An imperative opportunity for the youth of India to enhance their credentials by acquainting themselves with the Programme.&nbsp;

The Speaker's Research Initiative, Parliament of India has released an official notice of Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 inviting the aspiring youths in the country to work with the Parliament democracy through the internship to guide them to contribute towards the work for the use of our Members of Parliament.

Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018: How to Apply?

1. Visit the official website -&nbsp;<a href="http://sri.nic.in/" id="LPlnk357748" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://sri.nic.in</a>

2. Click on Online Applications for Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 on the home screen.&nbsp;

3. Click on Register and then Login

4. Fill the Application Form by providing all the necessary details.&nbsp;

5. Submit the form

There will be two Types of Internships:

One month Internship&nbsp; - With Age limit up to 18 to 30 Years

Three months Internship - With Age limit up to 21 to 30 Years

Stipend payable Rs. 20,000/- per month and Rs. 10,000/- for stationery and typing expenses for three months Internship.

Stipend payable Rs. 20,000/- per month and Rs. 5,000/- for stationery and typing expenses for three months Internship.

Eligibility Criteria:

One month Internship: All the candidates applying need to be Pursuing graduation/post-graduation in social sciences, science, languages, environmental studies, law, journalism, finance, management, etc from a recognised university or institute.

Three months Internship: All the candidates applying need to have a Post Graduate degree in relevant discipline from a recognised university or institute. Also, the candidate should be pursuing doctoral study.

The duration of One-month Internship Programme will be from July 2, 2018, to September 28, 2018.

And, for Three months Internship Programme, it will be from&nbsp;June 28,&nbsp;&nbsp;2018, to&nbsp;July 27, 2018.&nbsp;

The Last date to apply for the Internship Programme is May 4, 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Speaker's Research Initiative, Parliament of India has released an official notice of Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 inviting the aspiring youths in the country to work with the Parliament democracy through the internship to guide them to contribute towards the work for the use of our Members of Parliament

An imperative opportunity for the youth of India to enhance their credentials by acquainting themselves with the Programme. The Speaker's Research Initiative, Parliament of India has released an official notice of Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 inviting the aspiring youths in the country to work with the Parliament democracy through the internship to guide them to contribute towards the work for the use of our Members of Parliament. Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018: How to Apply? 1. Visit the official website - http://sri.nic.in 2. Click on Online Applications for Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 on the home screen. 3. Click on Register and then Login 4. Fill the Application Form by providing all the necessary details. 5. Submit the form There will be two Types of Internships: One month Internship - With Age limit up to 18 to 30 Years Three months Internship - With Age limit up to 21 to 30 Years Stipend payable Rs. 20,000/- per month and Rs. 10,000/- for stationery and typing expenses for three months Internship. Stipend payable Rs. 20,000/- per month and Rs. 5,000/- for stationery and typing expenses for three months Internship. Eligibility Criteria: One month Internship: All the candidates applying need to be Pursuing graduation/post-graduation in social sciences, science, languages, environmental studies, law, journalism, finance, management, etc from a recognised university or institute. Three months Internship: All the candidates applying need to have a Post Graduate degree in relevant discipline from a recognised university or institute. Also, the candidate should be pursuing doctoral study. The duration of One-month Internship Programme will be from July 2, 2018, to September 28, 2018. And, for Three months Internship Programme, it will be from June 28, 2018, to July 27, 2018. The Last date to apply for the Internship Programme is May 4, 2018.

Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018: How to Apply?

After a washout of the budget session of Parliament that ended Friday, the BJP and the Congress blamed each other for the impasse and announced countrywide fasts as protest even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition party of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low".

While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to "expose" the BJP's "lies" on the issue.

Addressing BJP MPs on the party's foundation day, Modi kept the Congress in his line of fire and spelt out an exercise by party lawmakers and ministers for reaching out to villages with substantial Dalit and tribal population through implementation of his government's seven key welfare schemes.

Modi at the BJP parliamentary party meeting accused the Congress of paralysing Parliament proceedings during the Budget Session that ended Friday, and said it was "throttling" democracy and "abusing" people's mandate.

Briefing reporters on the meeting, Union minister Ananth Kumar quoted the prime minister as saying that while the BJP's strength has been rising, the opposition, especially the Congress, has resorted to "divisive and negative" politics. 
Parliamentary proceedings stooped to a new low due to the conduct of the Congress, Modi said.

All BJP MPs will observe a day long fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's conduct in Parliament, he said.

On the other hand, Gandhi directed party workers to organise nationwide fast to protect and promote harmony among various sections on April 9.

In a letter to all PCC chiefs, party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said "peace and harmony have been embodied in the soul of this country and the responsibility to uphold it lies with the Congress".

He said what has happened on April 2 during Bharat bandh was very unfortunate and it was very dangerous for the social fabric of this country and blamed BJP-ruled Centre and state governments for not initiating steps to curb violence neither to protect the fraternity.

"Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Congress to lead the nation in tough time," he said.

At the AICC briefing, senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand Sharma hit back at the BJP and held it responsible for not letting Parliament function and termed as a "gimmick" and "drama" the move by NDA MPs to forgo their salary for 23 days when Parliament did not function.

The Congress leaders said their party MPs had met Rajya Sabha chairman requesting him that the house should not be prorogued so that it can be reconvened for two more weeks to discuss issues of national importance as they could not be taken up due to disruptions.

Sharma alleged that the BJP and RSS were spreading hatred in society through their "divisive" agenda. The Congress "will expose it" and their chief Rahul Gandhi has appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony in society, he said.

Kharge also alleged that it was the government and its allies which were disrupting the Lok Sabha and questioned why members causing disturbance were not suspended and the no-confidence motions taken up for discussion.

The government and its allies were "orchestrating" disruptions and blaming the Congress for it, he alleged.

"Government encouraged its allies to disrupt proceedings which resulted in the Houses being adjourned day after day in the session, within seconds of the ruckus created at government's behest."

"We gave prior notice under the rules of Parliament. The Government is sole responsible for disruption of parliament and now 'the thief is blaming the cop'", Kharge said.

Sharma said, "one thing we want to make absolutely clear with truth and force of facts at our command that Congress is not responsible for the disruption. We wanted debate, we wanted accountability and we shall continue to demand that."

"Today we have told the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to inform the Government that we are willing, do not prorogue the Houses they have been adjourned only sine die. Reconvene the Parliament for two weeks or ten days to debate these five issues and to legislate, bring the important Laws.

"We have said the ball is in their court. This is what we have conveyed today and we are informing you," he said.&nbsp

While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to 'expose' the BJP's 'lies' on the issue

After a washout of the budget session of Parliament that ended Friday, the BJP and the Congress blamed each other for the impasse and announced countrywide fasts as protest even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition party of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low". While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to "expose" the BJP's "lies" on the issue. Addressing BJP MPs on the party's foundation day, Modi kept the Congress in his line of fire and spelt out an exercise by party lawmakers and ministers for reaching out to villages with substantial Dalit and tribal population through implementation of his government's seven key welfare schemes. Modi at the BJP parliamentary party meeting accused the Congress of paralysing Parliament proceedings during the Budget Session that ended Friday, and said it was "throttling" democracy and "abusing" people's mandate. Briefing reporters on the meeting, Union minister Ananth Kumar quoted the prime minister as saying that while the BJP's strength has been rising, the opposition, especially the Congress, has resorted to "divisive and negative" politics. Parliamentary proceedings stooped to a new low due to the conduct of the Congress, Modi said. All BJP MPs will observe a day long fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's conduct in Parliament, he said. On the other hand, Gandhi directed party workers to organise nationwide fast to protect and promote harmony among various sections on April 9. In a letter to all PCC chiefs, party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said "peace and harmony have been embodied in the soul of this country and the responsibility to uphold it lies with the Congress". He said what has happened on April 2 during Bharat bandh was very unfortunate and it was very dangerous for the social fabric of this country and blamed BJP-ruled Centre and state governments for not initiating steps to curb violence neither to protect the fraternity. "Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Congress to lead the nation in tough time," he said. At the AICC briefing, senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand Sharma hit back at the BJP and held it responsible for not letting Parliament function and termed as a "gimmick" and "drama" the move by NDA MPs to forgo their salary for 23 days when Parliament did not function. The Congress leaders said their party MPs had met Rajya Sabha chairman requesting him that the house should not be prorogued so that it can be reconvened for two more weeks to discuss issues of national importance as they could not be taken up due to disruptions. Sharma alleged that the BJP and RSS were spreading hatred in society through their "divisive" agenda. The Congress "will expose it" and their chief Rahul Gandhi has appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony in society, he said. Kharge also alleged that it was the government and its allies which were disrupting the Lok Sabha and questioned why members causing disturbance were not suspended and the no-confidence motions taken up for discussion. The government and its allies were "orchestrating" disruptions and blaming the Congress for it, he alleged. "Government encouraged its allies to disrupt proceedings which resulted in the Houses being adjourned day after day in the session, within seconds of the ruckus created at government's behest." "We gave prior notice under the rules of Parliament. The Government is sole responsible for disruption of parliament and now 'the thief is blaming the cop'", Kharge said. Sharma said, "one thing we want to make absolutely clear with truth and force of facts at our command that Congress is not responsible for the disruption. We wanted debate, we wanted accountability and we shall continue to demand that." "Today we have told the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to inform the Government that we are willing, do not prorogue the Houses they have been adjourned only sine die. Reconvene the Parliament for two weeks or ten days to debate these five issues and to legislate, bring the important Laws. "We have said the ball is in their court. This is what we have conveyed today and we are informing you," he said.

Congress, BJP blame each other for Parliament logjam, announce fasts in protest

The washed out second leg of Parliament's Budget Session ended Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die, capping a month of relentless disruptions and stated to be the least productive since 2000 with nearly 250 working hours being wasted.

As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was "eminently forgettable".

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended prorogation of the Budget Session of Parliament to President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Lok Sabha was also unable to take up multiple opposition notices for no-confidence motion against the Modi government with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there is no order in the House which witnessed protests by various parties. 
Mahajan said the members should keep in mind the larger interests of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House.

The last day of the session was also marred by protests by AIADMK and Congress members over setting up of the Cauvery river management board as well as by TDP members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Mahajan also said she wanted to take up the notices for no-confidence motion. "I am sorry... If you don't want to take up (notices for no-confidence motion)," she said and proceeded to read out a brief summary of the Budget session and its second leg before adjourning sine die.

In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu even wondered if the fears of those who doubted the need for a Second Chamber during the debates in the Constituent Assembly were coming true. "Let us not be a party to this House becoming a 'clog(impediment) in the wheel of progress''.

"I am pained to note that it(the session) turned out to be an eminently forgettable one on account of utter disregard of the mandate of this important parliamentary institution and its responsibilities and missed opportunities," he said.

The disruptions and adjournments were caused by protests over issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, bank scams, demand for Cauvery water management board, vandalising of statues, review of the recent Supreme Court order on SC/ST Act and law and order situation in Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh.

The second leg of the Budget session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted.

Speaker Mahajan said a total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected by "interruptions and forced adjournments" while Naidu said the Rajya Sabha lost over 121 hours.

Just five bills, including the crucial Finance Bill 2018 for which the Budget Session is convened, were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha.

Besides, The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were among those passed.

There was lot of drama outside the Parliament too on the concluding day of the Budget session with several ministers and ruling alliance MPs protesting near the iconic statue of the meditating Mahatma inside the complex, often a site of protest by opposition lawmakers.

According to PRS Legislative Research, "this was the least productive Budget session for both Houses since 2000".

During the session on an average, Lok Sabha worked for 21 per cent of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for 27 per cent, it said.

According to data provided by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the productivity of the Lok Sabha(LS) was 134 per cent, and that of the Rajya Sabha(RS) around 96 per cent during the brief first part of the session. The first part had seven LS and eight RS sittings.

But the second part of the session saw productivity taking a nose dive due to daily disruptions and adjournments. The productivity of the LS was four per cent and that of the RS eight per cent, the minister said.

"The productivity of the complete Budget session was 23 per cent for the LS and 28 per cent for the RS," he said.

Accusing the Congress of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low" with its conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fast by BJP MPs on April 12 to protest the impasse "caused" by the opposition party in Parliament.

In a counter-offensive, the Congress said its workers would hold a day-long fast at all state and district headquarters on April 9 to expose the BJP's "lies" on various issues.

As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was 'eminently forgettable'

The washed out second leg of Parliament's Budget Session ended Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die, capping a month of relentless disruptions and stated to be the least productive since 2000 with nearly 250 working hours being wasted. As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was "eminently forgettable". The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended prorogation of the Budget Session of Parliament to President Ram Nath Kovind. The Lok Sabha was also unable to take up multiple opposition notices for no-confidence motion against the Modi government with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there is no order in the House which witnessed protests by various parties. Mahajan said the members should keep in mind the larger interests of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House. The last day of the session was also marred by protests by AIADMK and Congress members over setting up of the Cauvery river management board as well as by TDP members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. Mahajan also said she wanted to take up the notices for no-confidence motion. "I am sorry... If you don't want to take up (notices for no-confidence motion)," she said and proceeded to read out a brief summary of the Budget session and its second leg before adjourning sine die. In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu even wondered if the fears of those who doubted the need for a Second Chamber during the debates in the Constituent Assembly were coming true. "Let us not be a party to this House becoming a 'clog(impediment) in the wheel of progress''. "I am pained to note that it(the session) turned out to be an eminently forgettable one on account of utter disregard of the mandate of this important parliamentary institution and its responsibilities and missed opportunities," he said. The disruptions and adjournments were caused by protests over issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, bank scams, demand for Cauvery water management board, vandalising of statues, review of the recent Supreme Court order on SC/ST Act and law and order situation in Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh. The second leg of the Budget session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted. Speaker Mahajan said a total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected by "interruptions and forced adjournments" while Naidu said the Rajya Sabha lost over 121 hours. Just five bills, including the crucial Finance Bill 2018 for which the Budget Session is convened, were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha. Besides, The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were among those passed. There was lot of drama outside the Parliament too on the concluding day of the Budget session with several ministers and ruling alliance MPs protesting near the iconic statue of the meditating Mahatma inside the complex, often a site of protest by opposition lawmakers. According to PRS Legislative Research, "this was the least productive Budget session for both Houses since 2000". During the session on an average, Lok Sabha worked for 21 per cent of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for 27 per cent, it said. According to data provided by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the productivity of the Lok Sabha(LS) was 134 per cent, and that of the Rajya Sabha(RS) around 96 per cent during the brief first part of the session. The first part had seven LS and eight RS sittings. But the second part of the session saw productivity taking a nose dive due to daily disruptions and adjournments. The productivity of the LS was four per cent and that of the RS eight per cent, the minister said. "The productivity of the complete Budget session was 23 per cent for the LS and 28 per cent for the RS," he said. Accusing the Congress of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low" with its conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fast by BJP MPs on April 12 to protest the impasse "caused" by the opposition party in Parliament. In a counter-offensive, the Congress said its workers would hold a day-long fast at all state and district headquarters on April 9 to expose the BJP's "lies" on various issues.

Parliament adjourned sine die after least productive budget session since 2000

Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday.

Protests by members from various parties on diverse issues marred proceedings almost every day during the two-phase Budget session. The second leg of the session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted.

In her summary report, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the House functioned for a total of 34 hours and 5 minutes during the 29 sittings.

A total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected due to "interruptions and forced adjournments". Around 9 hours and 47 minutes went in to transact urgent government business, Mahajan said.

According to her, out of the 580 starred questions, answers were given to 17 of them in the floor of the House and this translates to "0.58" questions being answered on an average every day.

Written replies for remaining starred questions and 6,670 unstarred questions were tabled in the House.

Just five bills were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha.

'The Finance Bill 2018', 'The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017' and 'The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017' were among those bills that were passed.

Discussions on Presidential address took place for 10 hours and 43 minutes while that on Budget went on for 12 hours and 13 minutes.

"This House is a sacred platform for members to raise issues related to public interest and public welfare," Mahajan said even as she emphasised that they need to keep in mind the larger interest of the country.

"I have always tried that members who have given notices raise their issues in the House...," she said.

She also thanked all parties for their support in organising the National Legislators' Conference on March 10 and 11.

Ministers gave 43 statements on various important issues and 1,185 papers were tabled.

Under Rule 377, which pertains to urgent matters of public interest, members raised 238 issues.

A total of 61 reports by various department-related Standing Committees were presented during the Budget session.&nbsp

Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday

Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday. Protests by members from various parties on diverse issues marred proceedings almost every day during the two-phase Budget session. The second leg of the session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted. In her summary report, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the House functioned for a total of 34 hours and 5 minutes during the 29 sittings. A total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected due to "interruptions and forced adjournments". Around 9 hours and 47 minutes went in to transact urgent government business, Mahajan said. According to her, out of the 580 starred questions, answers were given to 17 of them in the floor of the House and this translates to "0.58" questions being answered on an average every day. Written replies for remaining starred questions and 6,670 unstarred questions were tabled in the House. Just five bills were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha. 'The Finance Bill 2018', 'The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017' and 'The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017' were among those bills that were passed. Discussions on Presidential address took place for 10 hours and 43 minutes while that on Budget went on for 12 hours and 13 minutes. "This House is a sacred platform for members to raise issues related to public interest and public welfare," Mahajan said even as she emphasised that they need to keep in mind the larger interest of the country. "I have always tried that members who have given notices raise their issues in the House...," she said. She also thanked all parties for their support in organising the National Legislators' Conference on March 10 and 11. Ministers gave 43 statements on various important issues and 1,185 papers were tabled. Under Rule 377, which pertains to urgent matters of public interest, members raised 238 issues. A total of 61 reports by various department-related Standing Committees were presented during the Budget session.

Lok Sabha lost over 127 hours due to disruptions in Budget session

Five YSRCP MPs on Friday submitted&nbsp;their resignations to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan&nbsp;over the “failure” of the NDA government to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

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YSRCP Lok Sabha MPs submitted their resignations to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpecialStatus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpecialStatus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/M8F9pWfSu0">pic.twitter.com/M8F9pWfSu0</a>
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Addressing a press conference, the MPs on Thursday said they are outraged as their notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government could not be taken up for discussion in the House due to continuous disruptions. The YSR Congress MPs had given notices for no-confidence motion against the government for its failure to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

“Resignation letters will be submitted in a proper format. There is enough time to conduct by-elections…. We would fight the polls and again continue our demand for special category status,” party MP Varaprasad Rao Velagapalli said. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of “disrespecting democracy”, saying both the leaders “failed” to keep their promises to the people of Andhra Pradesh.

“YSRCP has given notices for no-confidence motion 12 times and not even once it was taken up for discussion,” Velagapalli said.

YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced in February that the party’s five MPs would resign if its demand for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh was not fulfilled by the Centre. The YSRCP and the TDP, which walked out of the BJP-led NDA, had given notices for no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha.

Following this, TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu had met parliamentary party leaders of various parties in an attempt to garner support for the no-confidence motion. “Naidu began fighting for special category status out of sheer pressure from the people as our leader has been ramping up pressure on him on the issue. He had no option but to quit the NDA,” another YSRCP MP Mekapati Raja Mohan Reddy said.

YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced in February that the party’s five MPs would resign if its demand for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh was not fulfilled by the Centre.

Five YSRCP MPs on Friday submitted their resignations to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan over the “failure” of the NDA government to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. YSRCP Lok Sabha MPs submitted their resignations to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. #SpecialStatus #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/M8F9pWfSu0 — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 × Addressing a press conference, the MPs on Thursday said they are outraged as their notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government could not be taken up for discussion in the House due to continuous disruptions. The YSR Congress MPs had given notices for no-confidence motion against the government for its failure to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. “Resignation letters will be submitted in a proper format. There is enough time to conduct by-elections…. We would fight the polls and again continue our demand for special category status,” party MP Varaprasad Rao Velagapalli said. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of “disrespecting democracy”, saying both the leaders “failed” to keep their promises to the people of Andhra Pradesh. “YSRCP has given notices for no-confidence motion 12 times and not even once it was taken up for discussion,” Velagapalli said. YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced in February that the party’s five MPs would resign if its demand for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh was not fulfilled by the Centre. The YSRCP and the TDP, which walked out of the BJP-led NDA, had given notices for no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. Following this, TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu had met parliamentary party leaders of various parties in an attempt to garner support for the no-confidence motion. “Naidu began fighting for special category status out of sheer pressure from the people as our leader has been ramping up pressure on him on the issue. He had no option but to quit the NDA,” another YSRCP MP Mekapati Raja Mohan Reddy said.

Andhra Pradesh special status: YSRCP MPs submit resignations to Speaker

Five MPs of the YSR Congress Party on Thursday announced that they will resign from the Lok Sabha on Friday to protest the “failure” of the NDA government to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference, the MPs also said they are outraged as their notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government could not be taken up for discussion in the House due to continuous disruptions. The YSR Congress MPs had given notices for no-confidence motion against the government for its failure to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. The MPs said they would be submitting their resignation letters to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tomorrow, the last day of the Budget session.

“Resignation letters will be submitted in proper format. There is enough time to conduct by-elections…. We would fight the polls and again continue our demand for special category status,” party MP Varaprasad Rao Velagapalli said. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of “disrespecting democracy”, saying both the leaders “failed” to keep their promises to the people of Andhra Pradesh.

“YSRCP has given notices for no-confidence motion 12 times and not even once it was taken up for discussion,” Velagapalli said.

YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced in February that the party’s five MPs would resign if its demand for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh was not fulfilled by the Centre. The YSRCP and the TDP, which walked out of the BJP-led NDA, had given notices for no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha.

Following this, TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu had met parliamentary party leaders of various parties in an attempt to garner support for the no-confidence motion. “Naidu began fighting for special category status out of sheer pressure from the people as our leader has been ramping up pressure on him on the issue. He had no option but to quit the NDA,” another YSRCP MP Mekapati Raja Mohan Reddy said.

On Naidu’s claims of nexus between the YSRCP and the BJP, he said, “Naidu is trying to club our party with the BJP. This is unfair. The TDP was in alliance with the BJP for four years and now they are blaming us.”

YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced in February that the party's five MPs would resign if its demand for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh was not fulfilled by the Centre.

Five MPs of the YSR Congress Party on Thursday announced that they will resign from the Lok Sabha on Friday to protest the “failure” of the NDA government to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a press conference, the MPs also said they are outraged as their notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government could not be taken up for discussion in the House due to continuous disruptions. The YSR Congress MPs had given notices for no-confidence motion against the government for its failure to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. The MPs said they would be submitting their resignation letters to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tomorrow, the last day of the Budget session. “Resignation letters will be submitted in proper format. There is enough time to conduct by-elections…. We would fight the polls and again continue our demand for special category status,” party MP Varaprasad Rao Velagapalli said. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of “disrespecting democracy”, saying both the leaders “failed” to keep their promises to the people of Andhra Pradesh. “YSRCP has given notices for no-confidence motion 12 times and not even once it was taken up for discussion,” Velagapalli said. YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced in February that the party’s five MPs would resign if its demand for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh was not fulfilled by the Centre. The YSRCP and the TDP, which walked out of the BJP-led NDA, had given notices for no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. Following this, TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu had met parliamentary party leaders of various parties in an attempt to garner support for the no-confidence motion. “Naidu began fighting for special category status out of sheer pressure from the people as our leader has been ramping up pressure on him on the issue. He had no option but to quit the NDA,” another YSRCP MP Mekapati Raja Mohan Reddy said. On Naidu’s claims of nexus between the YSRCP and the BJP, he said, “Naidu is trying to club our party with the BJP. This is unfair. The TDP was in alliance with the BJP for four years and now they are blaming us.”

Andhra Pradesh special status: Five YCRP MPs say they will resign from Lok Sabha tomorrow

Congress and BJP members on Thursday traded charges over the near washout of the Budget session as the proceedings of the Lok Sabha were disrupted for the 21st consecutive day.

Noisy protests by AIADMK members seeking early constitution of the Cauvery water management board saw the House being adjourned for the day.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was also seen agitated over certain names being taken by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar holding them and her party responsible for the disruptions in the House.

Soon after the House met to take up the day's business, AIADMK members trooped into the Well and raised slogans seeking immediate constitution of the board.

As pandemonium prevailed, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till noon.

At noon, even before the House was re-assembled, AIADMK members carrying placards trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans such as 'we want justice' and 'we demand Cauvery board'.

After the listed papers were laid, Congress, NCP, Left, TDP and RJD members were standing at their seats seeking the Speaker's ruling on notices they had given on the no- confidence motion, moved by some of them. 
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress and the entire opposition were ready for a discussion on the no- confidence motion moved by some of them besides looking for debates on alleged dilution of SC/ST Act, PNB scam involving diamantaire Nirav Modi.

"We are ready for discussion. Kindly allow us to move the no-confidence motion to discuss various issues," he said.

Countering Kharge, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the BJP and NDA were ready for a discussion on the no-confidence motion and sought immediate debate on it.

He alleged that the Congress was against the debate and trying to prevent the discussions on the no-confidence motion, which is against democracy.

Kumar said as the House was not functioning, BJP members have decided not to take any remuneration that they are entitled to as MPs for the entire second part of the budget session.

After his remarks, angry Congress members strongly protested saying it was the government which was running away from the discussion on no-confidence motion.

An agitated Sonia Gandhi and other Congress members strongly objected when the parliamentary affairs minister took names of a few party leaders alleging they were trying to stall the debate.

At this Speaker Sumitra Mahajan intervened and ruled that no names should come on record of proceedings.

With AIADMK members continuing sloganeering, the Speaker appealed to them to return to their seats, saying she cannot take up notices on the no-confidence motion unless the House is in order.

"I am duty bound to place the no-confidence motion.Please go to your seats. I have to do a head count. I have not been able to take up notices on the no-confidence motion," she said.

As the unrelenting AIADMK members continued sloganeering, the Speaker said she was not in a position to take up notices for no-confidence motion and announced adjournment of the House for the day.

Citing assembly polls in Karnataka, the Centre had last week sought more time from the Supreme Court to set up the Cauvery water management board to implement water sharing formula among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.&nbsp;

Congress and BJP members on Thursday traded charges over the near washout of the Budget session as the proceedings of the Lok Sabha were disrupted for the 21st consecutive day.

Congress and BJP members on Thursday traded charges over the near washout of the Budget session as the proceedings of the Lok Sabha were disrupted for the 21st consecutive day. Noisy protests by AIADMK members seeking early constitution of the Cauvery water management board saw the House being adjourned for the day. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was also seen agitated over certain names being taken by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar holding them and her party responsible for the disruptions in the House. Soon after the House met to take up the day's business, AIADMK members trooped into the Well and raised slogans seeking immediate constitution of the board. As pandemonium prevailed, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till noon. At noon, even before the House was re-assembled, AIADMK members carrying placards trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans such as 'we want justice' and 'we demand Cauvery board'. After the listed papers were laid, Congress, NCP, Left, TDP and RJD members were standing at their seats seeking the Speaker's ruling on notices they had given on the no- confidence motion, moved by some of them. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress and the entire opposition were ready for a discussion on the no- confidence motion moved by some of them besides looking for debates on alleged dilution of SC/ST Act, PNB scam involving diamantaire Nirav Modi. "We are ready for discussion. Kindly allow us to move the no-confidence motion to discuss various issues," he said. Countering Kharge, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the BJP and NDA were ready for a discussion on the no-confidence motion and sought immediate debate on it. He alleged that the Congress was against the debate and trying to prevent the discussions on the no-confidence motion, which is against democracy. Kumar said as the House was not functioning, BJP members have decided not to take any remuneration that they are entitled to as MPs for the entire second part of the budget session. After his remarks, angry Congress members strongly protested saying it was the government which was running away from the discussion on no-confidence motion. An agitated Sonia Gandhi and other Congress members strongly objected when the parliamentary affairs minister took names of a few party leaders alleging they were trying to stall the debate. At this Speaker Sumitra Mahajan intervened and ruled that no names should come on record of proceedings. With AIADMK members continuing sloganeering, the Speaker appealed to them to return to their seats, saying she cannot take up notices on the no-confidence motion unless the House is in order. "I am duty bound to place the no-confidence motion.Please go to your seats. I have to do a head count. I have not been able to take up notices on the no-confidence motion," she said. As the unrelenting AIADMK members continued sloganeering, the Speaker said she was not in a position to take up notices for no-confidence motion and announced adjournment of the House for the day. Citing assembly polls in Karnataka, the Centre had last week sought more time from the Supreme Court to set up the Cauvery water management board to implement water sharing formula among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

Lok Sabha proceedings disrupted for 21st straight day

There are over 37,000 railway bridges which are 100 years old with almost 32 per cent of them being in the Northern Zone, the government informed Parliament today.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said there are 37,162 railway bridges in the network which are a century old.

"The age of a bridge does not have any direct relevance on the physical condition of the bridge. There is a well-established system of inspection of bridges of the Indian Railways.

"All these bridges are inspected twice a year, one before the onset of monsoon and one detailed inspection after monsoon. In addition, certain bridges are also inspected more frequently depending on their condition," the minister said.

The Northern Railway Zone has 8,691 such bridges, followed by the Central Zone with 4,710 bridges, Eastern Zone with 3,119, South Central Zone with 3,040 and Western Zone with 2,858 bridges, he said.

Repair, strengthening, rehabilitation and rebuilding of railway bridges is undertaken whenever so warranted by their physical condition and if these measures take long, then safety measures like speed restrictions are imposed, the minister said.

He said that during the last five years (2012-2013 to 2016-2017), a total of 3,675 bridges have been repaired or strengthened.

As on April 1, 2017, Gohain said a total of 3,017 railway bridges are sanctioned for repair or rebuilt.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said there are 37,162 railway bridges in the network which are a century old

There are over 37,000 railway bridges which are 100 years old with almost 32 per cent of them being in the Northern Zone, the government informed Parliament today. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said there are 37,162 railway bridges in the network which are a century old. "The age of a bridge does not have any direct relevance on the physical condition of the bridge. There is a well-established system of inspection of bridges of the Indian Railways. "All these bridges are inspected twice a year, one before the onset of monsoon and one detailed inspection after monsoon. In addition, certain bridges are also inspected more frequently depending on their condition," the minister said. The Northern Railway Zone has 8,691 such bridges, followed by the Central Zone with 4,710 bridges, Eastern Zone with 3,119, South Central Zone with 3,040 and Western Zone with 2,858 bridges, he said. Repair, strengthening, rehabilitation and rebuilding of railway bridges is undertaken whenever so warranted by their physical condition and if these measures take long, then safety measures like speed restrictions are imposed, the minister said. He said that during the last five years (2012-2013 to 2016-2017), a total of 3,675 bridges have been repaired or strengthened. As on April 1, 2017, Gohain said a total of 3,017 railway bridges are sanctioned for repair or rebuilt.

Over 37,000 railway bridges are 100 years old: MoS Rajen Gohain

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day on Tuesday amid a ruckus created by their members.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following uproar over various issues and immediately after Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament on the <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/done-nothing-to-dilute-scst-act-rajnath-singh-on-dalit-protests-128034">Dalit protests</a>.

MPs continued to protest over the Cauvery issue leading to the adjournment of the Lower House. 
 
The Lok Sabha was earlier adjourned barely minutes after it had convened due to disruptions, mainly by AIADMK members&nbsp;raising slogans seeking early constitution of the Cauvery water management board and trooping into the well.

This was the&nbsp;19th consecutive day that the Lok Sabha was disrupted during the Question Hour.

The Speaker took up the first question during the Question Hour but nothing could be heard in the din.

Members of the Congress and the Left were seen standing at their seats and apparently accusing the AIADMK of stalling proceedings. Some Congress members were also heard slamming the government for violence during the agitation to protest the Supreme Court order diluting a key provision related to arrest under the SC-ST Act.

Members from TMC, BJD and TDP were standing at their seats apparently demanding order in the House, following which Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon.

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu told the protesting members that he was ready to "discuss everything and every issue", but noisy protests continued as TDP and AIADMK members disrupted the House by shouting slogans and holding placards. The chairman then adjourned the Upper House for the day. 
 
Earlier, the newly-elected members to the Rajya Sabha, &nbsp;including the 18 members who have been re-elected, took oath.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following uproar over various issues. In the Rajya Sabha, TDP and AIADMK members disrupted the House by shouting slogans and holding placards

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day on Tuesday amid a ruckus created by their members. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following uproar over various issues and immediately after Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament on the Dalit protests. MPs continued to protest over the Cauvery issue leading to the adjournment of the Lower House. The Lok Sabha was earlier adjourned barely minutes after it had convened due to disruptions, mainly by AIADMK members raising slogans seeking early constitution of the Cauvery water management board and trooping into the well. This was the 19th consecutive day that the Lok Sabha was disrupted during the Question Hour. The Speaker took up the first question during the Question Hour but nothing could be heard in the din. Members of the Congress and the Left were seen standing at their seats and apparently accusing the AIADMK of stalling proceedings. Some Congress members were also heard slamming the government for violence during the agitation to protest the Supreme Court order diluting a key provision related to arrest under the SC-ST Act. Members from TMC, BJD and TDP were standing at their seats apparently demanding order in the House, following which Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon. In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu told the protesting members that he was ready to "discuss everything and every issue", but noisy protests continued as TDP and AIADMK members disrupted the House by shouting slogans and holding placards. The chairman then adjourned the Upper House for the day. Earlier, the newly-elected members to the Rajya Sabha, including the 18 members who have been re-elected, took oath.

Parliament adjourned for the day, again

Parliament's Lower and Upper House, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were on Tuesday adjourned till tomorrow after the AIADMK MPs protested demanding the formation of the Cauvery Management Board and other issues.

The Lower House, the Lok Sabha was initially adjourned till 12 pm and later till tomorrow.

In the Rajya Sabha, MPs (Members of Parliament) belonging to the Congress, TMC, BSP, TDP and those of Tamil parties -- DMK and AIADMK, were in the Well even before Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu could settle down in his chair.

Unlike past days when listed papers were allowed to be laid on the table peacefully, Naidu had to go through the exercise today amid chaos as members persisted with slogan shouting.

The Congress and the BSP led the charge against the government, accusing it of being "anti-dalit", an apparent reference to the Supreme Court ruling on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The main opposition party also raised the issue of India's biggest bank fraud involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB) alongside the TMC. Tamil parties were demanding immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board for division of river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Members of the TDP and KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress held placards demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. 
 
As soon as the Lower House met for the day and took up the Question Hour, AIADMK members rushed into the Well shouting slogans such as "we want justice" and "we demand Cauvery board".

Citing assembly polls in Karnataka, the Centre had sought more time from the Supreme Court last week to set up the board to implement water sharing formula between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

Congress member Kantilal Bhuria and RJD's J P N Yadav were seen waving documents and demanding a&nbsp;review of the Supreme Court order diluting the provisions of immediate arrest under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Congress party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) earlier gave adjournment motion notices in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

RJD MP JP Yadav and Congress MP Sushmita Dev gave adjournment motion notices in the Lok Sabha over the leak of the class 10th CBSE maths paper and the class 12th CBSE economics papers. 
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RJD MP JP Yadav and Congress MP Sushmita Dev have given adjournment motion notices in Lok Sabha over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBSEPaperLeak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBSEPaperLeak</a> (file pics) <a href="https://t.co/J5Gu0fMhJP">pic.twitter.com/J5Gu0fMhJP</a>
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The Congress gave an adjournment motion notice under rule 267 in the Upper House over the nearly Rs 1300 crores Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam by designer jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi.

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Congress has given an adjournment motion notice under rule 267 in Rajya Sabha over 'Bank Scam' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/0ZuQU6aaVz">pic.twitter.com/0ZuQU6aaVz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980660559225016320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Lok Sabha has previously been adjourned for 15 days without undertaking any significant business due to protests by various Opposition political parties for different reasons including special status for Andhra Pradesh, the SC/ST Act, the PNB scam and the Cauvery water dispute.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned for 15 days without undertaking any significant business due to protests by various Opposition political parties

Parliament's Lower and Upper House, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were on Tuesday adjourned till tomorrow after the AIADMK MPs protested demanding the formation of the Cauvery Management Board and other issues. The Lower House, the Lok Sabha was initially adjourned till 12 pm and later till tomorrow. In the Rajya Sabha, MPs (Members of Parliament) belonging to the Congress, TMC, BSP, TDP and those of Tamil parties -- DMK and AIADMK, were in the Well even before Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu could settle down in his chair. Unlike past days when listed papers were allowed to be laid on the table peacefully, Naidu had to go through the exercise today amid chaos as members persisted with slogan shouting. The Congress and the BSP led the charge against the government, accusing it of being "anti-dalit", an apparent reference to the Supreme Court ruling on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The main opposition party also raised the issue of India's biggest bank fraud involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB) alongside the TMC. Tamil parties were demanding immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board for division of river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Members of the TDP and KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress held placards demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. As soon as the Lower House met for the day and took up the Question Hour, AIADMK members rushed into the Well shouting slogans such as "we want justice" and "we demand Cauvery board". Citing assembly polls in Karnataka, the Centre had sought more time from the Supreme Court last week to set up the board to implement water sharing formula between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Congress member Kantilal Bhuria and RJD's J P N Yadav were seen waving documents and demanding a review of the Supreme Court order diluting the provisions of immediate arrest under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Congress party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) earlier gave adjournment motion notices in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. RJD MP JP Yadav and Congress MP Sushmita Dev gave adjournment motion notices in the Lok Sabha over the leak of the class 10th CBSE maths paper and the class 12th CBSE economics papers. RJD MP JP Yadav and Congress MP Sushmita Dev have given adjournment motion notices in Lok Sabha over #CBSEPaperLeak (file pics) pic.twitter.com/J5Gu0fMhJP — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × The Congress gave an adjournment motion notice under rule 267 in the Upper House over the nearly Rs 1300 crores Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam by designer jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi. Congress has given an adjournment motion notice under rule 267 in Rajya Sabha over 'Bank Scam' #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/0ZuQU6aaVz — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × The Lok Sabha has previously been adjourned for 15 days without undertaking any significant business due to protests by various Opposition political parties for different reasons including special status for Andhra Pradesh, the SC/ST Act, the PNB scam and the Cauvery water dispute. (With inputs from agencies)

Parliament adjourned for the day over ruckus in both houses

Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties.

The government is willing for a discussion on no-confidence motions against it and enjoys a strong majority in the Lok Sabha, Goel, who is Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, said on Thursday, wondering why the opposition leaders were debating on television and not in the House.

Goel said he will be visiting key leaders of opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK, TDP and TRS, to persuade them to call off their protests, which have resulted in a washout of Parliament&#39;s proceedings since March 5 when it met after a recess to continue the Budget session.

At a press conference, Goel noted that over Rs 2.5 lakh is spent per minute in running Parliament, and asked opposition parties to raise their issues and debate them in the two Houses.

The second leg of the Budget Session is of 23 days and all 14 days so far have been wasted, Goel said.

&quot;I have been meeting opposition leaders in Parliament and will now visit their homes to persuade them to call off their protests and start discussion on their issues&quot; in the two Houses, he said.

On issues like the PNB scam, the government has more to tell the people than the opposition, he claimed and said the Modi government has been an honest dispensation which has worked against corruption.

&quot;Parliament is meant for debate. It is sad that opposition leaders can debate outside and on TV channels but not in Parliament. It is also strange for some of them to keep protesting in the Well of the two Houses and then say that it is the government&#39;s job to run them,&quot; he said.

Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is also a junior minister for parliamentary affairs, said it is difficult for the Speaker to take up notices for no-confidence motions as long as members are present in the Well as she is required to do a head-count of members supporting the notices.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress have given notices for no confidence motion against the government following the Centre&#39;s stand that it cannot provide special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

Several parties have been protesting in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over various of issues such as banking scam, Cauvery board, special status to Andhra Pradesh and quota hike, leading to daily adjournments.

A large number of bills, including on triple talaq, whistleblower protection and OBC Commission, are pending in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the crucial Finance Bill without any discussion. A couple of other bills have also been pushed in the two houses amid the din.&nbsp;

Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties

Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties. The government is willing for a discussion on no-confidence motions against it and enjoys a strong majority in the Lok Sabha, Goel, who is Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, said on Thursday, wondering why the opposition leaders were debating on television and not in the House. Goel said he will be visiting key leaders of opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK, TDP and TRS, to persuade them to call off their protests, which have resulted in a washout of Parliament's proceedings since March 5 when it met after a recess to continue the Budget session. At a press conference, Goel noted that over Rs 2.5 lakh is spent per minute in running Parliament, and asked opposition parties to raise their issues and debate them in the two Houses. The second leg of the Budget Session is of 23 days and all 14 days so far have been wasted, Goel said. "I have been meeting opposition leaders in Parliament and will now visit their homes to persuade them to call off their protests and start discussion on their issues" in the two Houses, he said. On issues like the PNB scam, the government has more to tell the people than the opposition, he claimed and said the Modi government has been an honest dispensation which has worked against corruption. "Parliament is meant for debate. It is sad that opposition leaders can debate outside and on TV channels but not in Parliament. It is also strange for some of them to keep protesting in the Well of the two Houses and then say that it is the government's job to run them," he said. Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is also a junior minister for parliamentary affairs, said it is difficult for the Speaker to take up notices for no-confidence motions as long as members are present in the Well as she is required to do a head-count of members supporting the notices. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress have given notices for no confidence motion against the government following the Centre's stand that it cannot provide special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Several parties have been protesting in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over various of issues such as banking scam, Cauvery board, special status to Andhra Pradesh and quota hike, leading to daily adjournments. A large number of bills, including on triple talaq, whistleblower protection and OBC Commission, are pending in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the crucial Finance Bill without any discussion. A couple of other bills have also been pushed in the two houses amid the din.

Union minister Vijay Goel to reach out to opposition leaders to break Parliament logjam

Protests and sloganeering marked the day&#39;s proceedings in the Lok Sabha Thursday.&nbsp;

Opposition MPs could be heard chanting &quot;We want justice&quot; in the background, even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the day&#39;s business.&nbsp;

As the protests grew louder, she said, &quot;Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House.&quot; She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm.&nbsp;

A little after the house reconvened, it was adjourned for the day.&nbsp;

This is the 14thd day now that the Lok Sabha has been disrupted.&nbsp;

Similar scenes were witness in the Rajya Sabha which&nbsp;was adjourned till Friday.&nbsp;

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Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after TDP MPs walked up to the Well with placards, raising slogans, demanding special status for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/JCGRkIOFhk">pic.twitter.com/JCGRkIOFhk</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976697542254780417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As the protests grew louder, she said, "Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House." She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm.

Protests and sloganeering marked the day's proceedings in the Lok Sabha Thursday. Opposition MPs could be heard chanting "We want justice" in the background, even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the day's business. As the protests grew louder, she said, "Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House." She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm. A little after the house reconvened, it was adjourned for the day. This is the 14thd day now that the Lok Sabha has been disrupted. Similar scenes were witness in the Rajya Sabha which was adjourned till Friday. Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after TDP MPs walked up to the Well with placards, raising slogans, demanding special status for #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/JCGRkIOFhk — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2018 ×

Both houses of Parliament adjourned again, no-trust motion not taken up

The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted today for the 13th day after members from the AIADMK and TRS continued with their noisy protests, stalling the taking up of two notices of no-confidence motion against the council of ministers for the fourth day.

Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that she cannot do a headcount of 50 members supporting the move, a prerequisite for taking up the notices for the trust vote.

She then adjourned the House for the day.

Minutes after the House met this morning, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for an hour due to protests by parties from Andhra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. When the House reassembled at 12 noon, members from the AIADMK, TDP and the TRS were seen raising slogans and holding placards in the Well.

While the AIADMK wants early establishment of the Cauvery river board to settle the water dispute with neighbouring states, the TRS is demanding hiked quota for Telangana. The TDP is demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Expelled RJD member Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was seen holding a placard demanding special status for Bihar. The members from Congress, TMC and the Left were standing at their seats.

After the laying of papers by ministers, when the protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the members to return to their seats so that legislative business could be taken up.

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Ruckus in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabha</a>, TDP MPs storm the well of the House over demand of special status to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a>, opposition members say, &#39;it is also the duty of the govt to facilitate proceedings of the House.&#39; Chairman adjourns the House till 11 am, tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/fI0KOvGgsE">pic.twitter.com/fI0KOvGgsE</a>
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He said the government is willing to discuss any issue, including the no-confidence motion. &quot;We have the confidence of the House as well as of the entire country,&quot; he said. 
 
When the Speaker took up the two notices of the trust vote given by the TDP and YSRC, the AIADMK members raised the pitch of their slogans. TRS members were also seen in the Well.

Mahajan said while she is duty-bound to take up the notices, she cannot move ahead due to the ruckus.

She noted that she is not in a position to count the 50 members supporting the move as she can&#39;t see anything from the chair. Placards were apparently blocking her view.

Members from the Congress, TMC and the Left raised their hands to indicate to the Speaker that they were supporting the motion.

But Mahajan said as the House is not in order, she cannot move ahead with the issue and adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day.

At least 50 members have to support the motion before it is moved for which a headcount is done. However, it is difficult to carry out the exercise when there are disruptions and several members are standing, former top LS officials explained.&nbsp;

Even before Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour, MPs from the TDP, YSR Congress, TRS and AIADMK, trooped into the well of the house holding placards

The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted today for the 13th day after members from the AIADMK and TRS continued with their noisy protests, stalling the taking up of two notices of no-confidence motion against the council of ministers for the fourth day. Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that she cannot do a headcount of 50 members supporting the move, a prerequisite for taking up the notices for the trust vote. She then adjourned the House for the day. Minutes after the House met this morning, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for an hour due to protests by parties from Andhra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. When the House reassembled at 12 noon, members from the AIADMK, TDP and the TRS were seen raising slogans and holding placards in the Well. While the AIADMK wants early establishment of the Cauvery river board to settle the water dispute with neighbouring states, the TRS is demanding hiked quota for Telangana. The TDP is demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. Expelled RJD member Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was seen holding a placard demanding special status for Bihar. The members from Congress, TMC and the Left were standing at their seats. After the laying of papers by ministers, when the protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the members to return to their seats so that legislative business could be taken up. Ruckus in #RajyaSabha, TDP MPs storm the well of the House over demand of special status to #AndhraPradesh, opposition members say, 'it is also the duty of the govt to facilitate proceedings of the House.' Chairman adjourns the House till 11 am, tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/fI0KOvGgsE — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2018 × He said the government is willing to discuss any issue, including the no-confidence motion. "We have the confidence of the House as well as of the entire country," he said. When the Speaker took up the two notices of the trust vote given by the TDP and YSRC, the AIADMK members raised the pitch of their slogans. TRS members were also seen in the Well. Mahajan said while she is duty-bound to take up the notices, she cannot move ahead due to the ruckus. She noted that she is not in a position to count the 50 members supporting the move as she can't see anything from the chair. Placards were apparently blocking her view. Members from the Congress, TMC and the Left raised their hands to indicate to the Speaker that they were supporting the motion. But Mahajan said as the House is not in order, she cannot move ahead with the issue and adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day. At least 50 members have to support the motion before it is moved for which a headcount is done. However, it is difficult to carry out the exercise when there are disruptions and several members are standing, former top LS officials explained.

Lok Sabha disrupted for 13th day, no-confidence motion not taken up again

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Yuvajana Shramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party on Wednesday again press for taking up the no-confidence motion in Parliament.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha has so far failed to take up the motion amid continuing uproar in the House over a host of issues.&nbsp;

The two Andhra Pradesh parties are seeking to move the motion on trust vote against the Narendra Modi government over its refusal to grant special category status to the southern state.

&quot;The discussions are zero, while on the other hand, money worth crores are getting spent,&quot; said Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

The Lok Sabha has so far failed to take up the motion amid continuing uproar in the House over a host of issues.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Yuvajana Shramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party on Wednesday again press for taking up the no-confidence motion in Parliament. The Lok Sabha has so far failed to take up the motion amid continuing uproar in the House over a host of issues. The two Andhra Pradesh parties are seeking to move the motion on trust vote against the Narendra Modi government over its refusal to grant special category status to the southern state. "The discussions are zero, while on the other hand, money worth crores are getting spent," said Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

Ruckus continues, Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow 

Raj Babbar on Wednesday resigned from the post of Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, a party source said.&nbsp;

The development comes after the Congress&rsquo; worst performance in recent Lok Sabha bypolls to Gorakhpur and Phulpur.

The two seats hold importance in state politics and the bypolls there were necessitated after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath resigned from his Gorakhpur seat to form BJP government in the state, and Phulpur representative Keshav Prasad Maurya stepped down to take the post of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, Goa Congress President Shantaram Naik resigned from his post.

Sources said there were four front-runners for the key post, but the party was likely to project a Brahmin face to counter BJP&rsquo;s moves to consolidate non-Yadav OBC and non-Jatav dalit vote bank.

(With inputs from ANI)

The development comes after the Congress’ worst performance in recent Lok Sabha bypolls to Gorakhpur and Phulpur

Raj Babbar on Wednesday resigned from the post of Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, a party source said. The development comes after the Congress’ worst performance in recent Lok Sabha bypolls to Gorakhpur and Phulpur. The two seats hold importance in state politics and the bypolls there were necessitated after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath resigned from his Gorakhpur seat to form BJP government in the state, and Phulpur representative Keshav Prasad Maurya stepped down to take the post of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister. Earlier on Monday, Goa Congress President Shantaram Naik resigned from his post. Sources said there were four front-runners for the key post, but the party was likely to project a Brahmin face to counter BJP’s moves to consolidate non-Yadav OBC and non-Jatav dalit vote bank. (With inputs from ANI)

Raj Babbar resigns as UP Congress chief after party's worst-ever performance in Lok Sabha bypolls

The Lok Sabha was adjourned Tuesday almost as soon as it began.&nbsp;

As soon as proceedings began, chants of &quot;we want justice&quot; echoed through the house. The house has been adjourned till Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

PTI reported that the house was adjourned till noon following protests over different issues by several parties.&nbsp;

Stormy scenes had been expected.&nbsp;

The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying since last week to table a motion for a no-trust vote against the government over the Andhra &quot;special status&quot; row.&nbsp;

They have so far been unsuccessful because of the adjournments.&nbsp;

More stormy scenes can be expected tomorrow:&nbsp;

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YSRCP&#39;s YV Subba Reddy writes to Lok Sabha Secretary General, gives notice to include no-confidence motion in the list of business for tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/ucxSyaE7Lq">pic.twitter.com/ucxSyaE7Lq</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975992667623567360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Rajya Sabha meanwhile was able to conduct a little business. External Affairs Minister was able to inform the house that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq had been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">confirmed as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">dead</a>, before that house too was adjourned for the day.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 noon. The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day

The Lok Sabha was adjourned Tuesday almost as soon as it began. As soon as proceedings began, chants of "we want justice" echoed through the house. The house has been adjourned till Wednesday morning. PTI reported that the house was adjourned till noon following protests over different issues by several parties. Stormy scenes had been expected. The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying since last week to table a motion for a no-trust vote against the government over the Andhra "special status" row. They have so far been unsuccessful because of the adjournments. More stormy scenes can be expected tomorrow: YSRCP's YV Subba Reddy writes to Lok Sabha Secretary General, gives notice to include no-confidence motion in the list of business for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ucxSyaE7Lq — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The Rajya Sabha meanwhile was able to conduct a little business. External Affairs Minister was able to inform the house that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq had been confirmed as dead, before that house too was adjourned for the day.

No-confidence motion: Both houses of Parliament adjourned till Wednesday

Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The no-confidence motion against the government, which is being tabled since March 16, was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned yesterday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-proceedings-disrupted-for-fourth-day-35111"> for the fourth day</a>.&nbsp;

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Today also we are going to give no-confidence motion notice in the Lok Sabha. We are going to continue protesting until our demands are met: Thota Narasimham, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/Gb7XBB7cvK">pic.twitter.com/Gb7XBB7cvK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975956374621491200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Lok Sabha was adjourned after continuous uproar over the demand for a no-confidence motion. The TDP MPs did not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the Lower House. They would run into the well of the house each time the Lok Sabha would convene. &nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after the TDP and the AIADMK MPs created an uproar over special status to Andhra Pradesh and the Cauvery water dispute.

Yesterday, the Parliament secretariat received three notices on a no-confidence motion against the Centre for its refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Two was received from TDP and one from YSR Congress Party.

The YSR Congress&#39;s YV Subba Reddy has again asked for the motion to be taken up today.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu yesterday asked the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs not to dilute their fight against the Centre for the Special status to Andhra Pradesh in the Parliament. He warned that the government would &quot;let some ome other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die.&quot;

&quot;We should not dilute our fight. The public interest is our priority. We will not compromise on the matter of our rights. There is a possibility that the union government will let some other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die,&quot; the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said while addressing the party MPs via through teleconferencing in the evening.

The Chief Minister further asserted that all the TDP MPs must attend the Parliament.

&quot;All the TDP MPs must be present in the Parliament. See that MPs of other parties also attend the House and that other parties also give notices of no confidence motion,&quot; he said.

(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh

Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The no-confidence motion against the government, which is being tabled since March 16, was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned yesterday for the fourth day. Today also we are going to give no-confidence motion notice in the Lok Sabha. We are going to continue protesting until our demands are met: Thota Narasimham, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/Gb7XBB7cvK — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The Lok Sabha was adjourned after continuous uproar over the demand for a no-confidence motion. The TDP MPs did not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the Lower House. They would run into the well of the house each time the Lok Sabha would convene. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after the TDP and the AIADMK MPs created an uproar over special status to Andhra Pradesh and the Cauvery water dispute. Yesterday, the Parliament secretariat received three notices on a no-confidence motion against the Centre for its refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Two was received from TDP and one from YSR Congress Party. The YSR Congress's YV Subba Reddy has again asked for the motion to be taken up today. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu yesterday asked the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs not to dilute their fight against the Centre for the Special status to Andhra Pradesh in the Parliament. He warned that the government would "let some ome other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die." "We should not dilute our fight. The public interest is our priority. We will not compromise on the matter of our rights. There is a possibility that the union government will let some other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die," the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said while addressing the party MPs via through teleconferencing in the evening. The Chief Minister further asserted that all the TDP MPs must attend the Parliament. "All the TDP MPs must be present in the Parliament. See that MPs of other parties also attend the House and that other parties also give notices of no confidence motion," he said. (With inputs from ANI)

Parliament gears up for stormy session, no-confidence motion to be tabled today again

The no-confidence motion against the government was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned Monday morning.&nbsp;

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No confidence motion not introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after continuous uproar. <a href="https://t.co/bdT3dbBWA8">pic.twitter.com/bdT3dbBWA8</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975622822293893120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Lok Sabha had earlier been adjourned till 12 pm. But a little after the house sat down,&nbsp;it was adjourned after a continuous uproar.&nbsp;

The TDP&#39;s MPs would not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the house.&nbsp; Each time the Lok Sabha would convene, they would run into the well of the house.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha had earlier already been adjourned till Tuesday.&nbsp;

The YSR Congress and the TDP have asked for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The central government had refused to give the state the special status it was asking for, but had said it would give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status.&nbsp;

Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recently asked the two TDP ministers in the union cabinet &mdash; Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary &mdash; to put in their papers. He had then later he would take his next steps accordingly.&nbsp;

The YSR Congress and the TDP had asked for the trust vote &mdash; a minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion for the vote to be held &mdash; last week. The Left, the AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the AIMIM will support the vote.&nbsp;

Should the motion be accepted, this will be the first no-trust vote against the central government.&nbsp;

That said, the Narendra-led Modi NDA government is at the moment in no danger of falling. It has a simple majority on its own, and enough independent MPs in the house it could approach, should the need ever arise, to sail through a no-trust vote.&nbsp;

The parties asking for the vote seem to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-no-trust-vote-debate-but-not-trying-to-make-government-fall-tdp-mp-36314" target="_blank">understand</a> that. The TDP MP RM Naidu said Monday morning:&nbsp;

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We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It&#39;s responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/LbdfpLAQAd">pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975587133309313024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The TDP however, commentators says, wishes to attack the government on the issue before assembly elections in Andhra next year &mdash; which is exactly what opposition parties in the state are doing to it. Taking on the central government also allows the TDP to ward off the YSR Congress&#39;s Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been pushing for special status for Andhra for some four years now.&nbsp;

More fireworks can be expected on Tuesday when Parliament reconvenes; the YSR Congress&#39;s YV Subba Reddy has asked for the motion to be taken up tomorrow again.&nbsp;

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YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy again writes to Secretary General Lok Sabha to include in list of business for tomorrow &#39;no confidence motion in the council of ministers&#39;. <a href="https://t.co/6fsIhkk10H">pic.twitter.com/6fsIhkk10H</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975639641847140352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying to push the motion over the 'special status' issue for Andhra Pradesh

The no-confidence motion against the government was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned Monday morning. No confidence motion not introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after continuous uproar. pic.twitter.com/bdT3dbBWA8 — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The Lok Sabha had earlier been adjourned till 12 pm. But a little after the house sat down, it was adjourned after a continuous uproar. The TDP's MPs would not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the house. Each time the Lok Sabha would convene, they would run into the well of the house. The Rajya Sabha had earlier already been adjourned till Tuesday. The YSR Congress and the TDP have asked for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The central government had refused to give the state the special status it was asking for, but had said it would give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status. Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recently asked the two TDP ministers in the union cabinet — Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary — to put in their papers. He had then later he would take his next steps accordingly. The YSR Congress and the TDP had asked for the trust vote — a minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion for the vote to be held — last week. The Left, the AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the AIMIM will support the vote. Should the motion be accepted, this will be the first no-trust vote against the central government. That said, the Narendra-led Modi NDA government is at the moment in no danger of falling. It has a simple majority on its own, and enough independent MPs in the house it could approach, should the need ever arise, to sail through a no-trust vote. The parties asking for the vote seem to understand that. The TDP MP RM Naidu said Monday morning: We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It's responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The TDP however, commentators says, wishes to attack the government on the issue before assembly elections in Andhra next year — which is exactly what opposition parties in the state are doing to it. Taking on the central government also allows the TDP to ward off the YSR Congress's Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been pushing for special status for Andhra for some four years now. More fireworks can be expected on Tuesday when Parliament reconvenes; the YSR Congress's YV Subba Reddy has asked for the motion to be taken up tomorrow again. YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy again writes to Secretary General Lok Sabha to include in list of business for tomorrow 'no confidence motion in the council of ministers'. pic.twitter.com/6fsIhkk10H — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 ×

No-confidence motion not taken up, both houses of Parliament adjourned till Tuesday

Congress Plenary was inaugurated in a new avatar on Saturday which started with the Twitter handle of Rahul Gandhi changing to Rahul Gandhi from office of Rahul Gandhi; lending a missing touch to his twitter handle.

The Session also showcased much reconciled Congress President who at the beginning of the Session acknowledged the role which seniors will have to play in rebuilding the party. Though he has been stressing the importance of coordination between junior and senior leaders after 2014 Lok Sabha election, its importance was not lost on anyone when he said that seniors are very much required by the Congress Party.

Perhaps for this reason, Former Speaker of Lok Sabha, senior Dalit leader and daughter of late Dalit icon Babu Jagjivan Ram was first to speak after Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s attack on BJP remained brief perhaps reserving the ammunition for the last day. Though he did build the binary between politics of divisiveness and politics of love, differentiating BJP from the Congress, he did not get into the detail. But what caught the eye was that unlike previous AICC Session, Congress leadership was not accommodated on the dais. Congress decided to keep the dais empty to give the message that this plenary is less about leaders and more about workers. The idea looked fresh and did away with the images of dais associated with the old Congress which today&rsquo;s generation found very feudal.

Unlike previous sessions, AICC session this year also decided to have TV panel discussion format on pre-chosen themes rather than long monologues of leaders and workers which bored everyone to death in the past. For this reason, for the first day, subjects like media, communication and common heritage were picked up.

Sources in the Congress say that the new format was chosen to give fresh life to Sessions which used to be long and tiring. Though the Session is all about the assertion of Rahul Gandhi as a leader of United Congress, the purpose was also to connect the younger audience with freedom movement and Congress. It is for this reason, the Plenary started with a black and white video of Mahatma Gandhi leading the freedom struggle.

Congress Plenary was inaugurated in a new avatar on Saturday which started with the Twitter handle of Rahul Gandhi changing to Rahul Gandhi from office of Rahul Gandhi; lending a missing touch to his twitter handle

Congress Plenary was inaugurated in a new avatar on Saturday which started with the Twitter handle of Rahul Gandhi changing to Rahul Gandhi from office of Rahul Gandhi; lending a missing touch to his twitter handle. The Session also showcased much reconciled Congress President who at the beginning of the Session acknowledged the role which seniors will have to play in rebuilding the party. Though he has been stressing the importance of coordination between junior and senior leaders after 2014 Lok Sabha election, its importance was not lost on anyone when he said that seniors are very much required by the Congress Party. Perhaps for this reason, Former Speaker of Lok Sabha, senior Dalit leader and daughter of late Dalit icon Babu Jagjivan Ram was first to speak after Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi’s attack on BJP remained brief perhaps reserving the ammunition for the last day. Though he did build the binary between politics of divisiveness and politics of love, differentiating BJP from the Congress, he did not get into the detail. But what caught the eye was that unlike previous AICC Session, Congress leadership was not accommodated on the dais. Congress decided to keep the dais empty to give the message that this plenary is less about leaders and more about workers. The idea looked fresh and did away with the images of dais associated with the old Congress which today’s generation found very feudal. Unlike previous sessions, AICC session this year also decided to have TV panel discussion format on pre-chosen themes rather than long monologues of leaders and workers which bored everyone to death in the past. For this reason, for the first day, subjects like media, communication and common heritage were picked up. Sources in the Congress say that the new format was chosen to give fresh life to Sessions which used to be long and tiring. Though the Session is all about the assertion of Rahul Gandhi as a leader of United Congress, the purpose was also to connect the younger audience with freedom movement and Congress. It is for this reason, the Plenary started with a black and white video of Mahatma Gandhi leading the freedom struggle.

AICC Session goes for a drastic change

Terming the BJP&#39;s loss in the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha bypoll a &quot;defeat of ego and arrogance&quot;, the Shiv Sena today launched a fresh salvo at its ally, saying the party&#39;s strength in the Lower House of Parliament will come down by at least 110 seats in the 2019 general elections.

The Sena also taunted its ally saying those who abandon their friends and &quot;tread the path of lies&quot; are destined to lose.

&quot;The BJP won the tiny state of Tripura. While the party was celebrating the victory, the results of two Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh took the shine off the win.

&quot;These results have created panic in the BJP camp. The party&#39;s two strongholds- Gorakhpur and Phulpur- were won by the SP,&quot; the Sena said in an editorial in its mouthpiece- &#39;Saamana&#39;.

It said that since the Modi government came to power, bypolls to 10 Lok Sabha seats were conducted, of which the BJP lost nine.

&quot;Initially, there were 282 BJP MPs in the Lok Sabha, but the figure has now come down to 272. Under the leadership of Modi and Amit Shah, the BJP has lost virtually every bypoll,&quot; the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said.

The editorial referred to the BJP&#39;s stunning victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls last year as it attacked the party over its loss in the Gorakhpur byoll.

&quot;Last year, the BJP set a record by winning 325 seats in UP Assembly polls. Yogi Adityanath became the chief minister, while Keshav Maurya became his deputy. Since 1991, Adityanath had never lost the Gorakhpur seat. But now, despite being the CM, his party lost. If the BJP could topple the Left government in Tripura, why couldn&#39;t it win Gorakhpur?&quot; it asked.

In Bihar, the Araria Lok Sabha seat and the Jehanabad Assembly seat were won by the RJD, it said. &quot;All this shows that the BJP is losing ground,&quot; it said.

&quot;It is now clear that in 2019, the BJP will not get 280 seats. The number will come down by at least 100-110. Therefore, the BJP needs to remain grounded. Defeat is certain for those who abandon their friends and tread the path of lies. When the downfall starts, no Chanakya can stop it,&quot; it said.

&quot;(TMC chief) Mamata Banerjee says this is the beginning of BJP&#39;s downfall. We do not know if this is true, but what is certain is that the people who supported the party (in 2014), are now pushing it to the ground.&quot;

The party said that after the bypolls in Rajasthan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that the Congress should only contest bypolls now. &quot;The BJP&#39;s loss in the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha bypoll is a defeat of ego and arrogance,&quot; the Sena added.&nbsp;

The Sena also taunted its ally saying those who abandon their friends and 'tread the path of lies' are destined to lose

Terming the BJP's loss in the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha bypoll a "defeat of ego and arrogance", the Shiv Sena today launched a fresh salvo at its ally, saying the party's strength in the Lower House of Parliament will come down by at least 110 seats in the 2019 general elections. The Sena also taunted its ally saying those who abandon their friends and "tread the path of lies" are destined to lose. "The BJP won the tiny state of Tripura. While the party was celebrating the victory, the results of two Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh took the shine off the win. "These results have created panic in the BJP camp. The party's two strongholds- Gorakhpur and Phulpur- were won by the SP," the Sena said in an editorial in its mouthpiece- 'Saamana'. It said that since the Modi government came to power, bypolls to 10 Lok Sabha seats were conducted, of which the BJP lost nine. "Initially, there were 282 BJP MPs in the Lok Sabha, but the figure has now come down to 272. Under the leadership of Modi and Amit Shah, the BJP has lost virtually every bypoll," the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said. The editorial referred to the BJP's stunning victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls last year as it attacked the party over its loss in the Gorakhpur byoll. "Last year, the BJP set a record by winning 325 seats in UP Assembly polls. Yogi Adityanath became the chief minister, while Keshav Maurya became his deputy. Since 1991, Adityanath had never lost the Gorakhpur seat. But now, despite being the CM, his party lost. If the BJP could topple the Left government in Tripura, why couldn't it win Gorakhpur?" it asked. In Bihar, the Araria Lok Sabha seat and the Jehanabad Assembly seat were won by the RJD, it said. "All this shows that the BJP is losing ground," it said. "It is now clear that in 2019, the BJP will not get 280 seats. The number will come down by at least 100-110. Therefore, the BJP needs to remain grounded. Defeat is certain for those who abandon their friends and tread the path of lies. When the downfall starts, no Chanakya can stop it," it said. "(TMC chief) Mamata Banerjee says this is the beginning of BJP's downfall. We do not know if this is true, but what is certain is that the people who supported the party (in 2014), are now pushing it to the ground." The party said that after the bypolls in Rajasthan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that the Congress should only contest bypolls now. "The BJP's loss in the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha bypoll is a defeat of ego and arrogance," the Sena added.

BJP's Lok Sabha tally in 2019 will reduce by 110 seats, says Sena

The government today categorically said there was no proposal to discontinue Rs 2,000 currency note, which was introduced post demonetisation in November 2016.

The government also informed the Lok Sabha that it had decided to conduct field trials of plastic currency notes of Rs 10 in five cites.

&quot;There is no proposal under consideration of the government to stop Rs 2,000 note,&quot; Minister of State for Finance P Radhakrishnan said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha to a question whether the finance ministry has any plan to stop the note in near future.

The sizes of new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denomination in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series is 66mm X 150 mm and 66 mm and 166 mm, respectively.

The difference between the two currency notes is 10 mm for easy identification, he said in reply to another question.

The government had scrapped old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 9 with an aim to check black money and push digital economy.

As regards plastic notes, the minister said: &quot;It has been decided to conduct field trial of plastic banknotes in denominations of Rs 10 at five locations&quot;.

The trial would be conducted in Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Shimla and Bhubaneshwar, he said, adding that the note will be printed in Indian presses on imported substrate.

He, however, did not specified any timeline.&nbsp;

The government also informed the Lok Sabha that it had decided to conduct field trials of plastic currency notes of Rs 10 in five cites

The government today categorically said there was no proposal to discontinue Rs 2,000 currency note, which was introduced post demonetisation in November 2016. The government also informed the Lok Sabha that it had decided to conduct field trials of plastic currency notes of Rs 10 in five cites. "There is no proposal under consideration of the government to stop Rs 2,000 note," Minister of State for Finance P Radhakrishnan said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha to a question whether the finance ministry has any plan to stop the note in near future. The sizes of new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denomination in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series is 66mm X 150 mm and 66 mm and 166 mm, respectively. The difference between the two currency notes is 10 mm for easy identification, he said in reply to another question. The government had scrapped old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 9 with an aim to check black money and push digital economy. As regards plastic notes, the minister said: "It has been decided to conduct field trial of plastic banknotes in denominations of Rs 10 at five locations". The trial would be conducted in Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Shimla and Bhubaneshwar, he said, adding that the note will be printed in Indian presses on imported substrate. He, however, did not specified any timeline.

Rs 2,000 notes will not be discontinued: Government

The Lok Sabha was today adjourned following protests by the Opposition over various issues. The Lower House consequently could not take up notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government moved by Andhra Pradesh parties, with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there was no order in the House and adjourning the proceedings for the day.

The Lower House proceedings were washed out for the 10th consecutive day following incessant protests and sloganeering by various parties, including the TDP, YSR Congress, AIADMK and RJD over multiple issues, including special status for Andhra Pradesh and the banking scam.

Soon after papers and reports were laid during the Zero Hour, Mahajan said she has received a notice for no-confidence motion. &quot;I am duty-bound to bring it... Provided the House is in order,&quot; she said amid the din.

&quot;I request all of you to go back to your seats,&quot; Mahajan told the members protesting in the Well.

As the members continued with the protests, the Speaker said since the House is not in order, she was unable to take up the notice and then adjourned the proceedings for the day.

The no-confidence motions, moved by YSR Congress and the TDP, were the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance. The parties have been demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue on which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance today.

The no-confidence notices were moved by YSR Congress member Y V Subba Reddy and TDP&#39;s Thota Narasimham.

Congress members were also seen standing at their seats.

Members from the TRS and AIADMK were in the Well holding placards and shouting slogans during Zero Hour.

Soon after the House assembled and was to take up the Question Hour, the proceedings were adjourned till noon and later for the day.

Protesting members from various parties were sporting stoles of multiple colours. While members from TRS were wearing pink ones, those from TDP were seen with yellow stoles. Many AIADMK members, who have been demanding immediate setting up of the Cauvery river management, sported stoles carrying black, white and red stripes.

Members of the Samajwadi Party, including patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, were spotted wearing their red-coloured party caps. &nbsp;The party recently wrested two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh from the ruling BJP.

The House also extended the time for the Joint Committee on the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 to submit its report.

Earlier, three newly elected MPs -- RJD&#39;s Sarfaraz Alam (Araria-Bihar) and SP members Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel (Phulpur-UP) and Praveen Kumar Nishad (Gorakhpur-UP) -- took oath.

The House also paid respect to three departed former members and noted cosmologist Stephen Hawking, who passed away this week. Tributes were also paid to nine CRPF personnel, who were killed in a IED blast in Chhattisgarh, on March 13.

The Lok Sabha has been witnessing disruptions on a daily basis ever since Parliament reconvened on March 5 after the Budget Session recess.

On Wednesday amid chaos, the House had passed the Finance Bill and appropriation bills without any discussion.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the 10th consecutive day following protests by the Opposition over various issues

The Lok Sabha was today adjourned following protests by the Opposition over various issues. The Lower House consequently could not take up notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government moved by Andhra Pradesh parties, with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there was no order in the House and adjourning the proceedings for the day. The Lower House proceedings were washed out for the 10th consecutive day following incessant protests and sloganeering by various parties, including the TDP, YSR Congress, AIADMK and RJD over multiple issues, including special status for Andhra Pradesh and the banking scam. Soon after papers and reports were laid during the Zero Hour, Mahajan said she has received a notice for no-confidence motion. "I am duty-bound to bring it... Provided the House is in order," she said amid the din. "I request all of you to go back to your seats," Mahajan told the members protesting in the Well. As the members continued with the protests, the Speaker said since the House is not in order, she was unable to take up the notice and then adjourned the proceedings for the day. The no-confidence motions, moved by YSR Congress and the TDP, were the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance. The parties have been demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue on which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance today. The no-confidence notices were moved by YSR Congress member Y V Subba Reddy and TDP's Thota Narasimham. Congress members were also seen standing at their seats. Members from the TRS and AIADMK were in the Well holding placards and shouting slogans during Zero Hour. Soon after the House assembled and was to take up the Question Hour, the proceedings were adjourned till noon and later for the day. Protesting members from various parties were sporting stoles of multiple colours. While members from TRS were wearing pink ones, those from TDP were seen with yellow stoles. Many AIADMK members, who have been demanding immediate setting up of the Cauvery river management, sported stoles carrying black, white and red stripes. Members of the Samajwadi Party, including patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, were spotted wearing their red-coloured party caps. The party recently wrested two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh from the ruling BJP. The House also extended the time for the Joint Committee on the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 to submit its report. Earlier, three newly elected MPs -- RJD's Sarfaraz Alam (Araria-Bihar) and SP members Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel (Phulpur-UP) and Praveen Kumar Nishad (Gorakhpur-UP) -- took oath. The House also paid respect to three departed former members and noted cosmologist Stephen Hawking, who passed away this week. Tributes were also paid to nine CRPF personnel, who were killed in a IED blast in Chhattisgarh, on March 13. The Lok Sabha has been witnessing disruptions on a daily basis ever since Parliament reconvened on March 5 after the Budget Session recess. On Wednesday amid chaos, the House had passed the Finance Bill and appropriation bills without any discussion.

Lok Sabha adjourned yet again; no-confidence motion not taken up

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid protests by opposition and other parties on various issues. &nbsp;

Earlier, the lower house was adjourned till 12 noon amid noisy protests by various parties on issues including PNB scam.

The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were paralysed for the ninth consecutive day today as several parties, including NDA constituent TDP, continued their noisy protests over various issues, including the PNB scam and special status for Andhra Pradesh.

As soon as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour, members from various parties trooped into the Well holding placards.

When Union minister Ram Kripal Yadav was responding to the first question on rural housing, the protesting members raised their pitch, drowning his voice.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the members of the opposition parties, including the Congress, to return to their seats and allow the House to function.

He said Parliament is the &#39;maha panchayat&#39; of the country where issues are discussed but the disruptions are not allowing important issues to be raised.

He also thanked the Speaker for trying to ensure smooth functioning. He said the government is open to discuss issues including bank scam, Cauvery water management board and special status for Andhra Pradesh, but the House has to function first and members have to vacate the Well.

As the protests continued, the House was adjourned till 12 noon minutes after it met at 11 am.

While members of the Congress, TMC, TDP, YSR Congress and TRS were in the Well raising slogans and holding placards, MPs from the Left were standing at their seats and shouting slogans.

Since March 5, when Parliament had met after a recess, the Lok Sabha has seen disruptions on a daily basis. Amid the din, the Finance Bill and the appropriation bills were yesterday passed by the House without discussion.

As the protests continued, the House was adjourned till 12 noon minutes after it met at 11 am

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid protests by opposition and other parties on various issues. Earlier, the lower house was adjourned till 12 noon amid noisy protests by various parties on issues including PNB scam. The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were paralysed for the ninth consecutive day today as several parties, including NDA constituent TDP, continued their noisy protests over various issues, including the PNB scam and special status for Andhra Pradesh. As soon as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour, members from various parties trooped into the Well holding placards. When Union minister Ram Kripal Yadav was responding to the first question on rural housing, the protesting members raised their pitch, drowning his voice. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the members of the opposition parties, including the Congress, to return to their seats and allow the House to function. He said Parliament is the 'maha panchayat' of the country where issues are discussed but the disruptions are not allowing important issues to be raised. He also thanked the Speaker for trying to ensure smooth functioning. He said the government is open to discuss issues including bank scam, Cauvery water management board and special status for Andhra Pradesh, but the House has to function first and members have to vacate the Well. As the protests continued, the House was adjourned till 12 noon minutes after it met at 11 am. While members of the Congress, TMC, TDP, YSR Congress and TRS were in the Well raising slogans and holding placards, MPs from the Left were standing at their seats and shouting slogans. Since March 5, when Parliament had met after a recess, the Lok Sabha has seen disruptions on a daily basis. Amid the din, the Finance Bill and the appropriation bills were yesterday passed by the House without discussion.

Lok Sabha adjourned for ninth consecutive day amid protests

Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party has given an Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha over special status to Andhra Pradesh. Party&#39;s national general secretary, V Vijayasai Reddy, called for the motion in Rajya Sabha.

Both the houses of Parliament were adjourned after an uproar broke over the issue on Monday. The upper house was adjourned till 2 pm, while the lower house was adjourned for the day.

YSR and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) party members were seen staging protests in the Parliament complex.

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The tussle over Andhra Pradesh&#39;s special status intensified after the Modi government announced Union Budget 2018-19.

According to TDP, the central government did not give importance to the state in the budget. Last week, TDP chief and Andhra Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, decided to pull out from the NDA alliance.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Both the houses of Parliament were adjourned after an uproar broke over the issue on Monday

Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party has given an Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha over special status to Andhra Pradesh. Party's national general secretary, V Vijayasai Reddy, called for the motion in Rajya Sabha. Both the houses of Parliament were adjourned after an uproar broke over the issue on Monday. The upper house was adjourned till 2 pm, while the lower house was adjourned for the day. YSR and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) party members were seen staging protests in the Parliament complex. Delhi: TDP MPs protest in Parliament premises over their demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/0PIEkrasXx — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2018 × The tussle over Andhra Pradesh's special status intensified after the Modi government announced Union Budget 2018-19. According to TDP, the central government did not give importance to the state in the budget. Last week, TDP chief and Andhra Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, decided to pull out from the NDA alliance.

YSR Congress gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over Andhra Pradesh's special status

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day today amid continuing protests by regional parties over various issues.

It was the sixth straight day of washout of proceedings in the lower house since the second leg of the Budget Session began on March 5.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan first adjourned the House immediately after the Question Hour started as the TRS, TDP, AIADMK and YSR Congress members stormed the Well carrying placards and raised slogans in support of their demands.

There was no let-up in protests as the House met again at noon but the Speaker went ahead with the proceedings, including introduction of two bills by Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla, amid the din.

Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJD opposed the introduction of The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, saying its provisions violated the citizens&#39; fundamental rights and that it is based on the premise of &quot;guilty till proven innocent&quot; and not the other way round.

He questioned the provision of seizing assets of an accused before he was proven guilty.&nbsp;However, Shukla said these provisions can be debated during the discussion on the bill and introduced the bill. Soon after this, the House was adjourned.

The Lok Sabha has been witnessing similar scenes since March 5 with opposition parties besides the TDP, which remains a member of the ruling NDA though it has pulled out of the central government, raising a host of issues such as special status for Andhra Pradesh, enhanced reservation in Telangana and constitution of the Cauvery river board to settle Tamil Nadu&#39;s water dispute with neighbours.

It was the sixth straight day of washout of proceedings in the lower house since the second leg of the Budget Session began on March 5.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day today amid continuing protests by regional parties over various issues. It was the sixth straight day of washout of proceedings in the lower house since the second leg of the Budget Session began on March 5. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan first adjourned the House immediately after the Question Hour started as the TRS, TDP, AIADMK and YSR Congress members stormed the Well carrying placards and raised slogans in support of their demands. There was no let-up in protests as the House met again at noon but the Speaker went ahead with the proceedings, including introduction of two bills by Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla, amid the din. Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJD opposed the introduction of The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, saying its provisions violated the citizens' fundamental rights and that it is based on the premise of "guilty till proven innocent" and not the other way round. He questioned the provision of seizing assets of an accused before he was proven guilty. However, Shukla said these provisions can be debated during the discussion on the bill and introduced the bill. Soon after this, the House was adjourned. The Lok Sabha has been witnessing similar scenes since March 5 with opposition parties besides the TDP, which remains a member of the ruling NDA though it has pulled out of the central government, raising a host of issues such as special status for Andhra Pradesh, enhanced reservation in Telangana and constitution of the Cauvery river board to settle Tamil Nadu's water dispute with neighbours.

Lok Sabha adjourned for sixth day as parties continue protests

The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were washed out for the third consecutive day today as parties protested on various issues, including vandalisation of statue of Dravidian icon Thanthai Periyar and PNB scam.

While the Congress continued to press for prime minister&#39;s reply on the Rs 12,700-crore bank fraud allegedly involving diamantaire Nirav Modi, members from AIADMK and AAP were in the Well, holding photos of Periyar and raising slogans condemning the vandalism in Vellore.

The TRS members raised slogans demanding a hike in Telangana&#39;s quota in reservation. While TDP continued to press for special status for Andhra Pradesh, another NDA ally Shiv Sena protested, like yesterday, demanding classical language status for Marathi.

Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asked Shiv Sena member Anandrao Adsul to speak on his demand. Adsul said that Marathi is an ancient language and fulfills all criteria to be given the classical language status.

He said Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam (rpt Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) and Odia have classical language status. &quot;Several of our members have raised this issue repeatedly. We have given our submission to the minister but our demand was not fulfilled till date,&quot; Adsul said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who was present in the House, assured Adsul that the matter would be looked into.

&quot;The issue does not pertain to the Home Ministry. I will speak to the Culture Ministry on this,&quot; Singh said.

Even as Shiv Sena stopped protesting on the issue, AIADMK members continued to raise slogans against the desecration of the statue of Periyar -- the founder of Dravidian movement.

&quot;We strongly condemn vandalisation of statute of Thanthai Periyar by BJP members,&quot; read the placards held by AIADMK members.

As soon as the House met for the day, members from various parties, including TDP, Shiv Sena, TRS, YSR Congress, AIADMK and TMC started raising slogans on their respective issues, following which Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the proceedings for an hour.

Most of the protesting members were in the Well before the Speaker took her chair to conduct the proceedings.

The opposition has been protesting over issues like the PNB scam since Monday when Parliament was reconvened after a month-long recess in the Budget session.

The AIADMK, which has been protesting for last two days over demands for creation of Cauvery water management board, today raised the issue of statue vandalisation.

The YSR Congress was demanding implementation of the AP Reorganisation Act.

Mahajan took up the Question Hour but adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon soon after. She was visibly upset and left the House amid the din. A Lok Sabha official had to repeat loudly that the House has been adjourned.

When the House reassembled at noon, protesting members were already in the Well and Mahajan asked Adsul to speak. After Home Minister&#39;s reply, the House was adjourned for the day.

The opposition has been protesting over issues like the PNB scam since Monday

The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were washed out for the third consecutive day today as parties protested on various issues, including vandalisation of statue of Dravidian icon Thanthai Periyar and PNB scam. While the Congress continued to press for prime minister's reply on the Rs 12,700-crore bank fraud allegedly involving diamantaire Nirav Modi, members from AIADMK and AAP were in the Well, holding photos of Periyar and raising slogans condemning the vandalism in Vellore. The TRS members raised slogans demanding a hike in Telangana's quota in reservation. While TDP continued to press for special status for Andhra Pradesh, another NDA ally Shiv Sena protested, like yesterday, demanding classical language status for Marathi. Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asked Shiv Sena member Anandrao Adsul to speak on his demand. Adsul said that Marathi is an ancient language and fulfills all criteria to be given the classical language status. He said Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam (rpt Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) and Odia have classical language status. "Several of our members have raised this issue repeatedly. We have given our submission to the minister but our demand was not fulfilled till date," Adsul said. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who was present in the House, assured Adsul that the matter would be looked into. "The issue does not pertain to the Home Ministry. I will speak to the Culture Ministry on this," Singh said. Even as Shiv Sena stopped protesting on the issue, AIADMK members continued to raise slogans against the desecration of the statue of Periyar -- the founder of Dravidian movement. "We strongly condemn vandalisation of statute of Thanthai Periyar by BJP members," read the placards held by AIADMK members. As soon as the House met for the day, members from various parties, including TDP, Shiv Sena, TRS, YSR Congress, AIADMK and TMC started raising slogans on their respective issues, following which Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the proceedings for an hour. Most of the protesting members were in the Well before the Speaker took her chair to conduct the proceedings. The opposition has been protesting over issues like the PNB scam since Monday when Parliament was reconvened after a month-long recess in the Budget session. The AIADMK, which has been protesting for last two days over demands for creation of Cauvery water management board, today raised the issue of statue vandalisation. The YSR Congress was demanding implementation of the AP Reorganisation Act. Mahajan took up the Question Hour but adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon soon after. She was visibly upset and left the House amid the din. A Lok Sabha official had to repeat loudly that the House has been adjourned. When the House reassembled at noon, protesting members were already in the Well and Mahajan asked Adsul to speak. After Home Minister's reply, the House was adjourned for the day.

Lok Sabha adjourned over PNB, Periyar statute vandalisation

The second part of the Budget session resumes today with the Opposition determined to corner the government on the PNB scam.

Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that &nbsp;&quot;Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress&quot;.

&quot;The problem started during their time, they cannot mislead the nation on this issue,&quot; the railway minister told reporters outside Parliament.

Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11.20 am after protests&nbsp;by TDP over &#39;Special Category Status&#39; to Andhra Pradesh.

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YSR Congress Party MPs protest in Delhi demanding &#39;Special Category Status&#39; to Andhra Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/DO6ox9oNFe">pic.twitter.com/DO6ox9oNFe</a>
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In the Lok Sabha too Opposition MPs were quick to raise a ruckus on&nbsp;the Nirav Modi connection in the PNB scam, as a result, the lower house of Parliament had to adjourned&nbsp;by the Speaker.

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Delhi: Telugu Desam Party MP Siva Prasad dressed as Lord Krishna during TDP protest demanding &#39;Special Category Status&#39; to Andhra Pradesh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/wp0nyAW4Ez">pic.twitter.com/wp0nyAW4Ez</a>
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PM Narendra Modi arrives in parliament, welcomed by BJP Chief Amit Shah and Union Ministers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/fKOA0C4Shb">pic.twitter.com/fKOA0C4Shb</a>
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&nbsp;

Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that "Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress".

The second part of the Budget session resumes today with the Opposition determined to corner the government on the PNB scam. Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that "Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress". "The problem started during their time, they cannot mislead the nation on this issue," the railway minister told reporters outside Parliament. Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11.20 am after protests by TDP over 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh. YSR Congress Party MPs protest in Delhi demanding 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/DO6ox9oNFe — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × In the Lok Sabha too Opposition MPs were quick to raise a ruckus on the Nirav Modi connection in the PNB scam, as a result, the lower house of Parliament had to adjourned by the Speaker. Delhi: Telugu Desam Party MP Siva Prasad dressed as Lord Krishna during TDP protest demanding 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/wp0nyAW4Ez — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × PM Narendra Modi arrives in parliament, welcomed by BJP Chief Amit Shah and Union Ministers. #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/fKOA0C4Shb — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 ×

Parliament Budget Session: House adjourned after Opposition protests

In a major blow to Mamata Banerjee&#39;s Trinamool Congress, former star footballer Bhaichung Bhutia on Monday resigned from the party.

In a tweet, Bhutia said: &ldquo;As of today I have officially resigned from the membership and all the official and political posts of All India Trinamool Congress party.I am no longer a member or associated with any political party in India,&rdquo; he said.

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As of today I have officially resigned from the membership and all the official and political posts of All India Trinamool Congress party. I am no longer a member or associated with any political party in India. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/politics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#politics</a> <a href="https://t.co/2lUxJcbUDT">pic.twitter.com/2lUxJcbUDT</a>
&mdash; Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhaichung15/status/967976955617468416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There has been no reaction from the Trinamool Congress so far. Bhutia, who joined the Trinamool Congress in 2013, contested on the party ticket from Darjeeling in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. He has, however, lost to BJP&rsquo;s SS Ahluwalia by a vote margin of nearly 2 lakh.

The Padma Shri winner, who belongs to Sikkim had recently gone against the party line by expressing his support for a separate Gorkhaland.

Also, there have been recent speculations about the star joining the BJP.

Bhaichung Bhutia has announced that he will no longer continue with his career in politics

In a major blow to Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, former star footballer Bhaichung Bhutia on Monday resigned from the party. In a tweet, Bhutia said: “As of today I have officially resigned from the membership and all the official and political posts of All India Trinamool Congress party.I am no longer a member or associated with any political party in India,” he said. As of today I have officially resigned from the membership and all the official and political posts of All India Trinamool Congress party. I am no longer a member or associated with any political party in India. #politics pic.twitter.com/2lUxJcbUDT — Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) February 26, 2018 × There has been no reaction from the Trinamool Congress so far. Bhutia, who joined the Trinamool Congress in 2013, contested on the party ticket from Darjeeling in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. He has, however, lost to BJP’s SS Ahluwalia by a vote margin of nearly 2 lakh. The Padma Shri winner, who belongs to Sikkim had recently gone against the party line by expressing his support for a separate Gorkhaland. Also, there have been recent speculations about the star joining the BJP.

Bhaichung Bhutia resigns from Trinamool Congress

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu criticised the Modi government for not granting special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Speaking at Guntur earlier today, Naidu said that his party (TDP) aligned with the BJP &quot;for the sake of doing justice to the state of Andhra Pradesh&quot;.&nbsp;He also noted that no justice has been meted out even after him visiting the capital city and meeting with various leaders for nearly 29 times.

&quot;Even in the last budget, they did injustice to Andhra,&quot; the CM noted.&nbsp;

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We went with BJP for the sake of doing justice to the state of Andhra Pradesh. I visited Delhi 29 times &amp; met everyone several times. Still justice has not been done. Even in the last budget, they did injustice to Andhra: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Guntur (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/90CblHl5br">pic.twitter.com/90CblHl5br</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964805250455568384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;On behalf of 5 crore people of Andhra, I&#39;m demanding the central government to do justice to the state. I&#39;m ready for debate on how much other states got and how much we got. I&#39;m demanding PM and Union Ministers to do justice to Andhra,&quot; noted Chandrababu Naidu.

He also noted that he is ready to make any sacrifices for the justice of Telugu people.&nbsp;

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On behalf of 5 crore people of Andhra, I&#39;m demanding Centre to do justice to the state. I&#39;m ready for debate on how much other states got &amp; how much we got. I&#39;m demanding PM &amp; Union Ministers to do justice to Andhra. I&#39;m ready for any sacrifices for justice to Telugus: Andhra CM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964806566913499141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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MPs from the Telegu Desam Party and the YSR Congress protested in the Lok Sabha earlier this month demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The NDA ally TDP demanded concessions for the party.&nbsp;

The party had already initiated efforts to press the centre for various allocations to Andhra Pradesh. It also expressed its dissatisfaction with the Union budget claiming it has no provisions for the state.&nbsp;

The TDP also demanded implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act in &quot;keeping with the promise&quot; made by the BJP.

MPs from Telegu Desam Party and YSR Congress protested in the Lok Sabha earlier this month demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu criticised the Modi government for not granting special status to Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at Guntur earlier today, Naidu said that his party (TDP) aligned with the BJP "for the sake of doing justice to the state of Andhra Pradesh". He also noted that no justice has been meted out even after him visiting the capital city and meeting with various leaders for nearly 29 times. "Even in the last budget, they did injustice to Andhra," the CM noted. We went with BJP for the sake of doing justice to the state of Andhra Pradesh. I visited Delhi 29 times & met everyone several times. Still justice has not been done. Even in the last budget, they did injustice to Andhra: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Guntur (file pic) pic.twitter.com/90CblHl5br — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2018 × "On behalf of 5 crore people of Andhra, I'm demanding the central government to do justice to the state. I'm ready for debate on how much other states got and how much we got. I'm demanding PM and Union Ministers to do justice to Andhra," noted Chandrababu Naidu. He also noted that he is ready to make any sacrifices for the justice of Telugu people. On behalf of 5 crore people of Andhra, I'm demanding Centre to do justice to the state. I'm ready for debate on how much other states got & how much we got. I'm demanding PM & Union Ministers to do justice to Andhra. I'm ready for any sacrifices for justice to Telugus: Andhra CM — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2018 × MPs from the Telegu Desam Party and the YSR Congress protested in the Lok Sabha earlier this month demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. The NDA ally TDP demanded concessions for the party. The party had already initiated efforts to press the centre for various allocations to Andhra Pradesh. It also expressed its dissatisfaction with the Union budget claiming it has no provisions for the state. The TDP also demanded implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act in "keeping with the promise" made by the BJP.

Ready to sacrifice anything for justice to Telugus: Chandrababu Naidu

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.&nbsp;

Thackeray was speaking at a national executive meet of his party. The Sena also announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-align-with-bjp-in-2019-lok-sabha-assembly-elections-shiv-sena-30469" target="_blank">on its own</a>, not in alliance with the BJP.&nbsp;

Addressing the meet, Thackeray said that &quot;we should bring down this self-advertising government&quot;.&nbsp;

And that &quot;we will come to power in Maharashtra on our own&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Shiv Sena&#39;s Uddhav Thackeray speaking at Party&#39;s national executive meeting in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG">https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955701707429703680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Sena has so far been a difficult BJP ally, taking the ruling BJP to task both in Maharashtra and at the Centre.&nbsp;

The last general and Maharashtra assembly elections were held in 2014. Which means they should be going to the polls again in 2019.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, reacted to the announcements saying &quot;let&#39;s wait, they have been saying many things&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He added that his government would &quot;complete its term&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> &#39;Lets wait, they have been saying many things, as of now we are in alliance in the Govt and this Govt will complete its term&#39; says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davos</a> on Shiv Sena going alone in 2019 <a href="https://t.co/JEPm6Wcy5g">pic.twitter.com/JEPm6Wcy5g</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955719332553568256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Shiv Sena announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections on its own, not in alliance with the BJP.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018. Thackeray was speaking at a national executive meet of his party. The Sena also announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections on its own, not in alliance with the BJP. Addressing the meet, Thackeray said that "we should bring down this self-advertising government". And that "we will come to power in Maharashtra on our own". #WATCH Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray speaking at Party's national executive meeting in Mumbai https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × The Sena has so far been a difficult BJP ally, taking the ruling BJP to task both in Maharashtra and at the Centre. The last general and Maharashtra assembly elections were held in 2014. Which means they should be going to the polls again in 2019. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, reacted to the announcements saying "let's wait, they have been saying many things". He added that his government would "complete its term". #WATCH 'Lets wait, they have been saying many things, as of now we are in alliance in the Govt and this Govt will complete its term' says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in #Davos on Shiv Sena going alone in 2019 pic.twitter.com/JEPm6Wcy5g — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 ×

Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said on Thursday that even though they may not be opposed to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-all-you-need-to-know-19324">Triple Talaq</a> Bill but are raising objections on the major flaws which are against fundamentals rights of Muslim men and women, saying that it is a big &quot;dhoka.&quot;

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Muslim Personal Law Board is not opposing the Triple Talaq Bill, but raising objections on the major flaws which are against fundamental rights of Muslim men &amp; women. The Bill is big &#39;Dhoka&#39;: AIMPLB.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/961497299489886208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-million-indian-muslims-mostly-women-sign-petition-against-triple-talaq-13524"> Triple Talaq bill,</a> called The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, has already been passed in the Lok Sabha and is awaiting a nod from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-tabled-in-rajya-sabha-28436">Rajya Sabha.</a>

The AIMPLB has maintained that it is not against the practice of triple talaq, but it has opposed the proposed legislation saying it is an interference in Muslim personal law. The Board has, however, faced criticism for failing to bring reforms in personal laws.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is all set to introduce a new clause in its &quot;Model Nikahnama&quot; or marriage contract, where the groom will have to pledge in writing that he will not give instant divorce to his wife.&nbsp;

&quot;Yes... we are making a provision in the model nikahnama (Islamic marriage contract) in which there will be column - &#39;I will not give triple talaq&#39;. Once during nikah (marriage) this column is ticked, one will not be able to give triple talaq,&quot; AIMPLB spokesman Maulana Khalil-ur-Rehman Sajjad Nomani said in Lucknow.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-gets-mixed-reactions-who-said-what-27993">Triple talaq bill gets mixed reactions: Who said what </a>

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) would discuss the new model as well as future course of action on key issues during a meeting in Hyderabad which will go on for three days from February 9-11 which will include over 600 Muslic scholars from across the country.&nbsp;

In August, the Supreme Court struck down the controversial Islamic practice of instant divorce or &#39;talaq- e-biddat&#39; as arbitrary and unconstitutional 
The government later brought the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill which was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 28. It seeks to declare instant triple a criminal offence with a provision of up to three years in jail for the husband.

The Triple Talaq bill, called The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, has already been passed in the Lok Sabha and is awaiting a nod from the Rajya Sabha

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said on Thursday that even though they may not be opposed to the Triple Talaq Bill but are raising objections on the major flaws which are against fundamentals rights of Muslim men and women, saying that it is a big "dhoka." Muslim Personal Law Board is not opposing the Triple Talaq Bill, but raising objections on the major flaws which are against fundamental rights of Muslim men & women. The Bill is big 'Dhoka': AIMPLB. — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2018 × The Triple Talaq bill, called The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, has already been passed in the Lok Sabha and is awaiting a nod from the Rajya Sabha. The AIMPLB has maintained that it is not against the practice of triple talaq, but it has opposed the proposed legislation saying it is an interference in Muslim personal law. The Board has, however, faced criticism for failing to bring reforms in personal laws. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is all set to introduce a new clause in its "Model Nikahnama" or marriage contract, where the groom will have to pledge in writing that he will not give instant divorce to his wife. "Yes... we are making a provision in the model nikahnama (Islamic marriage contract) in which there will be column - 'I will not give triple talaq'. Once during nikah (marriage) this column is ticked, one will not be able to give triple talaq," AIMPLB spokesman Maulana Khalil-ur-Rehman Sajjad Nomani said in Lucknow. Also read: Triple talaq bill gets mixed reactions: Who said what The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) would discuss the new model as well as future course of action on key issues during a meeting in Hyderabad which will go on for three days from February 9-11 which will include over 600 Muslic scholars from across the country. In August, the Supreme Court struck down the controversial Islamic practice of instant divorce or 'talaq- e-biddat' as arbitrary and unconstitutional The government later brought the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill which was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 28. It seeks to declare instant triple a criminal offence with a provision of up to three years in jail for the husband.

Triple Talaq bill a big 'dhoka,' says All India Muslim Personal Law Board

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