A stockpile of 15,000 tonnes of uranium is required for achieving supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which manages atomic energy installations, has told a parliamentary panel.

The panel report, which was tabled before the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-nitish-holds-jdu-meeting-in-patna-187291">Lok Sabha</a> in the ongoing Parliament session, also recommended that necessary steps should be taken to ensure new uranium mines are opened as soon as possible to reduce the dependence on the imported uranium.

Currently, a major portion of domestic production of uranium comes from the Jaduguda mines of Jharkhand, which are "old" and the ore is found at "great depths." Moreover, the high extraction cost makes it "unviable" as compared to imported uranium, the panel noted.

Besides the Jaduguda mines, the uranium is extracted from the Tummalapalle mines in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from Jaduguda, uranium reserves are available in Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

India has 22 nuclear power reactors and domestic uranium is used in nuclear plants which are not under the international nuclear energy watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

India currently imports uranium from Kazakhstan, Canada and Russia.

"The committee notes that the DAE aims at a stockpile of 15,000 tonnes of uranium for achieving a level of comfort in so far as achieving supply security of nuclear fuel for nuclear plants is concerned," the panel said in its report.

The government also plans to build a Strategic Uranium Reserve to ensure that there is no shortage of uranium for its power reactors.&nbsp;

For the 10 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), there will be a requirement of about 1250 metric tonnes of natural uranium dioxide fuel, the report said.

The panel also noted that although nuclear plants are heavily capital intensive, the cost per unit power generation is low. It stated that the tariff for the two Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) of Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant with a capacity of 160 MW each is as low as 90 paise per unit whereas it is Rs 2.70 per unit for the new plants.

A stockpile of 15,000 tonnes of uranium is required for achieving supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which manages atomic energy installations, has told a parliamentary panel.

A stockpile of 15,000 tonnes of uranium is required for achieving supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which manages atomic energy installations, has told a parliamentary panel. The panel report, which was tabled before the Lok Sabha in the ongoing Parliament session, also recommended that necessary steps should be taken to ensure new uranium mines are opened as soon as possible to reduce the dependence on the imported uranium. Currently, a major portion of domestic production of uranium comes from the Jaduguda mines of Jharkhand, which are "old" and the ore is found at "great depths." Moreover, the high extraction cost makes it "unviable" as compared to imported uranium, the panel noted. Besides the Jaduguda mines, the uranium is extracted from the Tummalapalle mines in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from Jaduguda, uranium reserves are available in Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. India has 22 nuclear power reactors and domestic uranium is used in nuclear plants which are not under the international nuclear energy watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). India currently imports uranium from Kazakhstan, Canada and Russia. "The committee notes that the DAE aims at a stockpile of 15,000 tonnes of uranium for achieving a level of comfort in so far as achieving supply security of nuclear fuel for nuclear plants is concerned," the panel said in its report. The government also plans to build a Strategic Uranium Reserve to ensure that there is no shortage of uranium for its power reactors. For the 10 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), there will be a requirement of about 1250 metric tonnes of natural uranium dioxide fuel, the report said. The panel also noted that although nuclear plants are heavily capital intensive, the cost per unit power generation is low. It stated that the tariff for the two Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) of Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant with a capacity of 160 MW each is as low as 90 paise per unit whereas it is Rs 2.70 per unit for the new plants.

15,000 tonnes of uranium needed to achieve supply security of fuel for nuclear plants

The national council of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Saturday unanimously decided to extend the terms of all of its office-bearers, including party convener <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-implement-odd-even-scheme-whenever-required-kejriwal-186468">Arvind Kejriwal</a>, by a year.

Hinting at the possibility of the AAP becoming a part of the Grand Alliance of opposition parties in the 2019 general polls, senior party leader Gopal Rai told reporters, "Besides playing our role in the Lok Sabha election, we will cooperate with others (parties) to remove the (Narendra) Modi government."

The party would contest the Lok Sabha election in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Goa and Chandigarh with all its might, he said.

Talking to reporters after a meeting of the AAP national council, party leader Pankaj Gupta said a proposal to extend the term of the current council by a year in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha election and Delhi Assembly polls was passed unanimously.

"The extension of the national council's term means that the terms of the national executive and convener Arvind Kejriwal are also extended by a year," he told PTI.

The term of the national council was to end on April 23, 2019, Gupta said.

"In the coming days, there will be the (2019) Lok Sabha election and after a few months, the Delhi Assembly polls. In view of this, we have decided that the term of the national council will be extended by a year.

"The proposal was passed unanimously," he told reporters.

Asked whether the term of Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal as the party's national convener was also extended, Rai said the terms of all the national council members were extended.

Kejriwal was elected as the national convenor of the AAP for the second time in April 2016 for a period of three years.

According to the party constitution, "No member will hold the same post as an office-bearer for more than two consecutive terms of three years each."

Briefing reporters after the national council meeting, Rai, who is the AAP's Delhi convener, said the council had decided that the party would contest the Lok Sabha polls to end the "autocracy of Narendra Modi".

In other states, the respective state committees will submit their reports to the party's Political Affairs Committee on the strength of the organisation and candidates, Rai said.

He added that the Political Affairs Committee would then take a decision on which seats to contest in these states.

The council discussed issues like the farmers' condition, women security and the Rafale fighter jets deal, which would be raised by the AAP during the campaigning for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rai said.

The national council of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Saturday unanimously decided to extend the terms of all of its office-bearers, including party convener Arvind Kejriwal, by a year.

The national council of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Saturday unanimously decided to extend the terms of all of its office-bearers, including party convener Arvind Kejriwal, by a year. Hinting at the possibility of the AAP becoming a part of the Grand Alliance of opposition parties in the 2019 general polls, senior party leader Gopal Rai told reporters, "Besides playing our role in the Lok Sabha election, we will cooperate with others (parties) to remove the (Narendra) Modi government." The party would contest the Lok Sabha election in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Goa and Chandigarh with all its might, he said. Talking to reporters after a meeting of the AAP national council, party leader Pankaj Gupta said a proposal to extend the term of the current council by a year in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha election and Delhi Assembly polls was passed unanimously. "The extension of the national council's term means that the terms of the national executive and convener Arvind Kejriwal are also extended by a year," he told PTI. The term of the national council was to end on April 23, 2019, Gupta said. "In the coming days, there will be the (2019) Lok Sabha election and after a few months, the Delhi Assembly polls. In view of this, we have decided that the term of the national council will be extended by a year. "The proposal was passed unanimously," he told reporters. Asked whether the term of Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal as the party's national convener was also extended, Rai said the terms of all the national council members were extended. Kejriwal was elected as the national convenor of the AAP for the second time in April 2016 for a period of three years. According to the party constitution, "No member will hold the same post as an office-bearer for more than two consecutive terms of three years each." Briefing reporters after the national council meeting, Rai, who is the AAP's Delhi convener, said the council had decided that the party would contest the Lok Sabha polls to end the "autocracy of Narendra Modi". In other states, the respective state committees will submit their reports to the party's Political Affairs Committee on the strength of the organisation and candidates, Rai said. He added that the Political Affairs Committee would then take a decision on which seats to contest in these states. The council discussed issues like the farmers' condition, women security and the Rafale fighter jets deal, which would be raised by the AAP during the campaigning for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rai said.

AAP national council's term extended by a year, Kejriwal to remain party chief

After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-congress-aiadmk-stage-walkout-186851">Lok Sabha passed triple talaq bill</a> amid huge uproar by some Opposition parties on Thursday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh targeted Congress for not supporting the bill and said this step was essential and he couldn't understand why they walked out this time.

"This was essential and it has been passed. Congress had supported it last time, I can't understand why they walked out this time. I am sure this bill will be passed in the Rajya Sabha as well," Union Home Minister stated while addressing media.

The bill passed in Lok Sabha proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code with the provision of a three-year jail term for the erring husband.

During the proceedings in Lok Sabha regarding the bill, some Opposition parties kept insisting on sending the bill to a Joint Select Committee and walked out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand was not accepted.

Meanwhile, BJP chief Amit Shah took to Twitter to congratulate the government for passing the triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha."Congratulations to PM Modi ji and the entire government for successfully passing the triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha. This is a historic step ensuring equality and dignity for the Muslim women. Congress and other parties must apologise for decades of injustice towards Muslim women," he wrote.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also praised Modi government on Twitter for their commitment towards women empowerment.

"The passing of triple talaq bill by Lok Sabha is a momentous occasion for the dignity and rights of India's Muslim women. The relentless pursuit of enacting this law is testament to PM Narendra Modi government's commitment to the empowerment of women," he said.

The Bill was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed unconstitutional the law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering the word "talaq" three times in quick succession.

After Lok Sabha passed triple talaq bill amid huge uproar by some Opposition parties on Thursday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh targeted Congress for not supporting the bill and said this step was essential and he couldn't understand why they walked out this time.

After Lok Sabha passed triple talaq bill amid huge uproar by some Opposition parties on Thursday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh targeted Congress for not supporting the bill and said this step was essential and he couldn't understand why they walked out this time. "This was essential and it has been passed. Congress had supported it last time, I can't understand why they walked out this time. I am sure this bill will be passed in the Rajya Sabha as well," Union Home Minister stated while addressing media. The bill passed in Lok Sabha proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code with the provision of a three-year jail term for the erring husband. During the proceedings in Lok Sabha regarding the bill, some Opposition parties kept insisting on sending the bill to a Joint Select Committee and walked out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand was not accepted. Meanwhile, BJP chief Amit Shah took to Twitter to congratulate the government for passing the triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha."Congratulations to PM Modi ji and the entire government for successfully passing the triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha. This is a historic step ensuring equality and dignity for the Muslim women. Congress and other parties must apologise for decades of injustice towards Muslim women," he wrote. Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also praised Modi government on Twitter for their commitment towards women empowerment. "The passing of triple talaq bill by Lok Sabha is a momentous occasion for the dignity and rights of India's Muslim women. The relentless pursuit of enacting this law is testament to PM Narendra Modi government's commitment to the empowerment of women," he said. The Bill was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed unconstitutional the law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering the word "talaq" three times in quick succession.

Rajnath Singh targets Congress for opposing triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha

Rajya Sabha members, including TMC's Derek O'Brien and Congress's Rajeev Gowda, on Friday assured the transgender community they will not let the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Bill pass the upper house in its present form and ensure it is sent to the select committee for modifications.

Calling the bill a dangerous piece of legislation that ignores the critiques made by them, members of the transgender community on Friday staged a protest against the bill at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Gowda said a "massive injustice" is being perpetuated through the bill.

"We saw that without much discussion a bill was passed in Lok Sabha. The bill which claims to protecting the rights of the transgender community is actually doing the exact opposite," the Congress spokesperson said.

"When it comes to Rajya Sabha, there is a whole group of us gathered across party lines who will send it to select committee. That will give us a chance to sit with it, to work on improving it and to counter all the negativity infused by the government into the bill," he said.

Tiruchi Siva, a DMK Rajya Sabha member, said the bill is "absurd".

"The government does not even have an idea as what is a transgender.&nbsp;Going through a medical test to prove that you are a transgender is an insult rather than a right given through the bill," he said.

He said the bill will not get passed in Rajya Sabha in its current form. Derek O'Brien promised that the bill will not get passed in Rajya Sabha.

"The movement carried out by the community against the bill is very good and transgenders are loved in Bengal. My message is that don't worry, TMC is the third-largest party in Rajya Sabha and 47 MPs from the party promise that the bill will not be passed in Rajya Sabha. We also have support from other parties. This bill will go to select committee," O'Brien said.

CPI(M) MP Elamaram Kareem also expressed support for the bill and promised they would not let it pass in its current form.

Rajya Sabha members, including TMC's Derek O'Brien and Congress's Rajeev Gowda, on Friday assured the transgender community they will not let the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Bill pass the upper house in its present form and ensure it is sent to the select committee for modifications.

Rajya Sabha members, including TMC's Derek O'Brien and Congress's Rajeev Gowda, on Friday assured the transgender community they will not let the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Bill pass the upper house in its present form and ensure it is sent to the select committee for modifications. Calling the bill a dangerous piece of legislation that ignores the critiques made by them, members of the transgender community on Friday staged a protest against the bill at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Gowda said a "massive injustice" is being perpetuated through the bill. "We saw that without much discussion a bill was passed in Lok Sabha. The bill which claims to protecting the rights of the transgender community is actually doing the exact opposite," the Congress spokesperson said. "When it comes to Rajya Sabha, there is a whole group of us gathered across party lines who will send it to select committee. That will give us a chance to sit with it, to work on improving it and to counter all the negativity infused by the government into the bill," he said. Tiruchi Siva, a DMK Rajya Sabha member, said the bill is "absurd". "The government does not even have an idea as what is a transgender. Going through a medical test to prove that you are a transgender is an insult rather than a right given through the bill," he said. He said the bill will not get passed in Rajya Sabha in its current form. Derek O'Brien promised that the bill will not get passed in Rajya Sabha. "The movement carried out by the community against the bill is very good and transgenders are loved in Bengal. My message is that don't worry, TMC is the third-largest party in Rajya Sabha and 47 MPs from the party promise that the bill will not be passed in Rajya Sabha. We also have support from other parties. This bill will go to select committee," O'Brien said. CPI(M) MP Elamaram Kareem also expressed support for the bill and promised they would not let it pass in its current form.

Will not let transgender bill pass in current form: Rajya Sabha members assure community

Lok Sabha passed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-targets-congress-for-opposing-triple-talaq-bill-in-lok-sabha-186906">triple talaq bill</a> on Friday amid huge uproar by some opposition parties.

BJP had issued a whip to all it's Lok Sabha MP's, two days before tabling the bill mentioning that everyone needs to be present while the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion.

However, 30 party lawmakers did not show up for the discussion.

“I am aware, some MPs told me and took prior permission, about others we will look into the matter. The remaining MPs will be asked for reasons for their absence,” Anurag Thakur, BJP Chief Whip said.

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Anurag Thakur, BJP Chief Whip in Lok Sabha on reports of 30 BJP MPs absent during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> voting: I am aware, some MPs told me and took prior permission, about others we will look into the matter <a href="https://t.co/4jLXgIDvMF">pic.twitter.com/4jLXgIDvMF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078506002360733697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The bill passed in Lok Sabha proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code with the provision of a three-year jail term for the erring husband.

During the proceedings in Lok Sabha regarding the bill, some Opposition parties kept insisting on sending the bill to a Joint Select Committee and walked out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand was not accepted.

The Bill was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed unconstitutional the law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering the word "talaq" three times in quick succession.

Lok Sabha passed triple talaq bill on Friday amid huge uproar by some opposition parties. BJP had issued a whip to all it's Lok Sabha MP's, two days before tabling the bill mentioning that everyone needs to be present while the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion.

Lok Sabha passed triple talaq bill on Friday amid huge uproar by some opposition parties. BJP had issued a whip to all it's Lok Sabha MP's, two days before tabling the bill mentioning that everyone needs to be present while the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion. However, 30 party lawmakers did not show up for the discussion. “I am aware, some MPs told me and took prior permission, about others we will look into the matter. The remaining MPs will be asked for reasons for their absence,” Anurag Thakur, BJP Chief Whip said. Anurag Thakur, BJP Chief Whip in Lok Sabha on reports of 30 BJP MPs absent during #TripleTalaqBill voting: I am aware, some MPs told me and took prior permission, about others we will look into the matter pic.twitter.com/4jLXgIDvMF — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × The bill passed in Lok Sabha proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code with the provision of a three-year jail term for the erring husband. During the proceedings in Lok Sabha regarding the bill, some Opposition parties kept insisting on sending the bill to a Joint Select Committee and walked out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand was not accepted. The Bill was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed unconstitutional the law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering the word "talaq" three times in quick succession.

30 BJP lawmakers fails to show up at Triple Talaq Bill discussion

The Centre Friday said in the Lok Sabha that there was no other option left with the Governor but to recommend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir as no party or alliance staked claim to form government and asserted that it was ready to hold assembly polls in the state.

Replying to a discussion on the resolution on a presidential proclamation about imposition of President's Rule in the state, <a href="Rajnath Singh targets Congress for opposing triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha">Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> also rejected claims of some opposition parties that the BJP was propping up a regional party to form government.

The resolution was adopted by a voice vote.

If the BJP wanted to indulge in horse-trading to form government, then it would have done so during the six-month Governor's Rule, he said.

The Home Minister said the then Governor N N Vohra had sent a report in June after speaking to leaders of all major parties that none of them had expressed any intention to form a government.

The Central government would take no wrong or immoral action in the state, Singh asserted, saying it is ready for assembly polls but the decision has to be taken by the Election Commission.

"We are totally committed to democratic process," he said.&nbsp;

The Centre Friday said in the Lok Sabha that there was no other option left with the Governor but to recommend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir as no party or alliance staked claim to form government and asserted that it was ready to hold assembly polls in the state.

The Centre Friday said in the Lok Sabha that there was no other option left with the Governor but to recommend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir as no party or alliance staked claim to form government and asserted that it was ready to hold assembly polls in the state. Replying to a discussion on the resolution on a presidential proclamation about imposition of President's Rule in the state, Home Minister Rajnath Singh also rejected claims of some opposition parties that the BJP was propping up a regional party to form government. The resolution was adopted by a voice vote. If the BJP wanted to indulge in horse-trading to form government, then it would have done so during the six-month Governor's Rule, he said. The Home Minister said the then Governor N N Vohra had sent a report in June after speaking to leaders of all major parties that none of them had expressed any intention to form a government. The Central government would take no wrong or immoral action in the state, Singh asserted, saying it is ready for assembly polls but the decision has to be taken by the Election Commission. "We are totally committed to democratic process," he said.

Government ready to hold assembly polls in Jammu & Kashmir: Rajnath Singh

It is a big day for Muslim women with the Lok Sabha set to discuss the bill on instant triple talaq, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said on Thursday as the government struggled to get consensus on the issue.

Leaders from various parties spoke on the issue of the proposed law that will make instant triple talaq illegal and void and attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

"It is a big day for Muslim women. They have been facing injustice for the past 1,000 years. The Modi government is going to pass the bill against triple talaq. It could have happened in 2017, but certain state Congress governments were opposing the decision. The Cabinet passed an ordinance and now the government is going to free all Muslim women from triple talaq," Goel told reporters outside Parliament.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to the government to refrain from interfering in religious matters.

"We will discuss the bill. The government shouldn't interfere in religious matters," Kharge said, citing Article 25 of the Constitution on 'freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion'.

The government, he said, is interfering in every religious matter.

"Hence, we're fighting it. We will ask all parties about the bill, on whether there are problems with it. We will see if sending it to a parliamentary committee is the solution," said the Congress leader.

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Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on discussion on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqbill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqbill</a> in Lok Sabha today: We will take part in the discussion and keep forward our opinion. We will appeal to the govt that it should not interfere in a religious matter. <a href="https://t.co/ThQ4U5fxz5">pic.twitter.com/ThQ4U5fxz5</a>
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CPI leader D Raja told reporters that the bill should be sent to a select committee for further deliberations.

According to Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, the husband should not directly be sent to jail.

"That needs to be figured out," he said.

The Lok Sabha last week decided to take up the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-to-take-up-discussion-on-triple-talaq-bill-today-186756">Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill</a>, 2018, on December 27 after the Congress agreed to participate in the debate.

The fresh bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September.

The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House but amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable.

As the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments.

An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses.

The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

It is a big day for Muslim women with the Lok Sabha set to discuss the bill on instant triple talaq, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said on Thursday as the government struggled to get consensus on the issue.

It is a big day for Muslim women with the Lok Sabha set to discuss the bill on instant triple talaq, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said on Thursday as the government struggled to get consensus on the issue. Leaders from various parties spoke on the issue of the proposed law that will make instant triple talaq illegal and void and attract a jail term of three years for the husband. "It is a big day for Muslim women. They have been facing injustice for the past 1,000 years. The Modi government is going to pass the bill against triple talaq. It could have happened in 2017, but certain state Congress governments were opposing the decision. The Cabinet passed an ordinance and now the government is going to free all Muslim women from triple talaq," Goel told reporters outside Parliament. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to the government to refrain from interfering in religious matters. "We will discuss the bill. The government shouldn't interfere in religious matters," Kharge said, citing Article 25 of the Constitution on 'freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion'. The government, he said, is interfering in every religious matter. "Hence, we're fighting it. We will ask all parties about the bill, on whether there are problems with it. We will see if sending it to a parliamentary committee is the solution," said the Congress leader. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on discussion on #TripleTalaqbill in Lok Sabha today: We will take part in the discussion and keep forward our opinion. We will appeal to the govt that it should not interfere in a religious matter. pic.twitter.com/ThQ4U5fxz5 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × CPI leader D Raja told reporters that the bill should be sent to a select committee for further deliberations. According to Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, the husband should not directly be sent to jail. "That needs to be figured out," he said. The Lok Sabha last week decided to take up the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, on December 27 after the Congress agreed to participate in the debate. The fresh bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House but amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. As the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

Big day for Muslim women, government will pass triple talaq bill: Vijay Goel

Lok Sabha proceedings were again disrupted on Thursday as vociferous protests and sloganeering over various issues forced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House till noon.

Despite repeated warnings from Mahajan, Congress, AIADMK and TDP members continued to stand in the Well of the House and sought to raise various issues, including Rafale deal.

Soon after the Question Hour began, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge wanted to raise the issue of Rafale deal but Mahajan said the matter can be raised during the Zero Hour.

Besides Congress members who were demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal, those from AIADMK protested against the construction of a dam across Cauvery River. TDP members sought to raise issues related to Andhra Pradesh.

As more than 30 members from the three parties continued to shout slogans and displayed placards while standing in the Well, Mahajan's repeated requests asking them to go back to their seats did not yield any result.

"I am warning you. Go back to your seats... I will be naming you," a visibly peeved Mahajan told protesting members.

"I want justice for all...," the Speaker said as she wanted the proceedings to continue.

Kharge said the government should be directed to constitute a JPC to look into the Rafale deal.

One question was taken up during the Question Hour, which went on for around 15 minutes.

As the din continued, Mahajan adjourned the House till noon.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha proceedings were again disrupted on Thursday as vociferous protests and sloganeering over various issues forced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House till noon.

Lok Sabha proceedings were again disrupted on Thursday as vociferous protests and sloganeering over various issues forced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House till noon. Despite repeated warnings from Mahajan, Congress, AIADMK and TDP members continued to stand in the Well of the House and sought to raise various issues, including Rafale deal. Soon after the Question Hour began, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge wanted to raise the issue of Rafale deal but Mahajan said the matter can be raised during the Zero Hour. Besides Congress members who were demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal, those from AIADMK protested against the construction of a dam across Cauvery River. TDP members sought to raise issues related to Andhra Pradesh. As more than 30 members from the three parties continued to shout slogans and displayed placards while standing in the Well, Mahajan's repeated requests asking them to go back to their seats did not yield any result. "I am warning you. Go back to your seats... I will be naming you," a visibly peeved Mahajan told protesting members. "I want justice for all...," the Speaker said as she wanted the proceedings to continue. Kharge said the government should be directed to constitute a JPC to look into the Rafale deal. One question was taken up during the Question Hour, which went on for around 15 minutes. As the din continued, Mahajan adjourned the House till noon.

Lok Sabha adjourned amid protests over Rafale deal, other issues

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move the triple talaq bill that will be taken up in the Lok Sabha today.

A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the triple talaq bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to move the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaq</a> bill to be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha today. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/pmMSsaORwF">pic.twitter.com/pmMSsaORwF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078133975875534848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The fresh bill aims to make the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslims an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the provision of three-year jail for the husband.

BJP on Tuesday issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members to be present in the House on December 27 when the bill will be taken up for discussion and is likely to be put to vote.

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Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on discussion on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqbill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqbill</a> in Lok Sabha today: We will take part in the discussion and keep forward our opinion. We will appeal to the govt that it should not interfere in a religious matter. <a href="https://t.co/ThQ4U5fxz5">pic.twitter.com/ThQ4U5fxz5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078156633035935744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The three-line whip is a strict instruction to the Members of Parliament from their respective party which necessitates their presence in the House and participates in the voting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-committed-to-make-law-on-triple-talaq-pm-modi-185896">Centre was committed</a> to making a law on triple talaq despite facing "hurdles" from "hardliners" and opposition parties.&nbsp; The prime minister also talked about his government's resolve to make the law on triple talaq.&nbsp;

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Congress issues whip to its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House today: Sources <a href="https://t.co/NS9LoS3v6D">pic.twitter.com/NS9LoS3v6D</a>
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The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17. It aims to replace the ordinance issued by the Central government in September, banning the instant triple talaq.

(With inputs from ANI)

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move the triple talaq bill that will be taken up in the Lok Sabha today. A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the triple talaq bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, news agency ANI reported.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move the triple talaq bill that will be taken up in the Lok Sabha today. A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the triple talaq bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, news agency ANI reported. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to move the #TripleTalaq bill to be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha today. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/pmMSsaORwF — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × The fresh bill aims to make the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslims an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the provision of three-year jail for the husband. BJP on Tuesday issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members to be present in the House on December 27 when the bill will be taken up for discussion and is likely to be put to vote. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on discussion on #TripleTalaqbill in Lok Sabha today: We will take part in the discussion and keep forward our opinion. We will appeal to the govt that it should not interfere in a religious matter. pic.twitter.com/ThQ4U5fxz5 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × The three-line whip is a strict instruction to the Members of Parliament from their respective party which necessitates their presence in the House and participates in the voting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Centre was committed to making a law on triple talaq despite facing "hurdles" from "hardliners" and opposition parties. The prime minister also talked about his government's resolve to make the law on triple talaq. Congress issues whip to its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House today: Sources pic.twitter.com/NS9LoS3v6D — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17. It aims to replace the ordinance issued by the Central government in September, banning the instant triple talaq. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha to take up discussion on triple talaq bill today

BJP on Tuesday issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members to be present in the House on December 27 when the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion and is likely to be put to vote.

The three-line whip is a strict instruction to the Members of Parliament from their respective party which necessitates their presence in the House and participates in the voting.

Any breach of the whip has serious consequences including disciplinary action against the violators of the whip.

The fresh Triple Talaq Bill aims to make the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslims an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the provision of three-year jail for the husband.

The Bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, will replace the ordinance issued by the Central government in September, banning the instant triple talaq.

With the Lok Sabha failing to function properly due to disruptions ever since the Winter Session began on December 11, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on last Friday had chaired a meeting of the Rules Committee during which law to punish erring members with disciplinary action was favoured.

In that meeting, while referring to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's comments that his party was ready to discuss the instant Triple Talaq Bill on December 27, the Speaker had said: "I believe that on 27th the House will function smoothly."

The instant triple talaq was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional a law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession.In a landmark 3-2 verdict, the Apex Court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that Triple Talaq was an integral part of religious practice.&nbsp;

BJP on Tuesday issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members to be present in the House on December 27 when the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion and is likely to be put to vote.

BJP on Tuesday issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members to be present in the House on December 27 when the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion and is likely to be put to vote. The three-line whip is a strict instruction to the Members of Parliament from their respective party which necessitates their presence in the House and participates in the voting. Any breach of the whip has serious consequences including disciplinary action against the violators of the whip. The fresh Triple Talaq Bill aims to make the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslims an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the provision of three-year jail for the husband. The Bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, will replace the ordinance issued by the Central government in September, banning the instant triple talaq. With the Lok Sabha failing to function properly due to disruptions ever since the Winter Session began on December 11, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on last Friday had chaired a meeting of the Rules Committee during which law to punish erring members with disciplinary action was favoured. In that meeting, while referring to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's comments that his party was ready to discuss the instant Triple Talaq Bill on December 27, the Speaker had said: "I believe that on 27th the House will function smoothly." The instant triple talaq was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional a law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession.In a landmark 3-2 verdict, the Apex Court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that Triple Talaq was an integral part of religious practice.

Discussion on triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha today on December 27

Anticipating a debate on the contentious triple talaq bill, the Congress on Thursday issued a whip to all its MPs in Lok Sabha.

According to sources, all Lok Sabha members have been asked to be present throughout the day for participation should the debate come up.

The Congress has maintained a cautious approach on the legislation banning instant triple talaq and criminalising the offence.

Party leaders have argued against criminalisation and have also sought amendments to the bill to ensure the financial protection of women through a maintenance package by the state.

The Congress has said it is not against the legislation but certain provisions in the bill presented and has sought amendments.

Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has been asking who will take care of the woman after her husband faces penal action under the law.&nbsp;

Anticipating a debate on the contentious triple talaq bill, the Congress on Thursday issued a whip to all its MPs in Lok Sabha. According to sources, all Lok Sabha members have been asked to be present throughout the day for participation should the debate come up.

Anticipating a debate on the contentious triple talaq bill, the Congress on Thursday issued a whip to all its MPs in Lok Sabha. According to sources, all Lok Sabha members have been asked to be present throughout the day for participation should the debate come up. The Congress has maintained a cautious approach on the legislation banning instant triple talaq and criminalising the offence. Party leaders have argued against criminalisation and have also sought amendments to the bill to ensure the financial protection of women through a maintenance package by the state. The Congress has said it is not against the legislation but certain provisions in the bill presented and has sought amendments. Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has been asking who will take care of the woman after her husband faces penal action under the law.

Triple talaq bill: Congress issues whip to its Lok Sabha MPs

A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-ordinance-why-no-similar-penal-provisions-for-hindu-men-deserting-women-asks-opposition-166709">Triple Talaq</a> Bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

The fresh bill, which prohibits divorce of Muslim couples by pronouncing 'talaq'&nbsp;(divorce) three times by their husbands, was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under this proposed law, Muslim men giving instant triple talaq will attract imprisonment of three years.

According to the Lok Sabha`s revised business list, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will introduce the bill in the lower house today."Ravi Shankar Prasad to move that the Bill protect the rights of married Muslim women and to prohibit divorce by pronouncing talaq by their husbands and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration," the document read.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591">Woman accuses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591">husband</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591"> of triple talaq over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591">phone</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591"> in Hyderabad</a>

The ordinance was passed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet as this bill could not be tabled on the last day of the Monsoon session held in September, owing to a lack of consensus among political quarters.

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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel: An ordinance on triple talaq will be presented as a Bill in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, hence the BJP has issued a whip. <a href="https://t.co/SHQnHOk8c4">pic.twitter.com/SHQnHOk8c4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077829616721510400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The central government gave nod to a number of crucial amendments to the Ordinance, including a provision for bail to an accused before the commencement of trial. The other amendment cleared by the Centre includes allowing only a woman or her close kin to file a police case against her spouse for instant triple talaq.

As per the Ordinance, the victim is also allowed to drop the case if her spouse comes around later and they arrive at a compromise. It also mandates that the magistrate can decide on releasing the husband on bail only after hearing the wife`s stance.

In accordance with the Ordinance, a Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared is entitled to get subsistence allowance from her spouse for herself and for her dependent children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by the Magistrate hearing the case.

The current Ordinance also allows victims to seek custody of her minor children; however, the manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate. It also makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.

The issue of triple talaq was taken up in the Parliament after in August last year, a five-judge bench of the apex court ruled unconstitutional a law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession.

In a landmark 3-2 verdict, the Supreme Court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that triple talaq was an integral part of religious practice.

A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the Triple Talaq Bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the Triple Talaq Bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The fresh bill, which prohibits divorce of Muslim couples by pronouncing 'talaq' (divorce) three times by their husbands, was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under this proposed law, Muslim men giving instant triple talaq will attract imprisonment of three years. According to the Lok Sabha`s revised business list, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will introduce the bill in the lower house today."Ravi Shankar Prasad to move that the Bill protect the rights of married Muslim women and to prohibit divorce by pronouncing talaq by their husbands and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration," the document read. Also read: Woman accuses husband of triple talaq over phone in Hyderabad The ordinance was passed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet as this bill could not be tabled on the last day of the Monsoon session held in September, owing to a lack of consensus among political quarters. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel: An ordinance on triple talaq will be presented as a Bill in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, hence the BJP has issued a whip. pic.twitter.com/SHQnHOk8c4 — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × The central government gave nod to a number of crucial amendments to the Ordinance, including a provision for bail to an accused before the commencement of trial. The other amendment cleared by the Centre includes allowing only a woman or her close kin to file a police case against her spouse for instant triple talaq. As per the Ordinance, the victim is also allowed to drop the case if her spouse comes around later and they arrive at a compromise. It also mandates that the magistrate can decide on releasing the husband on bail only after hearing the wife`s stance. In accordance with the Ordinance, a Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared is entitled to get subsistence allowance from her spouse for herself and for her dependent children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by the Magistrate hearing the case. The current Ordinance also allows victims to seek custody of her minor children; however, the manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate. It also makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal. The issue of triple talaq was taken up in the Parliament after in August last year, a five-judge bench of the apex court ruled unconstitutional a law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession. In a landmark 3-2 verdict, the Supreme Court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that triple talaq was an integral part of religious practice.

Triple talaq bill to be discussed in Lok Sabha on December 27

Congress party and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-ncp-leader-tariq-anwar-joins-congress-173795">National Congress Party (NCP) </a>have reached a consensus on sharing 40 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, NCP president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sharad-pawar-hits-out-at-pm-modi-over-cbi-row-172994">Sharad Pawar</a>, stated on Monday, "In Maharashtra, NCP and Congress will together contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections along with Peasants and Workers Party of India.&nbsp;

Till now, we have decided the seat-sharing on 40 seats, still, eight are left. If any consensus is not reached on remaining eight seats then the final decision will be taken by the two party chiefs in New Delhi.

"During 2014 general elections, the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress had fielded political contenders for 27 constituencies in Maharashtra, while the Pawar-led NCP had contested on 21 seats.&nbsp;

Earlier, the seat sharing was fixed at 26:22, but later the NCP decided not to contest from the Hatkanangale constituency as it did not have any contender. This seat was later contested by the Congress.

Congress party and National Congress Party (NCP) have reached a consensus on sharing 40 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. Speaking to ANI, NCP president Sharad Pawar, stated on Monday, "In Maharashtra, NCP and Congress will together contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections along with Peasants and Workers Party of India.

Congress party and National Congress Party (NCP) have reached a consensus on sharing 40 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. Speaking to ANI, NCP president Sharad Pawar, stated on Monday, "In Maharashtra, NCP and Congress will together contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections along with Peasants and Workers Party of India. Till now, we have decided the seat-sharing on 40 seats, still, eight are left. If any consensus is not reached on remaining eight seats then the final decision will be taken by the two party chiefs in New Delhi. "During 2014 general elections, the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress had fielded political contenders for 27 constituencies in Maharashtra, while the Pawar-led NCP had contested on 21 seats. Earlier, the seat sharing was fixed at 26:22, but later the NCP decided not to contest from the Hatkanangale constituency as it did not have any contender. This seat was later contested by the Congress.

2019 polls: Congress, NCP reach seat-sharing consensus in Maharashtra

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair. 
 
The panel’s recommendation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/schools-run-better-than-our-parliament-are-we-worse-than-school-kids-asks-sumitra-mahajan-185223">Speaker Sumitra Mahajan</a> comes at a time regular disruptions of the House have become the norm. The recommendation, to suspend five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less, was made in a draft report placed before the committee in its meeting chaired by the speaker. Miffed over MPs holding placards inside the Lok Sabha and creating a ruckus, Mahajan called a meeting of the committee on Thursday. 
 
According to the draft report placed before the committee, an amendment of&nbsp; Rule 374A (1) of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, which deals with suspension of the member, has been recommended. Those members repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their own seats and warned shall be automatically suspended rather than being named by the speaker, it was proposed.

At present, the rules state that such members will only be suspended after they are named by the Speaker. 
 
“…in the event of a grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the house or abusing the rules of the house persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, despite being repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their seats and warned, such member shall stand automatically suspended from the service of the house for five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less,” the Rules Committee said in its draft report.

Once the warning has been issued by the speaker, the house would have to be adjourned for a reasonable period of time to enable the secretary general to enlist the names of members, the report adds. 
 
There were differences among members of the committee over the period of suspension. TMC MP Saugata Roy’s suggestion that the suspension should be for one day, was backed by MPs from other parties as well.

The Rules Committee functions as an advisory body to the speaker. It considers matters of procedure and conduct of business and makes recommendations for any amendment or addition to the rules. A proposal for an amendment to the rules can be made by any member of the House or by the presiding officer or committee. 
 
The proposals after being examined by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and approved by the chairperson (the speaker) are placed before the Committee for consideration in the form of memoranda.

Article 118(1) of the Constitution provides that each House of Parliament may make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of its business.

On April 1, 1950, the speaker made an announcement in the House regarding the appointment of a committee to examine suggestions that might be received from members from time to time for amendment of the Rules.

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair.

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair. The panel’s recommendation to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan comes at a time regular disruptions of the House have become the norm. The recommendation, to suspend five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less, was made in a draft report placed before the committee in its meeting chaired by the speaker. Miffed over MPs holding placards inside the Lok Sabha and creating a ruckus, Mahajan called a meeting of the committee on Thursday. According to the draft report placed before the committee, an amendment of Rule 374A (1) of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, which deals with suspension of the member, has been recommended. Those members repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their own seats and warned shall be automatically suspended rather than being named by the speaker, it was proposed. At present, the rules state that such members will only be suspended after they are named by the Speaker. “…in the event of a grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the house or abusing the rules of the house persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, despite being repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their seats and warned, such member shall stand automatically suspended from the service of the house for five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less,” the Rules Committee said in its draft report. Once the warning has been issued by the speaker, the house would have to be adjourned for a reasonable period of time to enable the secretary general to enlist the names of members, the report adds. There were differences among members of the committee over the period of suspension. TMC MP Saugata Roy’s suggestion that the suspension should be for one day, was backed by MPs from other parties as well. The Rules Committee functions as an advisory body to the speaker. It considers matters of procedure and conduct of business and makes recommendations for any amendment or addition to the rules. A proposal for an amendment to the rules can be made by any member of the House or by the presiding officer or committee. The proposals after being examined by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and approved by the chairperson (the speaker) are placed before the Committee for consideration in the form of memoranda. Article 118(1) of the Constitution provides that each House of Parliament may make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of its business. On April 1, 1950, the speaker made an announcement in the House regarding the appointment of a committee to examine suggestions that might be received from members from time to time for amendment of the Rules.

Automatically suspend members who enter well of house, panel tells speaker Sumitra Mahajan

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-ordinance-why-no-similar-penal-provisions-for-hindu-men-deserting-women-asks-opposition-166709">triple talaq</a>" over phone, police said.

Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station.

We are consulting legal experts to ascertain whether a case can be booked under the recent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-ordinance-challenged-supreme-court-167593">Ordinance on triple talaq</a>, she told PTI.

In the complaint, the victim stated that she got married in January 2017 and her husband Mohammed Muzammil started harassing her just after one month of the marriage.

He intensified the torture after a girl child was born in February this year.

"On November 28, he (husband) called me on WhatsApp and abused. He pronounced talaq, talaq and talaq and disconnected the call. I need justice. I came to know that he is looking to get married with another woman," she said.

The police official further said they are seeking cyber experts assistance also to crack the WhatsApp call data.

The Supreme Court had struck down the practice of divorce through triple talaq among Muslims as "void," "illegal" and "unconstitutional"

Earlier this week, the central government had introduced a fresh bill in the Lok Sabha to make triple talaq a penal offence.

The bill replaces an ordinance issued in September.

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "triple talaq" over phone, police said. Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station.

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "triple talaq" over phone, police said. Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station. We are consulting legal experts to ascertain whether a case can be booked under the recent Ordinance on triple talaq, she told PTI. In the complaint, the victim stated that she got married in January 2017 and her husband Mohammed Muzammil started harassing her just after one month of the marriage. He intensified the torture after a girl child was born in February this year. "On November 28, he (husband) called me on WhatsApp and abused. He pronounced talaq, talaq and talaq and disconnected the call. I need justice. I came to know that he is looking to get married with another woman," she said. The police official further said they are seeking cyber experts assistance also to crack the WhatsApp call data. The Supreme Court had struck down the practice of divorce through triple talaq among Muslims as "void," "illegal" and "unconstitutional" Earlier this week, the central government had introduced a fresh bill in the Lok Sabha to make triple talaq a penal offence. The bill replaces an ordinance issued in September.

Hyderabad: Woman accuses husband of triple talaq over phone

A bill that bars commercial surrogacy and allows only close relatives to act as surrogates to needy infertile couples for "altruistic" reasons was passed by the Lok Sabha Wednesday with Health Minister J P Nadda terming the proposed legislation historic.

The 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016' was passed after an hour-long debate amid noisy protests by Congress and AIADMK members over various issues.

Nadda said different sections of society, political parties, the Supreme Court and the Law Commission have spoken against commercial surrogacy and that the bill addresses these concerns.

India had become a hub of commercial surrogacy and surrogate mothers also suffered from exploitation, he told the House.

"The bill protects women from exploitation and ensures the rights of the child born through surrogacy. It has been a demand from all sections of society," he said.

The bill proposes complete ban on commercial surrogacy, but altruistic surrogacy will be permitted for needy infertile couple under strict regulation. The bill entitles only Indian citizens to avail surrogacy. Foreigners, NRIs and PIOs are not allowed to seek surrogacy in the country.

Under this bill, homosexuals, single parents, and live-in couples are also not entitled for surrogacy. Also, couples who already have children will not be allowed to go for surrogacy, though they would be free to adopt a child under a separate law.

Though members of different parties, who spoke during the debate supported the bill, some, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of the Trinamool Congress and NCP's Supriya Sule, exhorted the government to expand its scope.

Sule said the bill was good but not modern enough, while Dastidar said same sex couples should also be allowed to have a child through surrogacy.

She also called for stopping "fashion surrogacy", saying some celebrities go for it as they do not want their figures "destroyed".

BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab said the surrogacy industry has been thriving due to regulatory gap and asked the government to define who close relatives can be.

Nadda said the aim of the bill was to stop commercial surrogacy but at the same time save families by allowing them to have children by using modern science.

The bill proposes to regulate surrogacy by establishing appropriate authorities at the central level and in states and Union Territories (UTs), an official statement had said.

Once the bill is enacted by Parliament, the National Surrogacy Board will be constituted. States and UTs will constitute the state surrogacy boards and state appropriate authorities within three months of the notification by the central government.

While commercial surrogacy will be prohibited, including sale and purchase of human embryo and gametes, ethical surrogacy to the needy infertile couples will be allowed on fulfilment of certain conditions and for specific purposes.

The bill shall apply to all states, except Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement had earlier said.

Noting that India is emerging as a "surrogacy hub" for couples from different countries, it said there have been reported incidents concerning unethical practices, exploitation of surrogate mothers, abandonment of children born out of surrogacy and rackets of intermediaries importing human embryos and gametes.

The 228th report of the Law Commission had recommended prohibiting commercial surrogacy and allowing ethical altruistic surrogacy by enacting a suitable legislation.

The 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016' was introduced in the Lok Sabha on November 21 in 2016 and was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in January 2017.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee held various meetings with stakeholders, central government ministries and department, NGOs, medical professionals, lawyers, researchers, commissioning parents and surrogate mothers for holding discussions and to receive their suggestions.

The 102nd report of the departmental-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare on the bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha and simultaneously in the Lok Sabha on August 10, last year.

The panel had recommended there should be no discrimination against people of Indian-origin living abroad seeking to use surrogacy services in India. 
There is "no point" in restricting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) from using surrogacy services, the panel's report, tabled in the Parliament had said.

While recommending that foreign nationals be kept out of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, it advocated an appropriate mechanism for a complete background check of NRIs, PIOs and OCIs intending to use the services of surrogates for bearing a child on their behalf.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill allows surrogacy only for legally married couples after five years of marriage and with a doctor's certificate stating that they are medically unfit to reproduce. Women within the age group of 23 to 50 years and men between 26 to 55 years will be eligible to go for surrogacy.

To check commercial exploitation and middlemen, the surrogate mother can only be a close relative, like a sister or sister-in-law who is married and has at least one healthy biological child. A woman can be a surrogate only once in her lifetime. The bill also has penal provision for misuse of surrogacy.

A bill that bars commercial surrogacy and allows only close relatives to act as surrogates to needy infertile couples for "altruistic" reasons was passed by the Lok Sabha Wednesday with Health Minister J P Nadda terming the proposed legislation historic.

A bill that bars commercial surrogacy and allows only close relatives to act as surrogates to needy infertile couples for "altruistic" reasons was passed by the Lok Sabha Wednesday with Health Minister J P Nadda terming the proposed legislation historic. The 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016' was passed after an hour-long debate amid noisy protests by Congress and AIADMK members over various issues. Nadda said different sections of society, political parties, the Supreme Court and the Law Commission have spoken against commercial surrogacy and that the bill addresses these concerns. India had become a hub of commercial surrogacy and surrogate mothers also suffered from exploitation, he told the House. "The bill protects women from exploitation and ensures the rights of the child born through surrogacy. It has been a demand from all sections of society," he said. The bill proposes complete ban on commercial surrogacy, but altruistic surrogacy will be permitted for needy infertile couple under strict regulation. The bill entitles only Indian citizens to avail surrogacy. Foreigners, NRIs and PIOs are not allowed to seek surrogacy in the country. Under this bill, homosexuals, single parents, and live-in couples are also not entitled for surrogacy. Also, couples who already have children will not be allowed to go for surrogacy, though they would be free to adopt a child under a separate law. Though members of different parties, who spoke during the debate supported the bill, some, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of the Trinamool Congress and NCP's Supriya Sule, exhorted the government to expand its scope. Sule said the bill was good but not modern enough, while Dastidar said same sex couples should also be allowed to have a child through surrogacy. She also called for stopping "fashion surrogacy", saying some celebrities go for it as they do not want their figures "destroyed". BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab said the surrogacy industry has been thriving due to regulatory gap and asked the government to define who close relatives can be. Nadda said the aim of the bill was to stop commercial surrogacy but at the same time save families by allowing them to have children by using modern science. The bill proposes to regulate surrogacy by establishing appropriate authorities at the central level and in states and Union Territories (UTs), an official statement had said. Once the bill is enacted by Parliament, the National Surrogacy Board will be constituted. States and UTs will constitute the state surrogacy boards and state appropriate authorities within three months of the notification by the central government. While commercial surrogacy will be prohibited, including sale and purchase of human embryo and gametes, ethical surrogacy to the needy infertile couples will be allowed on fulfilment of certain conditions and for specific purposes. The bill shall apply to all states, except Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement had earlier said. Noting that India is emerging as a "surrogacy hub" for couples from different countries, it said there have been reported incidents concerning unethical practices, exploitation of surrogate mothers, abandonment of children born out of surrogacy and rackets of intermediaries importing human embryos and gametes. The 228th report of the Law Commission had recommended prohibiting commercial surrogacy and allowing ethical altruistic surrogacy by enacting a suitable legislation. The 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016' was introduced in the Lok Sabha on November 21 in 2016 and was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in January 2017. The Parliamentary Standing Committee held various meetings with stakeholders, central government ministries and department, NGOs, medical professionals, lawyers, researchers, commissioning parents and surrogate mothers for holding discussions and to receive their suggestions. The 102nd report of the departmental-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare on the bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha and simultaneously in the Lok Sabha on August 10, last year. The panel had recommended there should be no discrimination against people of Indian-origin living abroad seeking to use surrogacy services in India. There is "no point" in restricting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) from using surrogacy services, the panel's report, tabled in the Parliament had said. While recommending that foreign nationals be kept out of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, it advocated an appropriate mechanism for a complete background check of NRIs, PIOs and OCIs intending to use the services of surrogates for bearing a child on their behalf. The bill allows surrogacy only for legally married couples after five years of marriage and with a doctor's certificate stating that they are medically unfit to reproduce. Women within the age group of 23 to 50 years and men between 26 to 55 years will be eligible to go for surrogacy. To check commercial exploitation and middlemen, the surrogate mother can only be a close relative, like a sister or sister-in-law who is married and has at least one healthy biological child. A woman can be a surrogate only once in her lifetime. The bill also has penal provision for misuse of surrogacy.

Lok Sabha passes bill which bans commercial surrogacy

Parliament proceedings were disrupted for the fourth consecutive day Monday over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-judgement-govt-moves-sc-seeking-correction-in-para-which-makes-reference-to-cag-report-pac-184280">Rafale jet deal</a> and Cauvery issues, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/potests-over-rafale-cauvery-both-houses-adjourned-for-day-183475">leading to adjournment</a> of Rajya Sabha for the day soon after it met, and Lok Sabha after passing a bill on transgender rights amid adjournments.

In Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House within minutes of assembling as Members of Tamil Nadu parties DMK and AIADMK&nbsp;stormed into the well and Congress and treasury benches raised slogans.

The leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he has given a notice for taking up of a discussion over the government allegedly misguiding the Supreme Court over the purchase of Rafale jets from France.

He was countered by slogan-shouting from members of treasury benches who demanded an apology from the Congress after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the deal.

AIADMK and DMK members were in the well seeking a permanent solution to the Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice since it met in the morning, before being adjourned for the day.

The treasury and the opposition benches sparred over the Rafale jet deal issue with both sides raising slogans against each other.

While the AIADMK raised issues related to the construction of a dam over the Cauvery river, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) sought special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Congress members raised the issue of government's stand in the Supreme Court over the Rafale deal and accused it of misleading the top court.

BJP members, who were on their feet, raised slogans such as "Rahul Gandhi apologise" to counter the Congress offensive.

Monday was the fifth sitting of the Winter session.

While on Tuesday last, the two Houses were adjourned for the day after obituary references to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Cabinet Minister Ananth Kumar and other sitting members, little business was transacted in the two Houses on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, which makes the practice of instant triple talaq a penal offence, was introduced in Lok Sabha after it met in the noon on Monday.

It seeks to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Amid slogan shouting, Congress' Shashi Tharoor opposed the introduction of the bill, terming it as unconstitutional.

When the House met again after a second adjournment, The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill was moved for passage.

Amid din, five members participated in the debate questioning the provisions of the legislation.

The 27 amendments moved by the government, along with some others moved by opposition members, were considered amid noisy scenes.

The bill was later passed and the House adjourned for the day. &nbsp;

Parliament proceedings were disrupted for the fourth consecutive day Monday over the Rafale jet deal and Cauvery issues, leading to adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day soon after it met, and Lok Sabha after passing a bill on transgender rights amid adjournments.

Parliament proceedings were disrupted for the fourth consecutive day Monday over the Rafale jet deal and Cauvery issues, leading to adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day soon after it met, and Lok Sabha after passing a bill on transgender rights amid adjournments. In Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House within minutes of assembling as Members of Tamil Nadu parties DMK and AIADMK stormed into the well and Congress and treasury benches raised slogans. The leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he has given a notice for taking up of a discussion over the government allegedly misguiding the Supreme Court over the purchase of Rafale jets from France. He was countered by slogan-shouting from members of treasury benches who demanded an apology from the Congress after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the deal. AIADMK and DMK members were in the well seeking a permanent solution to the Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice since it met in the morning, before being adjourned for the day. The treasury and the opposition benches sparred over the Rafale jet deal issue with both sides raising slogans against each other. While the AIADMK raised issues related to the construction of a dam over the Cauvery river, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) sought special status for Andhra Pradesh. Congress members raised the issue of government's stand in the Supreme Court over the Rafale deal and accused it of misleading the top court. BJP members, who were on their feet, raised slogans such as "Rahul Gandhi apologise" to counter the Congress offensive. Monday was the fifth sitting of the Winter session. While on Tuesday last, the two Houses were adjourned for the day after obituary references to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Cabinet Minister Ananth Kumar and other sitting members, little business was transacted in the two Houses on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, which makes the practice of instant triple talaq a penal offence, was introduced in Lok Sabha after it met in the noon on Monday. It seeks to replace an ordinance issued in September. Amid slogan shouting, Congress' Shashi Tharoor opposed the introduction of the bill, terming it as unconstitutional. When the House met again after a second adjournment, The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill was moved for passage. Amid din, five members participated in the debate questioning the provisions of the legislation. The 27 amendments moved by the government, along with some others moved by opposition members, were considered amid noisy scenes. The bill was later passed and the House adjourned for the day.

Lok Sabha adjourns after passing Transgender bill

The Supreme Court order on the Rafale jet deal issue Friday rocked the Rajya Sabha which witnessed intense sloganeering by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress members leading to adjournment of House proceedings.

Amid noisy protests, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was heard saying that the Opposition has been demanding a debate on the jet deal and so the question hour should be suspended to take up the issue.

Besides the two major parties, members of the AIADMK and the Samajwadi Party too raised slogans in support of their respective demands.

No sooner the House assembled for the Zero hour, members of the Samajwadi Party raised slogans relating to the recent violence in UP's Bulandshahar district while AIADMK members trooped into the well over the Cauvery river water issue.

Buoyed by the clean chit given by the Supreme Court on the Rafale jet deal, members of treasury benches were heard raising slogans demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi for his alleged lies on the issue.

Congress members too entered the Well of the House to demand a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the purchase of jets from the French company Dassault.

Amidst uproar, the members were heard raising slogans -"We want JPC" and "Chowikdar Chor Hai".

BJP members were heard shouting slogans like 'Rahul Gandhi Jhootha Hai' (Rahul Gandhi is a liar).

The uproar started as soon as the proceedings began following which Deputy Chairman Harivansh first adjourned the House till 1130 hours.

However, as the protests intensified, he adjourned the Rajya Sabha till Monday after his repeated attempts to bring order in the House failed.

Before adjourning the House for the day, Harivansh tried to run the Zero Hour proceedings smoothly and some of the members even read out mentions amid uproar.

Unlike other days, there was ruckus in the House even when ministers were laying listed paper on the table of the House.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court order on the Rafale jet deal issue Friday rocked the Rajya Sabha which witnessed intense sloganeering by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress members leading to adjournment of House proceedings.

The Supreme Court order on the Rafale jet deal issue Friday rocked the Rajya Sabha which witnessed intense sloganeering by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress members leading to adjournment of House proceedings. Amid noisy protests, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was heard saying that the Opposition has been demanding a debate on the jet deal and so the question hour should be suspended to take up the issue. Besides the two major parties, members of the AIADMK and the Samajwadi Party too raised slogans in support of their respective demands. No sooner the House assembled for the Zero hour, members of the Samajwadi Party raised slogans relating to the recent violence in UP's Bulandshahar district while AIADMK members trooped into the well over the Cauvery river water issue. Buoyed by the clean chit given by the Supreme Court on the Rafale jet deal, members of treasury benches were heard raising slogans demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi for his alleged lies on the issue. Congress members too entered the Well of the House to demand a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the purchase of jets from the French company Dassault. Amidst uproar, the members were heard raising slogans -"We want JPC" and "Chowikdar Chor Hai". BJP members were heard shouting slogans like 'Rahul Gandhi Jhootha Hai' (Rahul Gandhi is a liar). The uproar started as soon as the proceedings began following which Deputy Chairman Harivansh first adjourned the House till 1130 hours. However, as the protests intensified, he adjourned the Rajya Sabha till Monday after his repeated attempts to bring order in the House failed. Before adjourning the House for the day, Harivansh tried to run the Zero Hour proceedings smoothly and some of the members even read out mentions amid uproar. Unlike other days, there was ruckus in the House even when ministers were laying listed paper on the table of the House.

Rafale deal issue rocks Rajya Sabha; House adjourned till Monday

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday after two brief adjournments during the question hour following the ruckus created by opposition party members over several issues including Rafale deal, demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery river water.

As soon as the Question Hour began after paying tributes to martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, members from the Congress, TDP and AIADMK rushed to the Well raising slogans.&nbsp;

Demanding a law on construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shiv Sena members were seen holding placards in the aisle.&nbsp;

TDP member Venkateshwara Rao (Babu) used a mike installed in the Well for the oath of a new member to prop up a poster seeking special status for Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

A Lok Sabha secretariat staffer tried to convince him not to use the mike. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar too tried to convince him to keep down the mike.&nbsp;

The TDP member's action invited the ire of Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who warned him that he will be named.&nbsp;

Once a member is named, he or she has to leave the House chamber.&nbsp;

The Speaker then adjourned the House for nearly 10 minutes till 11.20 AM.&nbsp;

When the House assembled again, Mahajan reminded the members that they can raise issues under various rules.&nbsp;

Apparently referring to the Lok Sabha polls due in 2019, she said it was a "crucial time" and members should use it to raise issues related to the public.&nbsp;

She said Lok Sabha is for all states and regions and all should get a chance to raise their respective issues.&nbsp;

But opposition members remained unconvinced and returned to the Well.&nbsp;

Members of the Shiv Sena were seated on the front rows but did not raise slogans.&nbsp;

Members from TMC, Left and NCP were also seated on their benches.&nbsp;

As the bedlam continued, the House was adjourned for nearly 30 minutes till noon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies)

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday after two brief adjournments during the question hour following the ruckus created by opposition party members over several issues including Rafale deal, demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery river water.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday after two brief adjournments during the question hour following the ruckus created by opposition party members over several issues including Rafale deal, demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery river water. As soon as the Question Hour began after paying tributes to martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, members from the Congress, TDP and AIADMK rushed to the Well raising slogans. Demanding a law on construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shiv Sena members were seen holding placards in the aisle. TDP member Venkateshwara Rao (Babu) used a mike installed in the Well for the oath of a new member to prop up a poster seeking special status for Andhra Pradesh. A Lok Sabha secretariat staffer tried to convince him not to use the mike. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar too tried to convince him to keep down the mike. The TDP member's action invited the ire of Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who warned him that he will be named. Once a member is named, he or she has to leave the House chamber. The Speaker then adjourned the House for nearly 10 minutes till 11.20 AM. When the House assembled again, Mahajan reminded the members that they can raise issues under various rules. Apparently referring to the Lok Sabha polls due in 2019, she said it was a "crucial time" and members should use it to raise issues related to the public. She said Lok Sabha is for all states and regions and all should get a chance to raise their respective issues. But opposition members remained unconvinced and returned to the Well. Members of the Shiv Sena were seated on the front rows but did not raise slogans. Members from TMC, Left and NCP were also seated on their benches. As the bedlam continued, the House was adjourned for nearly 30 minutes till noon. (With inputs from news agencies)

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day after opposition protests over Rafale deal, Cauvery river water

TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties to take on BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year, will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy here on Thursday.

Naidu will meet Gowda at his residence at Padmanabha Nagar and Kumaraswamy would also bepresent during the meeting, JD(S) said on Wednesday.

Interestingly, Naidu's meeting with the JD(S) supremo comes in the backdrop of Congress-JD(S) coalition resolving to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP, buoyed by the victory in the bypolls.

The Congress-JD(S)coalition in Karnataka on Tuesday won two of the three Lok Sabha seats and both assembly constituencies in the fiercely fought by-polls, giving a shot in the arm to the ruling combine that faces frequent questions about its longevity.

BJP had managed to hold on to the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat.

The electoral sweep by the ruling coalition comes as a boost to it as the by-polls were seen as a barometer of the public mood ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Naidu had called his Karnataka counterpart over phone on Tuesday and congratulated the latter on the JD(S)-Congress combine's "spectacular victory" in the by-elections.

JD(S) MLC Sharavana said Naidu's meeting with Gowda is in continuation of the discussions the Andhra Chief Minister was holding with "secular" party leaders across the country.

"The bypolls results that have come is a good development as people of state have understood the need for secular forces. He (Naidu) is expected to seek Deve Gowda's cooperation," he added.

Naidu had also recently met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, among others.&nbsp;

TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties to take on BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year, will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy here on Thursday.

TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties to take on BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year, will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy here on Thursday. Naidu will meet Gowda at his residence at Padmanabha Nagar and Kumaraswamy would also bepresent during the meeting, JD(S) said on Wednesday. Interestingly, Naidu's meeting with the JD(S) supremo comes in the backdrop of Congress-JD(S) coalition resolving to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP, buoyed by the victory in the bypolls. The Congress-JD(S)coalition in Karnataka on Tuesday won two of the three Lok Sabha seats and both assembly constituencies in the fiercely fought by-polls, giving a shot in the arm to the ruling combine that faces frequent questions about its longevity. BJP had managed to hold on to the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat. The electoral sweep by the ruling coalition comes as a boost to it as the by-polls were seen as a barometer of the public mood ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Naidu had called his Karnataka counterpart over phone on Tuesday and congratulated the latter on the JD(S)-Congress combine's "spectacular victory" in the by-elections. JD(S) MLC Sharavana said Naidu's meeting with Gowda is in continuation of the discussions the Andhra Chief Minister was holding with "secular" party leaders across the country. "The bypolls results that have come is a good development as people of state have understood the need for secular forces. He (Naidu) is expected to seek Deve Gowda's cooperation," he added. Naidu had also recently met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, among others.

Chandrababu Naidu to meet Deve Gowda today

About 35 per cent voting was recorded Saturday during the first half of polling for the by-polls to three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in Karnataka.

While the Lok Sabha constituencies of Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya have recorded 30.20, 35.72, 26.80 per cent voting, respectively, till 1 pm, the assembly segments of Ramanagara and Jamkhandi reported 39.81 and 43.50 per cent respectively.

Voting began at 7 am will go on till six in the evening.

A total of 54,54,275 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in about 6,450 polling stations.

There are 31 candidates in the fray in the five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP. 
Counting of votes will be held on November 6.

Though the turnout was low during the initial few hours after polling began, it improved as the day progressed, officials said.

Barring reports about delay in voting due to technical issues at a couple of places, polling in all the five constituencies have been by and large peaceful so far, the officials said.

The by-elections are being seen as a litmus test for the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition as its outcome is expected to have a bearing on the state's political scenario.

The Congress and the JD(S), who came together in a post-poll alliance after the assembly elections in May threw up a hung House, have decided to face the polls unitedly against the BJP, which they perceive as their common rival.

While the Congress has fielded its candidates in Jamkhandi and Ballari, JD(S) is contesting in Shivamogga, Ramanagara and Mandya under an electoral understanding.

Among the prominent candidates in the fray is Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anita Kumaraswamy, who is expected to have a smooth sail as she is facing virtually no-contest in Ramanagara after BJP nominee L Chandrashekhar withdrew from the contest and rejoined the Congress, in a jolt days before the polls.

The BJP had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission about the development in Ramanagara and requested it to "annul" the elections immediately.

In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamagowda, son of former MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, is pitted against Srikant Kulkarni of the BJP.

State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa's son BY Raghavendra is testing his fortunes in Shivamogga against another former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S).

Yeddyurappa and his family members were among the early birds to cast their vote at Shikaripura in the constituency.

In Ballari, senior BJP leader Sriramulu's sister J Shantha is contesting against V S Ugrappa of the Congress, considered an outsider.

In the Vokkaliga belt of Mandya, JD(S)'s Shivarame Gowda, is pitted against a fresh face in Dr Siddaramaiah, a retired commercial tax officer from the BJP.

The by-elections have been necessitated after Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga), Sriramalu (Ballari) and C S Puttaraju of JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May this year.

Bypolls to Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave up the seat preferring to retain Chennapatna, the other constituency from where won.&nbsp;

About 35 per cent voting was recorded Saturday during the first half of polling for the by-polls to three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in Karnataka.

About 35 per cent voting was recorded Saturday during the first half of polling for the by-polls to three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in Karnataka. While the Lok Sabha constituencies of Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya have recorded 30.20, 35.72, 26.80 per cent voting, respectively, till 1 pm, the assembly segments of Ramanagara and Jamkhandi reported 39.81 and 43.50 per cent respectively. Voting began at 7 am will go on till six in the evening. A total of 54,54,275 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in about 6,450 polling stations. There are 31 candidates in the fray in the five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP. Counting of votes will be held on November 6. Though the turnout was low during the initial few hours after polling began, it improved as the day progressed, officials said. Barring reports about delay in voting due to technical issues at a couple of places, polling in all the five constituencies have been by and large peaceful so far, the officials said. The by-elections are being seen as a litmus test for the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition as its outcome is expected to have a bearing on the state's political scenario. The Congress and the JD(S), who came together in a post-poll alliance after the assembly elections in May threw up a hung House, have decided to face the polls unitedly against the BJP, which they perceive as their common rival. While the Congress has fielded its candidates in Jamkhandi and Ballari, JD(S) is contesting in Shivamogga, Ramanagara and Mandya under an electoral understanding. Among the prominent candidates in the fray is Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anita Kumaraswamy, who is expected to have a smooth sail as she is facing virtually no-contest in Ramanagara after BJP nominee L Chandrashekhar withdrew from the contest and rejoined the Congress, in a jolt days before the polls. The BJP had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission about the development in Ramanagara and requested it to "annul" the elections immediately. In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamagowda, son of former MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, is pitted against Srikant Kulkarni of the BJP. State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa's son BY Raghavendra is testing his fortunes in Shivamogga against another former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S). Yeddyurappa and his family members were among the early birds to cast their vote at Shikaripura in the constituency. In Ballari, senior BJP leader Sriramulu's sister J Shantha is contesting against V S Ugrappa of the Congress, considered an outsider. In the Vokkaliga belt of Mandya, JD(S)'s Shivarame Gowda, is pitted against a fresh face in Dr Siddaramaiah, a retired commercial tax officer from the BJP. The by-elections have been necessitated after Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga), Sriramalu (Ballari) and C S Puttaraju of JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May this year. Bypolls to Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave up the seat preferring to retain Chennapatna, the other constituency from where won.

About 35% polling reported till 1pm in Karnataka by-polls

DMK Wednesday said it has set in motion internal deliberations beginning with its executive panel meet to face the eventuality of both Lok Sabha and Tamil Nadu Assembly elections being held together.

DMK chief M K Stalin said the party took stock of the political situation at its high-level executive committee meeting.

"We discussed the Lok Sabha polls next year and the stand to be taken in case the Assembly election is to be held alongside the Parliamentary polls," he told reporters.

The party also looked at its ties with its allies, he said.

Congress and Indian Union Muslim League are among the allies of DMK.

"We had a broad discussion about all electoral issues. Soon, a meeting of party's top functionaries will be held to be followed by the general council meeting and ahead of elections we will reveal our stand," Stalin said.

To a question on the number of seats the DMK would contest, he said such things cannot be disclosed now.

On the proposed unveiling of a statue of late party patriarch M Karunanidhi, he said it would be announced after finalising the date.

Stalin's reference to Assembly election was an apparent indication about the stability question faced by the ruling AIADMK in view of the 18 MLAs disqualification case pending in the Madras High Court.

After a split verdict in June, the matter was heard by Justice M Sathyanarayanan who reserved order in August.

In the 234-member House, AIADMK has 116 MLAs excluding the Speaker and its 18 MLAs who were disqualified after they sided with now Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader T T V Dhinakaran.

Two seats are vacant following the deaths of Tiruvarur MLA M Karunanidhi and Tiruparankundram MLA A K Bose (AIADMK).

Also, S Karunas, who won the 2016 Assembly poll from Thiruvadanai on AIADMK's two-leaves symbol, has openly come out against the AIADMK government.

DMK has 89 MLAs, its allies Congress eight and IUML one.

Following electoral drubbings in the 2011 Assembly election, 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the 2016 Assembly election, the DMK is faced with the task of making a comeback.

The Lok Sabha election will be an acid test for Stalin who became the party chief after the death of his father and party patriach M Karunanidhi in August.&nbsp;

DMK Wednesday said it has set in motion internal deliberations beginning with its executive panel meet to face the eventuality of both Lok Sabha and Tamil Nadu Assembly elections being held together.

DMK Wednesday said it has set in motion internal deliberations beginning with its executive panel meet to face the eventuality of both Lok Sabha and Tamil Nadu Assembly elections being held together. DMK chief M K Stalin said the party took stock of the political situation at its high-level executive committee meeting. "We discussed the Lok Sabha polls next year and the stand to be taken in case the Assembly election is to be held alongside the Parliamentary polls," he told reporters. The party also looked at its ties with its allies, he said. Congress and Indian Union Muslim League are among the allies of DMK. "We had a broad discussion about all electoral issues. Soon, a meeting of party's top functionaries will be held to be followed by the general council meeting and ahead of elections we will reveal our stand," Stalin said. To a question on the number of seats the DMK would contest, he said such things cannot be disclosed now. On the proposed unveiling of a statue of late party patriarch M Karunanidhi, he said it would be announced after finalising the date. Stalin's reference to Assembly election was an apparent indication about the stability question faced by the ruling AIADMK in view of the 18 MLAs disqualification case pending in the Madras High Court. After a split verdict in June, the matter was heard by Justice M Sathyanarayanan who reserved order in August. In the 234-member House, AIADMK has 116 MLAs excluding the Speaker and its 18 MLAs who were disqualified after they sided with now Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader T T V Dhinakaran. Two seats are vacant following the deaths of Tiruvarur MLA M Karunanidhi and Tiruparankundram MLA A K Bose (AIADMK). Also, S Karunas, who won the 2016 Assembly poll from Thiruvadanai on AIADMK's two-leaves symbol, has openly come out against the AIADMK government. DMK has 89 MLAs, its allies Congress eight and IUML one. Following electoral drubbings in the 2011 Assembly election, 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the 2016 Assembly election, the DMK is faced with the task of making a comeback. The Lok Sabha election will be an acid test for Stalin who became the party chief after the death of his father and party patriach M Karunanidhi in August.

DMK sets ball rolling to face Lok Sabha, Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu

The Congress in Maharashtra has said the Rafale fighter deal will be a key election issue for the party and hit out at the NDA government over the rising prices of diesel and petrol.

Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said the party will fight the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha polls on Rafale and other issues of public interest.

The main opposition party has alleged irregularities in the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France, a charge vehemently denied by the BJP-led government.

Addressing a public meeting at Bhaji Market ground here in North Maharashtra Sunday evening, he said the country's economic condition has become weak under the present government.

The former Union minister said the government has earned crores of rupees through the rising prices of fuel, but has not provided any substantial relief to common people.

The meeting was organised as part of the Congress' 'Jan Sangharsh Yatra' that arrived here Sunday.

The opposition party launched the state-wide yatra in August to highlight "failures" of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

Speaking on the occasion, state Congress chief Ashok Chavan said the BJP-led government in Maharashtra has been unsuccessful in solving the problems being faced by the people of the state.

Ashok Chavan, a former chief minister, said the party will dislodge the ruling BJP from power in the next assembly polls in Maharashtra due in the second half of 2019.&nbsp;

The Congress in Maharashtra has said the Rafale fighter deal will be a key election issue for the party and hit out at the NDA government over the rising prices of diesel and petrol.

The Congress in Maharashtra has said the Rafale fighter deal will be a key election issue for the party and hit out at the NDA government over the rising prices of diesel and petrol. Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said the party will fight the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha polls on Rafale and other issues of public interest. The main opposition party has alleged irregularities in the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France, a charge vehemently denied by the BJP-led government. Addressing a public meeting at Bhaji Market ground here in North Maharashtra Sunday evening, he said the country's economic condition has become weak under the present government. The former Union minister said the government has earned crores of rupees through the rising prices of fuel, but has not provided any substantial relief to common people. The meeting was organised as part of the Congress' 'Jan Sangharsh Yatra' that arrived here Sunday. The opposition party launched the state-wide yatra in August to highlight "failures" of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra. Speaking on the occasion, state Congress chief Ashok Chavan said the BJP-led government in Maharashtra has been unsuccessful in solving the problems being faced by the people of the state. Ashok Chavan, a former chief minister, said the party will dislodge the ruling BJP from power in the next assembly polls in Maharashtra due in the second half of 2019.

Rafale deal to be a poll plank for Congress: Prithviraj Chavan

The Congress today said the collapse of its seat-sharing talks with the BSP for the upcoming state polls will not affect attempts to forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of opposition parties against the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, however, asserted that the party's leadership had gone with its state units' assessment of the prevailing ground situation, and how many seats it could part with for likely allies.

It is believed that the alliance talks between the two parties fell through as the Congress was unwilling to cede as many seats in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan as sought by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

The polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7 in what may be a virtual semi-final to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the five states on December 11.

"State units are better aware of the ground situation than the central leadership. They took a decision and the central leadership accepted it," Khera told reporters.

He, however, added that this fallout should not be linked to talks for forging a grand alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. "It should not be confused with attempts to forge a 'mahagathbandhan' that is meant for the Lok Sabha polls," Khera said.

The Congress' bid to insulate attempts for a larger alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019 came after BSP supremo Mayawati's sharp attack at it following the announcement that she would not join hands with the main opposition party in the poll-bound states.

At a press conference, Khera also criticised Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik for his reported remarks blaming parties other than the BJP and the PDP for the fraught situation in the valley.

Governors appointed by this government, a reference to the Modi dispensation, often forget that they should not engage in partisan politics, especially in a sensitive state like this where he has to work to take everybody along, Mr Khera said.

This is not in the interests of Kashmir, he said.

The Congress today said the collapse of its seat-sharing talks with the BSP for the upcoming state polls will not affect attempts to forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of opposition parties against the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress today said the collapse of its seat-sharing talks with the BSP for the upcoming state polls will not affect attempts to forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of opposition parties against the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, however, asserted that the party's leadership had gone with its state units' assessment of the prevailing ground situation, and how many seats it could part with for likely allies. It is believed that the alliance talks between the two parties fell through as the Congress was unwilling to cede as many seats in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan as sought by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7 in what may be a virtual semi-final to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the five states on December 11. "State units are better aware of the ground situation than the central leadership. They took a decision and the central leadership accepted it," Khera told reporters. He, however, added that this fallout should not be linked to talks for forging a grand alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. "It should not be confused with attempts to forge a 'mahagathbandhan' that is meant for the Lok Sabha polls," Khera said. The Congress' bid to insulate attempts for a larger alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019 came after BSP supremo Mayawati's sharp attack at it following the announcement that she would not join hands with the main opposition party in the poll-bound states. At a press conference, Khera also criticised Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik for his reported remarks blaming parties other than the BJP and the PDP for the fraught situation in the valley. Governors appointed by this government, a reference to the Modi dispensation, often forget that they should not engage in partisan politics, especially in a sensitive state like this where he has to work to take everybody along, Mr Khera said. This is not in the interests of Kashmir, he said.

Alliance flops in state polls won't affect 2019 coalition, says Congress

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods.

With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, fresh from his Mansarovar Yatra, was greeted in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi this week by hundreds of 'bol bam'-chanting party activists, all dressed up as "Kanwariyas", the devotees of Lord Shiva.

The BJP's UP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey's reiterated the saffron party's backing for a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayopdhya. He said the party is trying to ensure that the temple is built in Ayodhya through consensus.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, on the other hand, has pledged to develop a grand city named after Lord Vishnu, complete with a spectacular temple in it on lines of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, in the state, if voted to power.

Uttar Pradesh sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the BJP won 71 seats, its ally Apna Dal got two, while the SP bagged five and the Congress remaining two.

Fresh from his recent Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, the Congress chief Monday was presented a portrait of Lord Shiva by Shiva devotees at Fursatganj.

In a video footage that went viral on social media, Gandhi is seen with his forehead smeared with sandalwood paste with a prominent red 'tilak' in the centre. 
 
With a scarf around his neck, he is seen taking part in a 'puja'.

He was greeted with posters hailing 'Shiv bhakt Rahul Gandhi' on his first visit here after undertaking the arduous 12-day pilgrimage in August to Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

The Congress chief had announced his intention to undertake the pilgrimage after a mid-air scare when his plane had plunged hundreds of feet down during one of his flights during the Karnataka poll campaign in April.

The pilgrimage was aimed at seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for the country's prosperity, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said earlier.

In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the entire spectacle is being seen by some as the Congress bid to woo Hindu voters.

UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, meanwhile, said Sunday, "Ram temple is the centre of faith and devotion for us. It should be built as per the law and we are committed to this."

The BJP is making efforts to build the Ram temple through consensus, he had said.

"The people know Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and they want a Ram temple there. The feeling of every Indian is the feeling of the BJP," Pandey had said.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has declared his intent to "develop a city in the name of Lord Vishnu over 2,000 acres of land near Lion Safari (Etawah)."

"We have a lot of land in Chambal ravines and the city will have a grand Vishnu temple akin to the famous Angkor Wat temple."

Yadav's comments had come in the wake of BJP leader and UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya raking up the Ram temple issue and suggesting a legislative route for it.

Yadav, however, has promised that, if voted to power, he would develop a city after the name of Lord Vishnu, with both Lord Ram and Lord Krishna being his incarnations.

A team of experts will be sent to Cambodia to plan the city, which will be a centre for culture and knowledge of our ancient times, the SP chief said.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world which was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist shrine.&nbsp;

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods. With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication.

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods. With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, fresh from his Mansarovar Yatra, was greeted in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi this week by hundreds of 'bol bam'-chanting party activists, all dressed up as "Kanwariyas", the devotees of Lord Shiva. The BJP's UP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey's reiterated the saffron party's backing for a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayopdhya. He said the party is trying to ensure that the temple is built in Ayodhya through consensus. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, on the other hand, has pledged to develop a grand city named after Lord Vishnu, complete with a spectacular temple in it on lines of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, in the state, if voted to power. Uttar Pradesh sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the BJP won 71 seats, its ally Apna Dal got two, while the SP bagged five and the Congress remaining two. Fresh from his recent Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, the Congress chief Monday was presented a portrait of Lord Shiva by Shiva devotees at Fursatganj. In a video footage that went viral on social media, Gandhi is seen with his forehead smeared with sandalwood paste with a prominent red 'tilak' in the centre. With a scarf around his neck, he is seen taking part in a 'puja'. He was greeted with posters hailing 'Shiv bhakt Rahul Gandhi' on his first visit here after undertaking the arduous 12-day pilgrimage in August to Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The Congress chief had announced his intention to undertake the pilgrimage after a mid-air scare when his plane had plunged hundreds of feet down during one of his flights during the Karnataka poll campaign in April. The pilgrimage was aimed at seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for the country's prosperity, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said earlier. In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the entire spectacle is being seen by some as the Congress bid to woo Hindu voters. UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, meanwhile, said Sunday, "Ram temple is the centre of faith and devotion for us. It should be built as per the law and we are committed to this." The BJP is making efforts to build the Ram temple through consensus, he had said. "The people know Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and they want a Ram temple there. The feeling of every Indian is the feeling of the BJP," Pandey had said. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has declared his intent to "develop a city in the name of Lord Vishnu over 2,000 acres of land near Lion Safari (Etawah)." "We have a lot of land in Chambal ravines and the city will have a grand Vishnu temple akin to the famous Angkor Wat temple." Yadav's comments had come in the wake of BJP leader and UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya raking up the Ram temple issue and suggesting a legislative route for it. Yadav, however, has promised that, if voted to power, he would develop a city after the name of Lord Vishnu, with both Lord Ram and Lord Krishna being his incarnations. A team of experts will be sent to Cambodia to plan the city, which will be a centre for culture and knowledge of our ancient times, the SP chief said. Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world which was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist shrine.

As BJP sticks to Ram, SP picks Vishnu, Congress Shiva for luck in 2019 polls

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting with ward-level AAP officer bearers and MLAs at this residence tomorrow to discuss strategy on the issue of full statehood to Delhi which it plans to raise strongly in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections next year, party sources said.

The AAP government has called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister tabled a government resolution in this regard.&nbsp

Kejriwal is likely to speak on the issue in Delhi Assembly on Monday.

Sources said that the party will also hold a workers' convention in July on the issue of full statehood to Delhi.&nbsp

An AAP functionary said discussions will be held at tomorrow's meeting on a strategy to effective raise the issue of full statehood to the national capital.

As Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held next year, the chief minister, who is also the AAP's national convener, will also discuss poll strategy, another party leader said.

Earlier in the day, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said that the Aam Aadmi Party will "expose the political opportunism" of both the BJP and Congress on the issue of full statehood for Delhi.

He said the ongoing Delhi Assembly session has "exposed the sudden U-turn" on statehood by the BJP and the Congress.

"BJP has made every attempt during the ongoing Assembly session to avoid discussion on the statehood issue," he told reporters here.

"It is beyond any reasonable understanding as to how the decades-old promise by BJP stalwarts -- former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy PM LK Advani -- has been suddenly junked by today's BJP," Rai said in a statement.&nbsp

The AAP is planning to strongly raise the statehood issue during Lok Sabha elections, party sources said.&nbsp

The AAP government has called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister tabled a government resolution in this regard

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting with ward-level AAP officer bearers and MLAs at this residence tomorrow to discuss strategy on the issue of full statehood to Delhi which it plans to raise strongly in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections next year, party sources said. The AAP government has called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister tabled a government resolution in this regard. Kejriwal is likely to speak on the issue in Delhi Assembly on Monday. Sources said that the party will also hold a workers' convention in July on the issue of full statehood to Delhi. An AAP functionary said discussions will be held at tomorrow's meeting on a strategy to effective raise the issue of full statehood to the national capital. As Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held next year, the chief minister, who is also the AAP's national convener, will also discuss poll strategy, another party leader said. Earlier in the day, senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said that the Aam Aadmi Party will "expose the political opportunism" of both the BJP and Congress on the issue of full statehood for Delhi. He said the ongoing Delhi Assembly session has "exposed the sudden U-turn" on statehood by the BJP and the Congress. "BJP has made every attempt during the ongoing Assembly session to avoid discussion on the statehood issue," he told reporters here. "It is beyond any reasonable understanding as to how the decades-old promise by BJP stalwarts -- former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy PM LK Advani -- has been suddenly junked by today's BJP," Rai said in a statement. The AAP is planning to strongly raise the statehood issue during Lok Sabha elections, party sources said.

Kejriwal calls party meet on statehood issue, LS polls strategy to be discussed too

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Saturday downplayed the protest among party workers over its decision to forgo a Rajya Sabha seat in favour of the Kerala Congress (M), which returned to the UDF coalition after a gap of two years.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, KPCC president MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits.

He said the party leadership also understood the workers' sentiments and their pain over the decision.

"We are also pained by the decision... But it was taken with a view to strengthen the party-led UDF and democratic forces to take on the BJP and the LDF in the state," Hassan said.

The Congress party would issue a whip asking its MLAs to vote for Jose K Mani, the RS candidate of the KM Mani-led KC(M).

However, the KPCC chief admitted that the KC(M) insisted on the seat as a condition for its re-entry into the UDF fold.

Meanwhile, rumblings in the party over the RS seat issue continued with former KPCC president V M Sudheeran saying that party workers felt that they were being cheated.

The senior leader also alleged that the decision lacked transparency.

The seat is currently held by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurian of the Congress, who is set to retire on&nbsp;July 1.

Two young Congress MLAs, V T Balaram and K S Sabarinathan, who were among those who asked AICC chief Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the decision, expressed their displeasure again.

Balaram, in a Facebook post, called for a leadership change in the party and said people with vision and those who understood the pulse of the grassroot-level workers were the need of the hour.

The decision to field Jose Mani, son of K M Mani, as the candidate was taken at a KC(M) meeting held last night in Pala, near Kottayam, hours after the party rejoined the UDF.

Jose K Mani is currently the party's lone member in the Lok Sabha from the Kottayam parliamentary constituency.

MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Saturday downplayed the protest among party workers over its decision to forgo a Rajya Sabha seat in favour of the Kerala Congress (M), which returned to the UDF coalition after a gap of two years. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, KPCC president MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits. He said the party leadership also understood the workers' sentiments and their pain over the decision. "We are also pained by the decision... But it was taken with a view to strengthen the party-led UDF and democratic forces to take on the BJP and the LDF in the state," Hassan said. The Congress party would issue a whip asking its MLAs to vote for Jose K Mani, the RS candidate of the KM Mani-led KC(M). However, the KPCC chief admitted that the KC(M) insisted on the seat as a condition for its re-entry into the UDF fold. Meanwhile, rumblings in the party over the RS seat issue continued with former KPCC president V M Sudheeran saying that party workers felt that they were being cheated. The senior leader also alleged that the decision lacked transparency. The seat is currently held by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurian of the Congress, who is set to retire on July 1. Two young Congress MLAs, V T Balaram and K S Sabarinathan, who were among those who asked AICC chief Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the decision, expressed their displeasure again. Balaram, in a Facebook post, called for a leadership change in the party and said people with vision and those who understood the pulse of the grassroot-level workers were the need of the hour. The decision to field Jose Mani, son of K M Mani, as the candidate was taken at a KC(M) meeting held last night in Pala, near Kottayam, hours after the party rejoined the UDF. Jose K Mani is currently the party's lone member in the Lok Sabha from the Kottayam parliamentary constituency.

Kerala Congress downplays protest over Rajya Sabha seat

After the Union Cabinet on May 23 approved an ordinance to set up the country`s first national sports university in Imphal, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the ordinance&nbsp;on Friday.

National Sports University Ordinance, 2018 will be on the lines of the National Sports University Bill, 2017, introduced in Lok Sabha last year.

It will be a specialised University, first of its kind, to promote sports education in the areas of sports sciences, sports technology, sports management and sports coaching besides functioning as the national training centre for select sports disciplines by adopting the best international practices.

The proposal was formally announced by the finance minister in his budget speech of 2014-15. For setting up the university, 325.90 acres of land has been made available by the Government of Manipur in the west Imphal district of Koutruk.

National Sports University Ordinance, 2018 will be on the lines of the National Sports University Bill, 2017, introduced in Lok Sabha last year

After the Union Cabinet on May 23 approved an ordinance to set up the country`s first national sports university in Imphal, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the ordinance on Friday. National Sports University Ordinance, 2018 will be on the lines of the National Sports University Bill, 2017, introduced in Lok Sabha last year. It will be a specialised University, first of its kind, to promote sports education in the areas of sports sciences, sports technology, sports management and sports coaching besides functioning as the national training centre for select sports disciplines by adopting the best international practices. The proposal was formally announced by the finance minister in his budget speech of 2014-15. For setting up the university, 325.90 acres of land has been made available by the Government of Manipur in the west Imphal district of Koutruk.

Country's 1st national sports university to be set up in Manipur

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-bypolls-counting-begins-in-4-seats-bjps-big-test-in-kairana-palghar-and-bhandara-gondiya-141130">Lok Sabha </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-bypolls-counting-begins-in-4-seats-bjps-big-test-in-kairana-palghar-and-bhandara-gondiya-141130">bypolls</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-bypolls-counting-begins-in-4-seats-bjps-big-test-in-kairana-palghar-and-bhandara-gondiya-141130">: Counting begins in 4 seats BJP's big test in Kairana, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya</a>

Counting of votes in 4 Lok Sabha bypoll seats began on Thursday morning. The bypolls were held on Monday in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra and in a single seat in Nagaland.

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Counting of votes for 10 Assembly bypolls began on Thursday morning. Congress' Vishwajeet Patangrao Kadam was "elected unopposed" from Maharashtra's Palus Kadegaon Assembly constituency.

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Lok Sabha bypolls: Counting begins in 4 seats BJP's big test in Kairana, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya Counting of votes in 4 Lok Sabha bypoll seats began on Thursday morning. The bypolls were held on Monday in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra and in a single seat in Nagaland. Assembly bypoll results: Congress clinches Maharashtra's Palus Kadegaon Counting of votes for 10 Assembly bypolls began on Thursday morning. Congress' Vishwajeet Patangrao Kadam was "elected unopposed" from Maharashtra's Palus Kadegaon Assembly constituency. Nipah virus scare: One more dead, death toll mounts to 15 in Kerala The deadly Nipah virus has claimed one more life in Kerala taking the death toll to 15 today. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a soldier in Kolkata died due to suspected Nipah virus infection, reports said. Fuel prices drop further, petrol by 7 paisa and diesel by 5 After a mere 1 paisa cut in fuel prices on Wednesday, petrol and diesel costs saw a further drop on Thursday morning. Fuel prices dropped by 7 paisa in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, settling at Rs 78.35, Rs 86.16, Rs 80.98 and Rs 81.35 per litre respectively. Trump's India initiative: US Pacific Command renamed US Indo-Pacific Command In a move to boost India and United States defence cooperation, the US today renamed the Pacific Command as US Indo-Pacific Command.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The counting of votes for by-elections to four Lok Sabha seats and 10 assembly constituencies will be held today.

Lok Sabha bypoll

The Lok Sabha seats which went for polls were: Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra the politically-crucial Kairana Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, and Nagaland parliamentary constituency.

It will be a litmus test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a positive outcome is necessary for the saffron party to maintain its majority in the Lok Sabha.

The results will also test the mettle of a united opposition with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Though, after losing from Gorakhpur and Phulpur, the BJP had profusely campaigned to win the Kairana seat.

Similarly, in Maharashtra's Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya, all four major parties -- the BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress left no stone unturned to woo the electorates in their favour.

Elections were necessitated in Kairana after the seat fell vacant in February following the death of BJP leader Hukum Singh. The BJP has fielded Mriganka Singh, daughter of Singh, from this seat.

In Maharashtra, Palghar is a reserved seat, which was previously held by the BJP. The seat fell vacant after sitting BJP MP Chintaman Wanga died in January.

Chintaman Wanga had thrice won the constituency as a BJP member, however, after his death, his family had joined hands with the Shiv Sena.

In Bhandara-Gondiya the bye-election was necessitated when BJP's sitting MP Nana Patole quit the party to join the Congress in December last year.

Meanwhile, in Nagaland Neiphiu Rio of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party was the representative of the lone Lok Sabha constituency in Nagaland. Rio, who represented this constituency, quit in February to contest in the assembly election.

Rio is the chief minister of Nagaland.

Assembly by-election

The by-elections were held in Legislative Assemblies of Shahkot (Punjab), Tharali (Uttarakhand), Ampati (Meghalaya), Chengannur (Kerala), Jokihat (Bihar), Gomia (Jharkhand), Silli (Jharkhand), Maheshtala (West Bengal), Noorpur (Uttar Pradesh), Palus Kadegaon (Maharashtra).

The by-poll in Gomia Assembly was necessitated after the sitting MLA Yogendra Prasad Mahto of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was expelled from the assembly after he was convicted in a coal theft case.

In Jharkhand's Silli the sitting MLA, Amit Mahto, of the JMM was convicted in a criminal assault case in March following which the seat fell vacant.

The seat of Noorpur in Uttar Pradesh fell vacant after the death of sitting BJP MLA Lokendra Singh Chouhan. Chouhan was a two-time MLA from here.

The Maheshtala seat was held by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Kasturi Das until his death in February. He too had represented this constituency twice.

Former Meghalaya Chief Minister and Congress MLA Mukul Sangma resigned from Ampati seat in March, as he had also won from Songsak. Sangma was the MLA from this seat since 1993.

Tharali seat in Uttarakhand is reserved for the member of scheduled castes. The by-poll was necessitated after the death of the BJP MLA Magan Lal Shah in February.

Chengannur seat fell vacant after the death of Communist Party of India (Marxist) sitting MLA KK&nbspRamachandran Nair in January.

Sarfaraz Alam had won the Jokihat assembly seat on Janata Dal (United) (JD-U) ticket. He later contested from RJD ticket and resigned in April from the post of MLA after his victory in the Araria Lok Sabha by-poll.

The Shiromani Akali Dal representative of the Shahkot seat, Ajit Singh Kohar the sitting MLA, died in February, which necessitated by-poll in the assembly. Kohar had won from the constituency in 2012 and 2017.

The by-poll in Palus-Kadegaon Assembly constituency was necessitated due to the death of Congress's Patangrao Kadam, who had won the constituency twice. The EC has declared Kadam's son elected unopposed as the BJP had withdrawn its candidate.

These bye-elections were also marred with the complaints of EVM malfunctioning and in the view of which the election commission had to replace the faulty machines at certain places after which repolling was held on several booths on Wednesday.&nbsp

The results will test the mettle of a united opposition with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The counting of votes for by-elections to four Lok Sabha seats and 10 assembly constituencies will be held today. Lok Sabha bypoll The Lok Sabha seats which went for polls were: Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra the politically-crucial Kairana Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, and Nagaland parliamentary constituency. It will be a litmus test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a positive outcome is necessary for the saffron party to maintain its majority in the Lok Sabha. The results will also test the mettle of a united opposition with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Though, after losing from Gorakhpur and Phulpur, the BJP had profusely campaigned to win the Kairana seat. Similarly, in Maharashtra's Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya, all four major parties -- the BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress left no stone unturned to woo the electorates in their favour. Elections were necessitated in Kairana after the seat fell vacant in February following the death of BJP leader Hukum Singh. The BJP has fielded Mriganka Singh, daughter of Singh, from this seat. In Maharashtra, Palghar is a reserved seat, which was previously held by the BJP. The seat fell vacant after sitting BJP MP Chintaman Wanga died in January. Chintaman Wanga had thrice won the constituency as a BJP member, however, after his death, his family had joined hands with the Shiv Sena. In Bhandara-Gondiya the bye-election was necessitated when BJP's sitting MP Nana Patole quit the party to join the Congress in December last year. Meanwhile, in Nagaland Neiphiu Rio of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party was the representative of the lone Lok Sabha constituency in Nagaland. Rio, who represented this constituency, quit in February to contest in the assembly election. Rio is the chief minister of Nagaland. Assembly by-election The by-elections were held in Legislative Assemblies of Shahkot (Punjab), Tharali (Uttarakhand), Ampati (Meghalaya), Chengannur (Kerala), Jokihat (Bihar), Gomia (Jharkhand), Silli (Jharkhand), Maheshtala (West Bengal), Noorpur (Uttar Pradesh), Palus Kadegaon (Maharashtra). The by-poll in Gomia Assembly was necessitated after the sitting MLA Yogendra Prasad Mahto of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was expelled from the assembly after he was convicted in a coal theft case. In Jharkhand's Silli the sitting MLA, Amit Mahto, of the JMM was convicted in a criminal assault case in March following which the seat fell vacant. The seat of Noorpur in Uttar Pradesh fell vacant after the death of sitting BJP MLA Lokendra Singh Chouhan. Chouhan was a two-time MLA from here. The Maheshtala seat was held by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Kasturi Das until his death in February. He too had represented this constituency twice. Former Meghalaya Chief Minister and Congress MLA Mukul Sangma resigned from Ampati seat in March, as he had also won from Songsak. Sangma was the MLA from this seat since 1993. Tharali seat in Uttarakhand is reserved for the member of scheduled castes. The by-poll was necessitated after the death of the BJP MLA Magan Lal Shah in February. Chengannur seat fell vacant after the death of Communist Party of India (Marxist) sitting MLA KK&nbspRamachandran Nair in January. Sarfaraz Alam had won the Jokihat assembly seat on Janata Dal (United) (JD-U) ticket. He later contested from RJD ticket and resigned in April from the post of MLA after his victory in the Araria Lok Sabha by-poll. The Shiromani Akali Dal representative of the Shahkot seat, Ajit Singh Kohar the sitting MLA, died in February, which necessitated by-poll in the assembly. Kohar had won from the constituency in 2012 and 2017. The by-poll in Palus-Kadegaon Assembly constituency was necessitated due to the death of Congress's Patangrao Kadam, who had won the constituency twice. The EC has declared Kadam's son elected unopposed as the BJP had withdrawn its candidate. These bye-elections were also marred with the complaints of EVM malfunctioning and in the view of which the election commission had to replace the faulty machines at certain places after which repolling was held on several booths on Wednesday.

Lok Sabha, assembly seats bypoll results today: All you need to know

Around 44 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the first four hours of polling for Nagaland's lone Lok Sabha seat today.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio cast his vote at a polling booth at Touphema Basa village, around 25 km from the state capital, around 10 am, sources said.

The ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), which has the NDPP and the BJP as its major constituents, has fielded former minister Tokheho Yepthomi from the seat.

Yepthomi is pitted against Opposition Naga People's Front (NPF) nominee C Apok Jamir. The Congress has also extended its support to Jamir.

Altogether 11,97,436 people are eligible to exercise their franchise at 2196 polling stations across the state, Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer Abhijit Sinha said.

Voting began at 7 AM and will go on till 4 PM in 1887 polling stations, while it will end an hour ahead in 309 booths, the CEO said.

"In 309 booths, set up in faraway places with barely any transportation facilities, the polling will end at 3 PM for the convenience of the election officials," he said.

Altogether, 40 companies of Central Armed Police Forces along with 80 companies of Nagaland Armed Police, 770 Home Guards and 2600 village guards have been deployed across the state to ensure free and fair polls, Sinha added.

The bypoll was necessitated after Rio, who is also the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leader, resigned as a Lok Sabha member in February, days before the assembly polls. 
&nbsp

Altogether 11,97,436 people are eligible to exercise their franchise at 2196 polling stations across the state

Around 44 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the first four hours of polling for Nagaland's lone Lok Sabha seat today. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio cast his vote at a polling booth at Touphema Basa village, around 25 km from the state capital, around 10 am, sources said. The ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), which has the NDPP and the BJP as its major constituents, has fielded former minister Tokheho Yepthomi from the seat. Yepthomi is pitted against Opposition Naga People's Front (NPF) nominee C Apok Jamir. The Congress has also extended its support to Jamir. Altogether 11,97,436 people are eligible to exercise their franchise at 2196 polling stations across the state, Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer Abhijit Sinha said. Voting began at 7 AM and will go on till 4 PM in 1887 polling stations, while it will end an hour ahead in 309 booths, the CEO said. "In 309 booths, set up in faraway places with barely any transportation facilities, the polling will end at 3 PM for the convenience of the election officials," he said. Altogether, 40 companies of Central Armed Police Forces along with 80 companies of Nagaland Armed Police, 770 Home Guards and 2600 village guards have been deployed across the state to ensure free and fair polls, Sinha added. The bypoll was necessitated after Rio, who is also the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leader, resigned as a Lok Sabha member in February, days before the assembly polls.

Bypolls: Voting underway in Nagaland Lok Sabha seat, 44% turnout in first 4 hours

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