCH | India's new Parliament: PM Modi inaugurates the new building | Key features of the new Parliament The design of the new Lok Sabha is inspired by India's national bird peacock and Rajya Sabha has been designed with a focus on India's national flower – lotus. The new parliament is spread over an area of around 65,000 square metres. If a joint session is held, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate 1,272 members. In the rest of the building, there will be four floors with offices of ministers and committee rooms. The new parliament building has been constructed ensuring that there is the latest communications technology, efficient space utilisation, and secure infrastructure which can meet the demand for workspaces. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian PM Modi inaugurates new parliament, installs ‘Sengol’ in Lok Sabha

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally.

Speaking first from the Opposition side in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the speech to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision.

"There are now two distinct Indias, one India is for the extremely rich people - for those who have immense wealth, immense power, for those who don't need a job, those who don't need water connection,electricity connections, but for those who control the heartbeat of the country...The gap is widening between the two," he claimed.

Gandhi accused the ruling BJP of bringing back the idea of a "king of India" that was "smashed in 1947" and targeted the PM saying that the "idea of a king is back".

"India is described in the Constitution as a union of states and not as a nation. One cannot rule over the people of a state in India. Different languages and cultures cannot be suppressed. It is a partnership, not a kingdom," he said. Stressing on the importance of cooperative federalism, he said that the only way India has been ruled over the decades is through conversations.

"Congress smashed the idea of a king in 1947, but now that has come back. There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the Centre. Every time that has happened, the stick has been broken," he said.

"That is the only way India has been ruled. You can look at Ashoka, Maurya, the country has always been ruled by conversation and negotiation.

"My great grandfather was jailed for 15 years. My grandmother was shot 32 times. My father was blown to bits. So I know what I am talking about. You are fiddling with something very, very dangerous. I am advising you to stop. If you don't stop you will create a problem. The problem has already started," Gandhi said.

Gandhi alleged that the government lacked any idea of history and they sought to suppress the concept of Union of States as against the idea of a king.

"There are two competing visions of India. One, of a Union of States, where decisions are taken through conversation and negotiation - a partnership of equals. Another, of rule by a Shahenshah's diktat. This hasn't worked in 3000 years. BJP's flawed vision has weakened our nation," he said.

He said that India was weakening and is completely isolated and questioned why no foreign dignitary was present as chief guest during the Republic Day celebrations.

"We are surrounded in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China. Everywhere we are surrounded. Our opponents understand our position," he said.

The Congress leader also accused the BJP and the RSS of playing with the foundation of the country and ensuring that jobs were at a premium. Targeting the government over unemployment, Gandhi said that the presidential address made no mention of job losses.

"You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed 'Made in India'. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise 'Made in India' is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs.

"You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty," Gandhi said.

The Congress MP tore into the government over unemployment and said it was because of "your flawed vision that two Indias are being created".

He referred to the protest of Railway aspirants in Bihar over jobs and said how the government was unable to provide jobs.

Gandhi also accused the government of using the judiciary, the Election Commission, and Pegasus spyware as "instruments of destroying the voice of the union of states".

The Congress leader alleged that the wealth of the country was in the hands of a chosen few.

"I want to advise the PM that you are making two Indias. Please start working towards bringing the two Indias together. Stop sending the wealth of India to a chosen few...", he said.

Speaking on foreign policy issues, Gandhi said that the present government's stand on China and Pakistan worked only to bring the two neighbouring countries together to work against India.

"The single biggest strategic goal of India has been to keep China and Pakistan apart. But what you have done is brought them together. You have committed the single biggest crime you can commit...China has a plan.

"The foundation of their (China and Pakistan) plan has been put in place in Doklam and Ladakh. This is a serious threat to India. We have made a huge strategic mistake in J&amp;K and in our foreign policy," he said.

Gandhi also said that the country was under seige both from within and from outside and cautioned the government of its dangers.

"The nation is now at risk from outside and inside and that is a very dangerous lace for a nation to be in. This worries me," he said.

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally.

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally. Speaking first from the Opposition side in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the speech to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision. "There are now two distinct Indias, one India is for the extremely rich people - for those who have immense wealth, immense power, for those who don't need a job, those who don't need water connection,electricity connections, but for those who control the heartbeat of the country...The gap is widening between the two," he claimed. Gandhi accused the ruling BJP of bringing back the idea of a "king of India" that was "smashed in 1947" and targeted the PM saying that the "idea of a king is back". "India is described in the Constitution as a union of states and not as a nation. One cannot rule over the people of a state in India. Different languages and cultures cannot be suppressed. It is a partnership, not a kingdom," he said. Stressing on the importance of cooperative federalism, he said that the only way India has been ruled over the decades is through conversations. "Congress smashed the idea of a king in 1947, but now that has come back. There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the Centre. Every time that has happened, the stick has been broken," he said. "That is the only way India has been ruled. You can look at Ashoka, Maurya, the country has always been ruled by conversation and negotiation. "My great grandfather was jailed for 15 years. My grandmother was shot 32 times. My father was blown to bits. So I know what I am talking about. You are fiddling with something very, very dangerous. I am advising you to stop. If you don't stop you will create a problem. The problem has already started," Gandhi said. Gandhi alleged that the government lacked any idea of history and they sought to suppress the concept of Union of States as against the idea of a king. "There are two competing visions of India. One, of a Union of States, where decisions are taken through conversation and negotiation - a partnership of equals. Another, of rule by a Shahenshah's diktat. This hasn't worked in 3000 years. BJP's flawed vision has weakened our nation," he said. He said that India was weakening and is completely isolated and questioned why no foreign dignitary was present as chief guest during the Republic Day celebrations. "We are surrounded in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China. Everywhere we are surrounded. Our opponents understand our position," he said. The Congress leader also accused the BJP and the RSS of playing with the foundation of the country and ensuring that jobs were at a premium. Targeting the government over unemployment, Gandhi said that the presidential address made no mention of job losses. "You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed 'Made in India'. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise 'Made in India' is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs. "You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty," Gandhi said. The Congress MP tore into the government over unemployment and said it was because of "your flawed vision that two Indias are being created". He referred to the protest of Railway aspirants in Bihar over jobs and said how the government was unable to provide jobs. Gandhi also accused the government of using the judiciary, the Election Commission, and Pegasus spyware as "instruments of destroying the voice of the union of states". The Congress leader alleged that the wealth of the country was in the hands of a chosen few. "I want to advise the PM that you are making two Indias. Please start working towards bringing the two Indias together. Stop sending the wealth of India to a chosen few...", he said. Speaking on foreign policy issues, Gandhi said that the present government's stand on China and Pakistan worked only to bring the two neighbouring countries together to work against India. "The single biggest strategic goal of India has been to keep China and Pakistan apart. But what you have done is brought them together. You have committed the single biggest crime you can commit...China has a plan. "The foundation of their (China and Pakistan) plan has been put in place in Doklam and Ladakh. This is a serious threat to India. We have made a huge strategic mistake in J&K and in our foreign policy," he said. Gandhi also said that the country was under seige both from within and from outside and cautioned the government of its dangers. "The nation is now at risk from outside and inside and that is a very dangerous lace for a nation to be in. This worries me," he said.

Two Indias created, one for rich and one for poor; gap widening: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi

The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, was passed by the Lok Sabha amid a disturbance by opposition MPs on Monday.&nbsp;

The Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has demanded that the Bill be discussed in the House.&nbsp;

On Friday, the three 'Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021' was distributed to Rajya Sabha members.

In a speech on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of three central farm laws in a speech to the country.

The government has stated that a bill repealing three agriculture legislation would be taken up as soon as possible.

Last Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved the bill.

The winter season is set to end on December 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, was passed by the Lok Sabha amid a disturbance by opposition MPs on Monday. The Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has demanded that the Bill be discussed in the House.

The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, was passed by the Lok Sabha amid a disturbance by opposition MPs on Monday. The Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has demanded that the Bill be discussed in the House. On Friday, the three 'Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021' was distributed to Rajya Sabha members. In a speech on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of three central farm laws in a speech to the country. The government has stated that a bill repealing three agriculture legislation would be taken up as soon as possible. Last Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved the bill. The winter season is set to end on December 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Parliament Winter Session 2021: Farm Laws Repeal Bill passed in Lok Sabha

The government on Thursday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha seeking to bury retrospective tax demands it had made on companies such as Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the Lok Sabha which seeks to withdraw tax demands made on indirect transfer of Indian assets prior to May 28, 2012.

"It is also proposed to refund the amount paid in these cases without any interest thereon," the bill said.

This bill impacts retro tax cases of at least two big companies — Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK.

Both firms had won international arbitrations against levy of retrospective taxes on them.

The government on Thursday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha seeking to bury retrospective tax demands it had made on companies such as Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK.

The government on Thursday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha seeking to bury retrospective tax demands it had made on companies such as Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the Lok Sabha which seeks to withdraw tax demands made on indirect transfer of Indian assets prior to May 28, 2012. "It is also proposed to refund the amount paid in these cases without any interest thereon," the bill said. This bill impacts retro tax cases of at least two big companies — Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK. Both firms had won international arbitrations against levy of retrospective taxes on them.

Indian govt buries retro tax; introduces bill in parliament to withdraw demands on Cairn, Vodafone

The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday.

The decision on the dates of the session was taken in a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sources told ANI.

The sources said provision has not been kept for holidays or weekly offs during the 18-day session but a final decision on "no-leaves during the entire session" will be taken at the all-party meeting.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have 18 sittings each.

The sources said that the opposition parties are ready for 18 sittings but they want the session to be extended by a week so that there are weekly offs.

The government thinks that the conducting monsoon session during the coronavirus pandemic in itself is a big challenge.

It is looking to change the timings of both the Houses to prevent any overcrowding in the Parliament premises at any point of time.

It is also looking to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 related standard operating procedures (SOPs), including social distancing and sanitization.

A proposal for changing the rules for entry of journalists in the Parliament premises is also being considered owing to COVID-19 pandemic.

According to it, less than 30 media passes will be issued for covering the Lok Sabha proceedings while around 20 passes will be issued for covering Rajya Sabha proceedings.

The much-awaited session, for which the government has a heavy legislative agenda, has been delayed due to conditions created by COVID-19 pandemic.

The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday.

The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday. The decision on the dates of the session was taken in a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sources told ANI. The sources said provision has not been kept for holidays or weekly offs during the 18-day session but a final decision on "no-leaves during the entire session" will be taken at the all-party meeting. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have 18 sittings each. The sources said that the opposition parties are ready for 18 sittings but they want the session to be extended by a week so that there are weekly offs. The government thinks that the conducting monsoon session during the coronavirus pandemic in itself is a big challenge. It is looking to change the timings of both the Houses to prevent any overcrowding in the Parliament premises at any point of time. It is also looking to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 related standard operating procedures (SOPs), including social distancing and sanitization. A proposal for changing the rules for entry of journalists in the Parliament premises is also being considered owing to COVID-19 pandemic. According to it, less than 30 media passes will be issued for covering the Lok Sabha proceedings while around 20 passes will be issued for covering Rajya Sabha proceedings. The much-awaited session, for which the government has a heavy legislative agenda, has been delayed due to conditions created by COVID-19 pandemic.

Monsoon session of Parliament to be held from September 14 to October 1

Former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-worried-over-slow-gdp-growth-pranab-mukherjee-267778">Pranab Mukherjee</a> pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/remembering-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-first-death-anniversary-243317">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi.

Last time the strength of Lok Sabha was re-examined in 1977 which was based on the 1971 census that put the total population at 55 crores. And currently, the population has increased to 1.37 billion, approximately double the number mentioned in the 1971 census.

There is a need to remove the hold in the delimitation exercise. “It should be ideally increased to 1,000,” Mukherjee added.

Delimitation provides equal representation to equal segments of a population. It aims to a fair division of geographical areas so that only one party doesn't have all the advantages over the elections.

The process has been undergone modification four times ( 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002) under the Acts of 1952. No delimitation took place after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.

During Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule in 1976, the constitution was suspended delimitation until 2001. The upper limit on the number of seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies was supposed to be lifted after the 2001 Census but another amendment postponed this until 2026. It was justified on the ground that a uniform growth rate of the population would be achieved by 2026.

“This has resulted in the fact that the number of voters per Lok Sabha constituency as per the 2011 census, has risen to more than 16 lakh,” Mukherjee said. He noted that there has been a need on increasing the number of seats in Parliament and state assemblies till 2026.

He even favoured Vajpayee as a consensus-builder who worked to bring everyone along and noted that people may have given strong majorities to different parties since 1952 but over 50 per cent of them have never voted for one party.

"A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable government. The lack of a popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian government. That is the message and essence of our parliamentary democracy," Mukherjee said.

&nbsp;

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"A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable Government.The lack of popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian Government.That is the message &amp; essence of our Parliamentary Democracy." 
Delivered the 2nd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> Memorial Lecture today. <a href="https://t.co/qUfqZmyecx">pic.twitter.com/qUfqZmyecx</a>
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) <a href="https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee/status/1206585951838883840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former President Pranab Mukherjee pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi. Last time the strength of Lok Sabha was re-examined in 1977 which was based on the 1971 census that put the total population at 55 crores. And currently, the population has increased to 1.37 billion, approximately double the number mentioned in the 1971 census. There is a need to remove the hold in the delimitation exercise. “It should be ideally increased to 1,000,” Mukherjee added. Delimitation provides equal representation to equal segments of a population. It aims to a fair division of geographical areas so that only one party doesn't have all the advantages over the elections. The process has been undergone modification four times ( 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002) under the Acts of 1952. No delimitation took place after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses. During Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule in 1976, the constitution was suspended delimitation until 2001. The upper limit on the number of seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies was supposed to be lifted after the 2001 Census but another amendment postponed this until 2026. It was justified on the ground that a uniform growth rate of the population would be achieved by 2026. “This has resulted in the fact that the number of voters per Lok Sabha constituency as per the 2011 census, has risen to more than 16 lakh,” Mukherjee said. He noted that there has been a need on increasing the number of seats in Parliament and state assemblies till 2026. He even favoured Vajpayee as a consensus-builder who worked to bring everyone along and noted that people may have given strong majorities to different parties since 1952 but over 50 per cent of them have never voted for one party. "A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable government. The lack of a popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian government. That is the message and essence of our parliamentary democracy," Mukherjee said. "A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable Government.The lack of popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian Government.That is the message & essence of our Parliamentary Democracy." Delivered the 2nd #AtalBihariVajpayee Memorial Lecture today. pic.twitter.com/qUfqZmyecx — Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) December 16, 2019 ×

Lok Sabha should have 1000 seats: Pranab Mukherjee

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-data-protection-bill-calls-for-consent-privacy-penalties-to-bring-more-accountability-in-digital-economy-155209/amp">Personal Data Protection Bill</a> was referred to a Joint Committee on Wednesday with the Lok Sabha adopting a motion moved by Electronics and Information Technology Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ravi-shankar-prasad-to-hold-roundtable-discussion-with-ceos-from-electronics-industry-249501">Ravi Shankar Prasad</a>.

Prasad said the "joint committee of the House" will have 20 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 members from the Rajya Sabha and would give its report on the first day of the last week of the next budget session.

Prasad, who had introduced the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 earlier in the day, had proposed that it should be referred to the select committee of the two Houses amid demands from the opposition members that it should be sent to the Standing Committee on Information Technology headed by Congress member Shashi Tharoor.

As Prasad took the names of Lok Sabha members in the joint committee, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said that they wanted to replace Sugata Roy with Mahua Moitra.

Bandyopadhyay said that Sugata Roy was handling a lot of works and the party cannot spare him.

As Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-veterinary-doctors-rape-murder-rocks-parliament-265692">Om Birla </a>asked the Parliamentary Affairs Minister about his views on the suggestion, Prasad proposed that the name of the Trinamool Congress member may be added later.

He urged Bandyopadhyay to let Roy remain in the committee as he had a vast experience but Bandyopadhyay said it was the party's decision.

"If you ask me, he (Roy) is the best person in parliament. You can't change my party's decision," he said, adding that the name will be given by the party.

Prasad said the joint committee to examine the bill will have 20 members from the Lok Sabha - Meenakshi Lekhi, PP Chaudhary, SS Ahluwalia, Tejasvi Surya, Ajay Bhatt,

Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Sanjay Jaiswal, Uday Pratap Singh, Kirit Premjibhai Solanki, Arvind Dharampuri, Heena Gavit, Rajeev Ranjan Singh, Gaurav Gogoi,

Jothimani, Saugata Roy, Kanimozhi, PV Midhun Reddy, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Bhartruhari Mahtab and Ritesh Pandey.

Congress member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that only two members of the party were on the panel and said the party should have more representation.

The Bill seeks to provide for the protection of the individual in relation to personal data and to establish a Data Protection Authority of India.

The Personal Data Protection Bill was referred to a Joint Committee on Wednesday with the Lok Sabha adopting a motion moved by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

The Personal Data Protection Bill was referred to a Joint Committee on Wednesday with the Lok Sabha adopting a motion moved by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Prasad said the "joint committee of the House" will have 20 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 members from the Rajya Sabha and would give its report on the first day of the last week of the next budget session. Prasad, who had introduced the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 earlier in the day, had proposed that it should be referred to the select committee of the two Houses amid demands from the opposition members that it should be sent to the Standing Committee on Information Technology headed by Congress member Shashi Tharoor. As Prasad took the names of Lok Sabha members in the joint committee, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said that they wanted to replace Sugata Roy with Mahua Moitra. Bandyopadhyay said that Sugata Roy was handling a lot of works and the party cannot spare him. As Speaker Om Birla asked the Parliamentary Affairs Minister about his views on the suggestion, Prasad proposed that the name of the Trinamool Congress member may be added later. He urged Bandyopadhyay to let Roy remain in the committee as he had a vast experience but Bandyopadhyay said it was the party's decision. "If you ask me, he (Roy) is the best person in parliament. You can't change my party's decision," he said, adding that the name will be given by the party. Prasad said the joint committee to examine the bill will have 20 members from the Lok Sabha - Meenakshi Lekhi, PP Chaudhary, SS Ahluwalia, Tejasvi Surya, Ajay Bhatt, Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Sanjay Jaiswal, Uday Pratap Singh, Kirit Premjibhai Solanki, Arvind Dharampuri, Heena Gavit, Rajeev Ranjan Singh, Gaurav Gogoi, Jothimani, Saugata Roy, Kanimozhi, PV Midhun Reddy, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Bhartruhari Mahtab and Ritesh Pandey. Congress member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that only two members of the party were on the panel and said the party should have more representation. The Bill seeks to provide for the protection of the individual in relation to personal data and to establish a Data Protection Authority of India.

Lok Sabha refers Personal Data Protection Bill to Joint Parliamentary Committee

Lok Sabha on Monday voted in favour of the introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). The bill received 293 'Ayes' in favour of introduction of the bill against 82 'Noes'.

Lok Sabha on Monday voted in favour of the introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). The bill received 293 'Ayes' in favour of introduction of the bill against 82 'Noes'. Earlier Union Home Minister Amit Shah tabled the contentious bill in the Lok Sabha and said that in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis and Jains have been discriminated against and this will give these persecuted people citizenship. The allegation that this bill will take away rights of Muslims is wrong, he added. Lok Sabha: 293 'Ayes' in favour of introduction of #CitizenshipAmendmentBill and 82 'Noes' against the Bill's introduction, in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/z1SbYJbvcz — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2019 × ''If Congress had not done partition on the basis of religion after independence, we would have not needed this Bill. Congress did partition on the basis of religion,'' Shah further said. The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha. If passed by Parliament, it will amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 introducing exceptional provisions for acquiring citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Lok Sabha votes in favour of introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday tabled the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Lok Sabha. The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday tabled the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Lok Sabha. The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday issued a three-line whip to its members in Lok Sabha asking them to be present in the House from December 9 till 12. Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, to Opposition on #CitizenshipAmendmentBill2019 : I will answer all questions on the Bill. Tab House se walkout mat karna. https://t.co/x6fZwdN3Li pic.twitter.com/qYi72NonZl — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2019 × If passed by Parliament, it will amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 introducing exceptional provisions for acquiring citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha 

The contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) will be introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha on Monday.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday issued a three-line whip to its members in Lok Sabha asking them to be present in the House from December 9 till 12.

On the other hand, the Congress parliamentary strategy group is slated to meet at the residence of party chief Sonia Gandhi today to deliberate the party's stance on the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

If passed by Parliament, it will amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 introducing exceptional provisions for acquiring citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) will be introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha on Monday. The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha.

The contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) will be introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha on Monday. The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday issued a three-line whip to its members in Lok Sabha asking them to be present in the House from December 9 till 12. On the other hand, the Congress parliamentary strategy group is slated to meet at the residence of party chief Sonia Gandhi today to deliberate the party's stance on the Citizenship Amendment Bill. If passed by Parliament, it will amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 introducing exceptional provisions for acquiring citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Citizenship Amendment Bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha by Amit Shah on Monday

The Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to renew the reservation provided to the marginalised communities like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Parliament and state legislatures.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will introduce the Constitution (126th Amendment Bill) 2019, in the Lok Sabha on Monday, that provides to further amend Article 334 of the Constitution which proposes to extend the reservation for these marginalised sections for another ten years.

Interestingly, the proposed amendment does away with the reservation provided to the Anglo Indian community in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures.

"Although SCs and STs have made considerable progress in the last 70 years, the reasons which weighed with the constituent assembly in making provisions with regard to the aforesaid reservation of seats have not yet ceased to exist.

Therefore, with a view to retaining the inclusive character as envisioned by the founding fathers of the Constitution, it is proposed to continue the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for another 10 years, that is up to 25 January 2030," the proposed Bill states.

The move was set in motion after a meeting of the BJP`s top brass, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister and party chief Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Leader of House in Rajya Sabha and Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, in Parliament on December 3.

The need for bringing in the Bill was felt as the current reservation provision ends on January 26, 2020, and the government wants to get the approval of Parliament ahead of the deadline.

The move by the Narendra Modi government is significant as the BJP is often portrayed as being anti-reservation. Sources stated that this step is expected to send across a message that the Narendra Modi government is with the marginalised sections of the society.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to renew the reservation provided to the marginalised communities like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Parliament and state legislatures.

The Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to renew the reservation provided to the marginalised communities like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Parliament and state legislatures. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will introduce the Constitution (126th Amendment Bill) 2019, in the Lok Sabha on Monday, that provides to further amend Article 334 of the Constitution which proposes to extend the reservation for these marginalised sections for another ten years. Interestingly, the proposed amendment does away with the reservation provided to the Anglo Indian community in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. "Although SCs and STs have made considerable progress in the last 70 years, the reasons which weighed with the constituent assembly in making provisions with regard to the aforesaid reservation of seats have not yet ceased to exist. Therefore, with a view to retaining the inclusive character as envisioned by the founding fathers of the Constitution, it is proposed to continue the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for another 10 years, that is up to 25 January 2030," the proposed Bill states. The move was set in motion after a meeting of the BJP`s top brass, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister and party chief Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Leader of House in Rajya Sabha and Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, in Parliament on December 3. The need for bringing in the Bill was felt as the current reservation provision ends on January 26, 2020, and the government wants to get the approval of Parliament ahead of the deadline. The move by the Narendra Modi government is significant as the BJP is often portrayed as being anti-reservation. Sources stated that this step is expected to send across a message that the Narendra Modi government is with the marginalised sections of the society.

Government to introduce Bill to extend reservation for SC/ST in Lok Sabha on Monday

Union Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/north-remembers-smriti-iranis-dig-at-rahul-gandhi-after-amethi-win-221254">Smriti Irani</a> on Friday said that she was 'saddened' with the alleged misbehavior of two Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha after she spoke on an attack on a rape survivor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao.

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex, Irani said: "Today, I had a Congress MP chastising me for, he said, I spoke aggressively. In the House, some male MPs came towards me rolling up their sleeves."

"After that, a youth MP said why did Smriti even speak? I am saddened. If speaking is a crime since I am a BJP member, I want to see in Parliament on Monday how is the opposition going to punish me further for speaking in the interest of women," she said.

The matter of alleged misbehavior was raised by Parliamentary Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mukhtar-naqvi-and-pralhad-joshi-take-oath-as-minister-222908">Pralhad Joshi</a> after the House met at 1.30 pm following an adjournment earlier. He said that it was wrong to come in front of a woman MP in a 'threatening position.'

"She was expressing her opinion. The behavior is most uncalled for. Call the two members. They should apologise," he said.

BJP MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo said one of the MPs behaved in a threatening way. "He pulled up his sleeve. He came forward," she said.

Meenakshi Lekhi, who was in the Chair, asked Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to talk to the party MPs regarding the apology and adjourned the House till 2.30 pm.

The House earlier witnessed a clash between Congress and BJP members with both accusing each other of politicising the brutal incident in which the Unnao rape survivor was set ablaze.

Irani accused the opposition parties of being quiet "when the rape was used as a political weapon" in West Bengal panchayat elections.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that she was 'saddened' with the alleged misbehavior of two Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha after she spoke on an attack on a rape survivor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that she was 'saddened' with the alleged misbehavior of two Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha after she spoke on an attack on a rape survivor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao. Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex, Irani said: "Today, I had a Congress MP chastising me for, he said, I spoke aggressively. In the House, some male MPs came towards me rolling up their sleeves." "After that, a youth MP said why did Smriti even speak? I am saddened. If speaking is a crime since I am a BJP member, I want to see in Parliament on Monday how is the opposition going to punish me further for speaking in the interest of women," she said. The matter of alleged misbehavior was raised by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi after the House met at 1.30 pm following an adjournment earlier. He said that it was wrong to come in front of a woman MP in a 'threatening position.' "She was expressing her opinion. The behavior is most uncalled for. Call the two members. They should apologise," he said. BJP MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo said one of the MPs behaved in a threatening way. "He pulled up his sleeve. He came forward," she said. Meenakshi Lekhi, who was in the Chair, asked Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to talk to the party MPs regarding the apology and adjourned the House till 2.30 pm. The House earlier witnessed a clash between Congress and BJP members with both accusing each other of politicising the brutal incident in which the Unnao rape survivor was set ablaze. Irani accused the opposition parties of being quiet "when the rape was used as a political weapon" in West Bengal panchayat elections.

I am saddened: Smriti Irani on Congress MP's alleged misbehaviour in Lok Sabha

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that infrastructure such as roads, railway lines and airfields was being ramped up at a fast pace along the border with China to ensure the security of the country.

He said that perceptional differences between the two countries about the Line of Actual Control (LAC) sometimes lead to transgressions by the armies which are settled through existing mechanisms.

Singh told Lok Sabha that the defence forces were fully alert and capable of dealing with any challenge to the security of the country and there was no need of worry.

He was responding to concerns expressed by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury during zero hour who said India adopts a tough stance against Pakistan for its inimical acts but was relatively soft towards China.

Singh said border infrastructure was being boosted.

"The infrastructure on India-China border, such as roads, tunnels, airfields and railway lines, is being developed so that the country`s unity and integrity are ensured fully. The work is being done at a fast pace," he said.

Singh said there have been perceptional differences about the LAC for a long time between forces of the two sides due to which some incidents of transgression or confrontation have taken place.

He said the armies patrol areas according to their understanding of the LAC and "sometimes our forces also go (in the area claimed by China)".

The minister, who faced interruptions from Congress members, said the two armies have mechanisms in place to prevent escalation in such situations and these include flag meetings and hotline.

Singh said the government was fully alert to the security needs of the country, conducts reviews from time to time and takes requisite steps.

"There is no need to feel concerned about the country`s security. There is no need to worry about border security of the country," he said.

He said the long-term steps to deal with border issues with China include talks between special representatives of the two countries, joint secretary-level meetings and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that infrastructure such as roads, railway lines and airfields was being ramped up at a fast pace along the border with China to ensure the security of the country.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that infrastructure such as roads, railway lines and airfields was being ramped up at a fast pace along the border with China to ensure the security of the country. He said that perceptional differences between the two countries about the Line of Actual Control (LAC) sometimes lead to transgressions by the armies which are settled through existing mechanisms. Singh told Lok Sabha that the defence forces were fully alert and capable of dealing with any challenge to the security of the country and there was no need of worry. He was responding to concerns expressed by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury during zero hour who said India adopts a tough stance against Pakistan for its inimical acts but was relatively soft towards China. Singh said border infrastructure was being boosted. "The infrastructure on India-China border, such as roads, tunnels, airfields and railway lines, is being developed so that the country`s unity and integrity are ensured fully. The work is being done at a fast pace," he said. Singh said there have been perceptional differences about the LAC for a long time between forces of the two sides due to which some incidents of transgression or confrontation have taken place. He said the armies patrol areas according to their understanding of the LAC and "sometimes our forces also go (in the area claimed by China)". The minister, who faced interruptions from Congress members, said the two armies have mechanisms in place to prevent escalation in such situations and these include flag meetings and hotline. Singh said the government was fully alert to the security needs of the country, conducts reviews from time to time and takes requisite steps. "There is no need to feel concerned about the country`s security. There is no need to worry about border security of the country," he said. He said the long-term steps to deal with border issues with China include talks between special representatives of the two countries, joint secretary-level meetings and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).

Infrastructure being ramped up at fast pace along China border: Rajnath Singh tells Lok Sabha

The issue of rape and murder of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-locals-protest-over-rape-murder-of-veterinary-doctor-265398">Hyderabad veterinary doctor</a> was raised in both houses of the Parliament on Monday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he has permitted discussion on the matter after Question Hour. In the Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, lawmakers across party lines condemned the gruesome act and called for stricter laws against perpetrators.

The burnt body of the veterinary doctor was found at Shadnagar outskirts in Telangana`s Ranga Reddy district last week.

As per the preliminary probe, the police suspect that the doctor was sexually assaulted before being charred to death.

The police on Friday arrested four persons involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the veterinary doctor.

Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-proves-sceptics-wrong-with-stunning-performance-in-hindi-heartland-221136">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> lawmaker Prabhat Jha gave a Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over `increasing crime against women-specially the incident in Hyderabad`.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh gave Suspension of Business Notice in the Upper House under rule 267, over `increasing crime against women and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-fast-track-court-to-deal-with-vets-rape-case-cm-promises-stringent-punishment-to-culprits-265584">Hyderabad incident</a>`.Trinamool Congress, TMC, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Shiv Sena, Congress have also given an Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over "gang rape and killing of girls in Hyderabad".

The issue of rape and murder of a Hyderabad veterinary doctor was raised in both houses of the Parliament on Monday. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he has permitted discussion on the matter after Question Hour.

The issue of rape and murder of a Hyderabad veterinary doctor was raised in both houses of the Parliament on Monday. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he has permitted discussion on the matter after Question Hour. In the Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, lawmakers across party lines condemned the gruesome act and called for stricter laws against perpetrators. The burnt body of the veterinary doctor was found at Shadnagar outskirts in Telangana`s Ranga Reddy district last week. As per the preliminary probe, the police suspect that the doctor was sexually assaulted before being charred to death. The police on Friday arrested four persons involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the veterinary doctor. Earlier today, Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Prabhat Jha gave a Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over `increasing crime against women-specially the incident in Hyderabad`. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh gave Suspension of Business Notice in the Upper House under rule 267, over `increasing crime against women and Hyderabad incident`.Trinamool Congress, TMC, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Shiv Sena, Congress have also given an Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over "gang rape and killing of girls in Hyderabad".

Hyderabad veterinary doctor's rape, murder rocks Parliament

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday reiterated in Lok Sabha that she had not called Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a "deshbhakt" and expressed apology if someone had been hurt by her remarks.

Pragya, who is known for making controversial remarks, apologised for the second time in Lower House after the opposition members expressed dissatisfaction with her statement made earlier in the day.

"On November 27 during the discussion on SPG bill, I did not call Nathuram Godse 'deshbhakt', did not take his name. Even then if someone has been hurt, I express regret and seek an apology," she said earlier in the day.

However, Thakur had to be checked by Speaker amid interruptions by opposition members after she started speaking.

"I have tolerated many atrocities given by enemies..." she said in the beginning.

The second apology from Thakur came after the meeting of leaders in the House. In her apology in the House earlier, Pragya also raked up of being called terrorist by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi had on November 27 tweeted, "Terrorist Pragya calls terrorist Godse, a patriot. A sad day, in the history of India`s Parliament."

"If any of my remarks in the House have hurt anyone, I express regret for that and apologise. But I also want to say that my words in the House have been twisted and presented wrongly. My remarks had different context which were wrongly presented. The way my words have been twisted, it is condemnable," she said.

"I respect the service done by Mahatma Gandhi for the country. I want to tell the House that a member has publicly called me a terrorist. Despite the conspiracies of the then government against me, no charge has been proved against me. Without charge having been proved, calling me a terrorist is against the law. Calling me terrorist without charges having been proved in an attempt to insult me as a woman, as a "sanyasi", as an MP, is an attack on my dignity," she said.

She alleged the then government had hatched conspiracy to torture her mentally.

The remarks had led to a ruckus in the House with opposition members strongly protesting her remarks. Thakur had made the remarks, which were now expunged when DMK member was speaking on SPG amendment bill in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday reiterated in Lok Sabha that she had not called Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a "deshbhakt" and expressed apology if someone had been hurt by her remarks.

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday reiterated in Lok Sabha that she had not called Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a "deshbhakt" and expressed apology if someone had been hurt by her remarks. Pragya, who is known for making controversial remarks, apologised for the second time in Lower House after the opposition members expressed dissatisfaction with her statement made earlier in the day. "On November 27 during the discussion on SPG bill, I did not call Nathuram Godse 'deshbhakt', did not take his name. Even then if someone has been hurt, I express regret and seek an apology," she said earlier in the day. However, Thakur had to be checked by Speaker amid interruptions by opposition members after she started speaking. "I have tolerated many atrocities given by enemies..." she said in the beginning. The second apology from Thakur came after the meeting of leaders in the House. In her apology in the House earlier, Pragya also raked up of being called terrorist by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had on November 27 tweeted, "Terrorist Pragya calls terrorist Godse, a patriot. A sad day, in the history of India`s Parliament." "If any of my remarks in the House have hurt anyone, I express regret for that and apologise. But I also want to say that my words in the House have been twisted and presented wrongly. My remarks had different context which were wrongly presented. The way my words have been twisted, it is condemnable," she said. "I respect the service done by Mahatma Gandhi for the country. I want to tell the House that a member has publicly called me a terrorist. Despite the conspiracies of the then government against me, no charge has been proved against me. Without charge having been proved, calling me a terrorist is against the law. Calling me terrorist without charges having been proved in an attempt to insult me as a woman, as a "sanyasi", as an MP, is an attack on my dignity," she said. She alleged the then government had hatched conspiracy to torture her mentally. The remarks had led to a ruckus in the House with opposition members strongly protesting her remarks. Thakur had made the remarks, which were now expunged when DMK member was speaking on SPG amendment bill in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Pragya Thakur apologies second time in Lok Sabha, reiterates didn't call Godse 'deshbhakt'

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill that seeks to amend Special Protection Group (SPG) Act to provide that Special Protection Group will provide security to the Prime Minister and members of his immediate family residing with him at his official residence.

The Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by a voice vote after the reply from Home Minister Amit Shah.

It amends Special Protection Group Act, 1988. Congress staged a walkout from the House after the minister'&nbsp;reply.

The bill also provides that SPG will give security to former Prime Ministers, and his immediate family members residing with him at the residence allotted to him for five years from the date he ceases to hold the office.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill that seeks to amend Special Protection Group (SPG) Act to provide that Special Protection Group will provide security to the Prime Minister and members of his immediate family residing with him at his official residence.

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill that seeks to amend Special Protection Group (SPG) Act to provide that Special Protection Group will provide security to the Prime Minister and members of his immediate family residing with him at his official residence. The Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by a voice vote after the reply from Home Minister Amit Shah. It amends Special Protection Group Act, 1988. Congress staged a walkout from the House after the minister' reply. The bill also provides that SPG will give security to former Prime Ministers, and his immediate family members residing with him at the residence allotted to him for five years from the date he ceases to hold the office.

Lok Sabha passes bill to amend SPG Act

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