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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-corrects-users-post-under-new-singapore-fake-news-law-265378">Facebook</a> group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media.

The Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Heena Gavit will discuss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cyber-bullying-star-suicides-the-dark-side-of-south-koreas-k-pop-world-265173">cyber harassment</a> and cyberbullying with representatives of the social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

A meeting of the committee was called on December 4 and 5 in which representatives of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have been called.

On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Committee met Twitter India representatives and had a detail discussion on cyber harassment and cyberbullying, sources said. 
 
The Parliamentary Committee has called the representatives of social media companies amidst the concerns raised on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rape-survivor-set-ablaze-in-unnao-266330">safety of women</a> across the country.

Sources said, Twitter India has given presentations to the Parliamentary Committee on women safety, on how Twitter works, how to report on Twitter and on the basis of complaint how Twitter will take action against complaint.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the Facebook group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the Facebook group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media. The Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Heena Gavit will discuss cyber harassment and cyberbullying with representatives of the social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. A meeting of the committee was called on December 4 and 5 in which representatives of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have been called. On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Committee met Twitter India representatives and had a detail discussion on cyber harassment and cyberbullying, sources said. The Parliamentary Committee has called the representatives of social media companies amidst the concerns raised on the safety of women across the country. Sources said, Twitter India has given presentations to the Parliamentary Committee on women safety, on how Twitter works, how to report on Twitter and on the basis of complaint how Twitter will take action against complaint.

Parliamentary panel meets Facebook group over rising crime against women on social media

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

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

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

Hyderabad veterinary doctor's rape, murder rocks Parliament

The unruly episode that took place on the floor of the Lok Sabha figured prominently in the Business Advisory Committee meeting held on Monday, in which leaders from all parties expressed regret over such behaviour and felt that it hurt the dignity of the Speaker.

According to sources, the issue of Congress MPs storming the well of the House was discussed at length during the meeting that lasted for over an hour, in which the leaders said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-come-to-well-of-the-house-ls-speaker-warns-opposition-mps-263571">dignity of the House</a> should be maintained.

MPs Adhir Ranjan Choudhury (Congress), Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC), TR Balu (DMK), Danish Ali (BSP), Lalan Singh (JD-U) were among those who attended the meeting.

The leaders expressed concern over the incident and said that they will support the Speaker, sources said.

The Lower House of the Parliament, on Monday, was adjourned three times, first till 12 noon, then till 2 pm and later for the day. It was the first time that the 17th Lok Sabha was forced to adjourn.

Congress members TN Prathapan and Hibi Eden were named by Lok Sabha Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bid-to-encourage-people-lok-sabha-speaker-asks-all-mps-to-shun-single-use-plastic-263837">Om Birla</a> under Rule 373 as they did not heed his repeated calls to remove a big banner they were carrying to protest against the swearing-in of a BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

A panel chaired by the Lok Sabha speaker and comprising of the leaders of all political parties, the Business Advisory Committee discusses and decides the issues to be taken up for discussion in the House.

The unruly episode that took place on the floor of the Lok Sabha figured prominently in the Business Advisory Committee meeting held on Monday, in which leaders from all parties expressed regret over such behaviour and felt that it hurt the dignity of the Speaker.

The unruly episode that took place on the floor of the Lok Sabha figured prominently in the Business Advisory Committee meeting held on Monday, in which leaders from all parties expressed regret over such behaviour and felt that it hurt the dignity of the Speaker. According to sources, the issue of Congress MPs storming the well of the House was discussed at length during the meeting that lasted for over an hour, in which the leaders said that the dignity of the House should be maintained. MPs Adhir Ranjan Choudhury (Congress), Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC), TR Balu (DMK), Danish Ali (BSP), Lalan Singh (JD-U) were among those who attended the meeting. The leaders expressed concern over the incident and said that they will support the Speaker, sources said. The Lower House of the Parliament, on Monday, was adjourned three times, first till 12 noon, then till 2 pm and later for the day. It was the first time that the 17th Lok Sabha was forced to adjourn. Congress members TN Prathapan and Hibi Eden were named by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla under Rule 373 as they did not heed his repeated calls to remove a big banner they were carrying to protest against the swearing-in of a BJP-led government in Maharashtra. A panel chaired by the Lok Sabha speaker and comprising of the leaders of all political parties, the Business Advisory Committee discusses and decides the issues to be taken up for discussion in the House.

Business Advisory Committee members concerned over unruly episode in Lok Sabha

The Parliament and the Rashtrapati Bhawan were lit up in multiple colours on the eve of Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas, which is celebrated annually on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

The Constitution day was first celebrated in 2015 as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. The declaration regarding the same was made by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-slams-congress-over-ayodhya-article-370-issue-264485">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>on October 11, 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Statue of Equality in Mumbai.

November 26, which was earlier celebrated as Law Day, marks the day when India had adopted its Constitution back in 1949, more than two years after attaining independence from the British rule. The Constitution came into effect next year on 26 January, 1950, so as to commemorate the pledge of Purna Swaraj, passed in the Lahore session of the Congress on this day in 1930.

In his address to the nation during the 56th edition of the programme 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi had described November 26 as a 'special day for the whole country' and expressed hope that Constitution Day would reinforce the nation's obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values.

"I hope that the 'Constitution Day' reinforces our obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values thus contributing to nation-building. After all, this was the dream of the makers of our Constitution," Modi said.

Both PM Modi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-of-national-capital-has-worsened-beyond-all-norms-president-kovind-263223">President Ram Nath Kovind</a> are slated to address a joint session of Parliament on November 26. Besides, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/youth-congress-leaders-protest-against-bjps-govt-formation-in-maharashtra-264389">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> will organise a 10-day long programme on the occasion.

Some opposition parties will likely boycott President Kovind's address during the joint session of Parliament. The parties are also planning to protest in front of the Ambedkar Statue inside the Parliament complex against the political <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-pass-order-on-plea-against-government-formation-in-maharashtra-264525">developments in Maharashtra</a>.

The Parliament and the Rashtrapati Bhawan were lit up in multiple colours on the eve of Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas, which is celebrated annually on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

The Parliament and the Rashtrapati Bhawan were lit up in multiple colours on the eve of Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas, which is celebrated annually on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution day was first celebrated in 2015 as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. The declaration regarding the same was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Statue of Equality in Mumbai. November 26, which was earlier celebrated as Law Day, marks the day when India had adopted its Constitution back in 1949, more than two years after attaining independence from the British rule. The Constitution came into effect next year on 26 January, 1950, so as to commemorate the pledge of Purna Swaraj, passed in the Lahore session of the Congress on this day in 1930. In his address to the nation during the 56th edition of the programme 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi had described November 26 as a 'special day for the whole country' and expressed hope that Constitution Day would reinforce the nation's obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values. "I hope that the 'Constitution Day' reinforces our obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values thus contributing to nation-building. After all, this was the dream of the makers of our Constitution," Modi said. Both PM Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind are slated to address a joint session of Parliament on November 26. Besides, the Bharatiya Janata Party will organise a 10-day long programme on the occasion. Some opposition parties will likely boycott President Kovind's address during the joint session of Parliament. The parties are also planning to protest in front of the Ambedkar Statue inside the Parliament complex against the political developments in Maharashtra.

Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhawan illuminated on eve of Constitution Day

On the fourth day of Parliament's winter session, opposition members raised slogans in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/petition-in-supreme-court-seeks-probe-into-lok-sabha-election-results-263431">Lok Sabha</a> during Question Hour, prompting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-gives-suspension-of-business-notice-over-downgrade-in-security-cover-263294">Speaker Om Birla</a> to intervene saying that the dignity of the House should be maintained.

"It is our duty to maintain the dignity of the House. Please do not come to the well of the house. I have always given all a chance for debate and discussion," Birla told the protesting members who came near the Speaker's podium soon after the start of day's session and were raising slogans.

On Tuesday, Birla had warned members that he will be forced to take action if they try to address the chair while protesting from the well of the House.

The Speaker said there might have been instances earlier of members speaking to the Chair from the well of the House.

"If it happens after today, I will be forced to take action," he said. 
 
Ahead of the winter session, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-address-conclave-of-accountants-in-delhi-today-263523">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> had on Monday said that the session is an important one as it is the last in this year and all lawmakers should contribute to enriching the discussions.

Talking about the need to have a "frank discussion" in the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "It is important that there should be quality debates, there should be dialogue and discussions and everyone should contribute to enriching discussions in the Parliament.

On the fourth day of Parliament's winter session, opposition members raised slogans in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, prompting Speaker Om Birla to intervene saying that the dignity of the House should be maintained.

On the fourth day of Parliament's winter session, opposition members raised slogans in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, prompting Speaker Om Birla to intervene saying that the dignity of the House should be maintained. "It is our duty to maintain the dignity of the House. Please do not come to the well of the house. I have always given all a chance for debate and discussion," Birla told the protesting members who came near the Speaker's podium soon after the start of day's session and were raising slogans. On Tuesday, Birla had warned members that he will be forced to take action if they try to address the chair while protesting from the well of the House. The Speaker said there might have been instances earlier of members speaking to the Chair from the well of the House. "If it happens after today, I will be forced to take action," he said. Ahead of the winter session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Monday said that the session is an important one as it is the last in this year and all lawmakers should contribute to enriching the discussions. Talking about the need to have a "frank discussion" in the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "It is important that there should be quality debates, there should be dialogue and discussions and everyone should contribute to enriching discussions in the Parliament.

Maintain dignity of the house: Lok Sabha Speaker warns opposition MPs

On the first day of its 250th session, the Rajya Sabha was around noon adjourned till 2 pm on Monday.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/winter-session-begins-today-will-have-20-sittings-between-18th-nov-to-13th-dec-262847">winter session of the Parliament</a> commenced today and both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha paid homage to its sitting and former lawmakers including Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, and Ram Jethmalani.

The winter session will go on till December 13 and will provide a total of 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days, including four Private Members' days.

Many key bills, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-bill-in-focus-as-winter-session-of-parliament-gets-underway-from-today-262790">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019</a>, are scheduled to be tabled in this session of the Parliament. Other important bills that are expected to be taken up during the course of the Houses include the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.

Ahead of the winter session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the session is an important one as it is the last in this year and all lawmakers should contribute to enriching the discussions.

Talking about the need to have a "frank discussion" in the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "It is important that there should be quality debates, there should be dialogue and discussions and everyone should contribute to enriching discussions in the Parliament."

This is the second session of the Parliament since Modi returned to office with a bigger majority for a second successive term.

On the first day of its 250th session, the Rajya Sabha was around noon adjourned till 2 pm on Monday. The winter session of the Parliament commenced today and both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha paid homage to its sitting and former lawmakers including Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, and Ram Jethmalani.

On the first day of its 250th session, the Rajya Sabha was around noon adjourned till 2 pm on Monday. The winter session of the Parliament commenced today and both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha paid homage to its sitting and former lawmakers including Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, and Ram Jethmalani. The winter session will go on till December 13 and will provide a total of 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days, including four Private Members' days. Many key bills, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, are scheduled to be tabled in this session of the Parliament. Other important bills that are expected to be taken up during the course of the Houses include the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019. Ahead of the winter session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the session is an important one as it is the last in this year and all lawmakers should contribute to enriching the discussions. Talking about the need to have a "frank discussion" in the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "It is important that there should be quality debates, there should be dialogue and discussions and everyone should contribute to enriching discussions in the Parliament." This is the second session of the Parliament since Modi returned to office with a bigger majority for a second successive term.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm on first day of 250th session

The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid rich tributes to Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram&nbsp;Jethmalani and Gurudas Dasgupta, who served as lawmakers in the Upper House of the Parliament.

After Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu gave obituary references to its sitting and former members, MPs present in the House paid homage to the distinguished parliamentarians.

On August 19, Mishra, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-bihar-chief-minister-jagannath-mishra-passes-away-at-82-244003">former Bihar chief minister </a>had passed away in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. The 82-year-old started his career as a professor and went on to become chief minister of Bihar thrice from the Congress. Mishra also served as a union minister.

He served as a Rajya Sabha MP between 1988 to 1990 and from 1994 to 2000.

Jaitley, who served as finance minister in the first tenure of the Narendra Modi-led government, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitleys-mortal-remains-moved-to-bjp-headquarters-several-leaders-arrive-to-pay-respects-245427">breathed his last on August 24 </a>at AIIMS in the national capital after suffering from health issues. He was 66 and served as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2019.

On September 6, Congress leader Libra passed away due to health issues. He was 86 and served in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Libra served as a parliamentarian at the Upper House between 1998 to 2004.

On September 8, noted lawyer Jethmalani had passed away at the age of 95. He served as the law minister and the urban development minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet. He had also served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India.

Jethmalani, who was known for taking up high-profile cases, was a Rajya Sabha MP from 2016 to 2019.

Dasgupta, a CPI leader, breathed his last in Kolkata on October 31. He was aged 83 and was suffering from heart and kidney-related ailments.

Dasgupta was the CPI's former deputy general secretary and a well-known trade unionist. He was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1985, 1988 and 1994.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/winter-session-of-parliament-speaker-calls-all-party-meeting-on-saturday-262452">winter session of Parliament</a> commenced from today and will go on till December 13. The session will provide a total of 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days, including four Private Members' days.

Many key bills, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, are scheduled to be tabled in this session of the Parliament. Other important bills that are expected to be taken up during the course of the Houses include the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.

The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid rich tributes to Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram Jethmalani and Gurudas Dasgupta, who served as lawmakers in the Upper House of the Parliament.

The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid rich tributes to Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram Jethmalani and Gurudas Dasgupta, who served as lawmakers in the Upper House of the Parliament. After Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu gave obituary references to its sitting and former members, MPs present in the House paid homage to the distinguished parliamentarians. On August 19, Mishra, a former Bihar chief minister had passed away in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. The 82-year-old started his career as a professor and went on to become chief minister of Bihar thrice from the Congress. Mishra also served as a union minister. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP between 1988 to 1990 and from 1994 to 2000. Jaitley, who served as finance minister in the first tenure of the Narendra Modi-led government, breathed his last on August 24 at AIIMS in the national capital after suffering from health issues. He was 66 and served as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2019. On September 6, Congress leader Libra passed away due to health issues. He was 86 and served in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Libra served as a parliamentarian at the Upper House between 1998 to 2004. On September 8, noted lawyer Jethmalani had passed away at the age of 95. He served as the law minister and the urban development minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet. He had also served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India. Jethmalani, who was known for taking up high-profile cases, was a Rajya Sabha MP from 2016 to 2019. Dasgupta, a CPI leader, breathed his last in Kolkata on October 31. He was aged 83 and was suffering from heart and kidney-related ailments. Dasgupta was the CPI's former deputy general secretary and a well-known trade unionist. He was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1985, 1988 and 1994. The winter session of Parliament commenced from today and will go on till December 13. The session will provide a total of 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days, including four Private Members' days. Many key bills, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, are scheduled to be tabled in this session of the Parliament. Other important bills that are expected to be taken up during the course of the Houses include the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.

Rajya Sabha remembers MPs including Arun Jaitley, Ram Jethmalani

The winter session of the Indian parliament has begun. The session will have 20 sittings between November 18 and December 13.

This is the second parliamentary session of the BJP-led NDA government, &nbsp;which returned to power with a greater mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The government is likely to push passage for citizenship amendment bill, which the government was unable to pass in the previous tenure.

Economic slowdown, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and unemployment are some of the key issues that are likely to emerge as flashpoints between the opposition and the BJP government.&nbsp;

The first session was productive as both houses of the parliament passed key legislations such as Triple Talaq and giving more power to the National Investigation Agency.

The last session also saw both the houses passing resolution abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcating the state into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

However, the opposition Congress party has given adjournment motion in the lower house over quote-unquote instability in J&amp;K.

Ahead of the session Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to reporters and said that he hopes that this session will be a productive one.

Today also marks the 250th sitting of the Rajya Sabha.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu has released a publication that details the journey of the upper house since May 1952.

Total sittings of the Rajya Sabha till its 249th session is 5,466. Since its existence, the house has passed 3,817 bills.

Out of which 60 bills lapsed due to dissolution of Lok Sabha at various point of time. A total number of bills introduced in Rajya Sabha is at 944.

104 bills have been withdrawn by the upper house and over 38 bills of bills are still pending in the house.

Addressing the parliament during its 250th session, PM Modi said that the Rajya Sabha allows people away from electoral politics. And contribute to the country and its development.

PM Modi also hailed the Rajya Sabha on passing some landmark judgements including the triple talaq bill, abrogation of article 370 etc.

To celebrate the 250th session, the upper house will discuss 'the role of Rajya Sabha in Indian polity: the need for reform' in the second half today.

A postal coin of Rs 250 and postal stamp of Rs 5 will also be released to commemorate the evolution of Rajya Sabha.

The winter session of the Indian parliament has begun. The session will have 20 sittings between November 18 and December 13. This is the second parliamentary session of the BJP-led NDA government, which returned to power with a greater mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The winter session of the Indian parliament has begun. The session will have 20 sittings between November 18 and December 13. This is the second parliamentary session of the BJP-led NDA government, which returned to power with a greater mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The government is likely to push passage for citizenship amendment bill, which the government was unable to pass in the previous tenure. Economic slowdown, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and unemployment are some of the key issues that are likely to emerge as flashpoints between the opposition and the BJP government. The first session was productive as both houses of the parliament passed key legislations such as Triple Talaq and giving more power to the National Investigation Agency. The last session also saw both the houses passing resolution abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcating the state into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. However, the opposition Congress party has given adjournment motion in the lower house over quote-unquote instability in J&K. Ahead of the session Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to reporters and said that he hopes that this session will be a productive one. Today also marks the 250th sitting of the Rajya Sabha. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu has released a publication that details the journey of the upper house since May 1952. Total sittings of the Rajya Sabha till its 249th session is 5,466. Since its existence, the house has passed 3,817 bills. Out of which 60 bills lapsed due to dissolution of Lok Sabha at various point of time. A total number of bills introduced in Rajya Sabha is at 944. 104 bills have been withdrawn by the upper house and over 38 bills of bills are still pending in the house. Addressing the parliament during its 250th session, PM Modi said that the Rajya Sabha allows people away from electoral politics. And contribute to the country and its development. PM Modi also hailed the Rajya Sabha on passing some landmark judgements including the triple talaq bill, abrogation of article 370 etc. To celebrate the 250th session, the upper house will discuss 'the role of Rajya Sabha in Indian polity: the need for reform' in the second half today. A postal coin of Rs 250 and postal stamp of Rs 5 will also be released to commemorate the evolution of Rajya Sabha.

Winter session of Parliament: Government set to push Citizenship Amendment Bill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament.

In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development-oriented issues would be discussed."

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Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. 
 
We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development oriented issues would be discussed. <a href="https://t.co/EsNze39bSA">pic.twitter.com/EsNze39bSA</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1195732108112732160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Apart from Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and his junior Arjun Ram Meghwal, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's TR Baalu, BSP's Danish Ali, LJP's Chirag Paswan and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi were among the leaders present at the all-party meeting, called by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that issues raised by political parties during the all-party meeting will be discussed in Parliament`s Winter Session which will start Monday.

"All political parties have given the assurance that they will try to run the House in a good way with the cooperation of everyone," he said.

With the government set to table several important Bills including Citizenship Amendment Bill, the winter session is expected to be stormy.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament. In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament. In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development-oriented issues would be discussed." Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development oriented issues would be discussed. pic.twitter.com/EsNze39bSA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2019 × Apart from Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and his junior Arjun Ram Meghwal, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's TR Baalu, BSP's Danish Ali, LJP's Chirag Paswan and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi were among the leaders present at the all-party meeting, called by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that issues raised by political parties during the all-party meeting will be discussed in Parliament`s Winter Session which will start Monday. "All political parties have given the assurance that they will try to run the House in a good way with the cooperation of everyone," he said. With the government set to table several important Bills including Citizenship Amendment Bill, the winter session is expected to be stormy. (With inputs from agencies)

Look forward to a productive Parliament session: PM Narendra Modi

Four new judges on Monday took oath as the Supreme Court Judges, increasing the total strength from 31 to 34 as sanctioned under the amended law.

The four new judges who sworn in are Chief Justice Krishna Murari of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court S Ravindra Bhat, Chief Justice V Ramasubramanian of Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala High Court Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy.

Recently, the Parliament had increased the number of judges in the top court from 31, including the Chief Justice of India to 34, highest ever.

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill was passed by the Parliament and President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent soon, thereafter, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended judges names to the government on August 28.

The Centre on September 18 cleared the appointments on Collegium`s recommendation.&nbsp;

Four new judges on Monday took oath as the Supreme Court Judges, increasing the total strength from 31 to 34 as sanctioned under the amended law. The four new judges who sworn in are Chief Justice Krishna Murari of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court S Ravindra Bhat, Chief Justice V Ramasubramanian of Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala High Court Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy.

Four new judges on Monday took oath as the Supreme Court Judges, increasing the total strength from 31 to 34 as sanctioned under the amended law. The four new judges who sworn in are Chief Justice Krishna Murari of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court S Ravindra Bhat, Chief Justice V Ramasubramanian of Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala High Court Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy. Recently, the Parliament had increased the number of judges in the top court from 31, including the Chief Justice of India to 34, highest ever. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill was passed by the Parliament and President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent soon, thereafter, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended judges names to the government on August 28. The Centre on September 18 cleared the appointments on Collegium`s recommendation.

Four new judges take oath in Supreme Court

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role.

Tokayev took over the oil-rich former Soviet republic this year when his predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned after nearly three decades in power, and some groups have urged him to dismantle the highly centralised political system.

"I am convinced that Kazakhstan must remain a presidential republic, but the parliament will assume a worthy role in the political system," Tokayev said at a meeting with opposition activists and public figures picked by his government to join a newly-established National Council of Public Confidence.

Tokayev said he wanted to boost political competition by amending electoral laws and give the parliament a bigger say in major decisions.

The Nur Otan party led by Nazarbayev holds more than 80 seats in the 107-seat lower house of parliament, which mostly rubberstamps legislation drafted by the government. The next parliamentary election is due next year.

Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva is the speaker of parliament's upper house.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role. Tokayev took over the oil-rich former Soviet republic this year when his predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned after nearly three decades in power, and some groups have urged him to dismantle the highly centralised political system. "I am convinced that Kazakhstan must remain a presidential republic, but the parliament will assume a worthy role in the political system," Tokayev said at a meeting with opposition activists and public figures picked by his government to join a newly-established National Council of Public Confidence. Tokayev said he wanted to boost political competition by amending electoral laws and give the parliament a bigger say in major decisions. The Nur Otan party led by Nazarbayev holds more than 80 seats in the 107-seat lower house of parliament, which mostly rubberstamps legislation drafted by the government. The next parliamentary election is due next year. Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva is the speaker of parliament's upper house.

Kazakh President rejects calls for parliamentary republic

From Magna Carta to Brexit: 800 years of constitutional crises in Britain

Actor and Gurdaspur MP Sunny Deol failed to impress with his attendance record in the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha by not attending the house for 28 days.

According to Lok Sabha's attendance record, Deol attended parliament for five continuous days soon after the resumption of the monsoon session but then gave it a miss for the next whole week.

In total, the Gurdaspur lawmaker attended nine sittings of Parliament while giving a miss to Lok Sabha for 28 days out of a total of 37 days that the house functioned, including the extended session.

In his debut election, Deol had defeated sitting MP and Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar by 82,459 votes from Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat in Punjab.

He had joined the BJP on April 23, this year.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP had won this seat after fielding actor Vinod Khanna.

After Khanna's demise in April 2017 by-polls were held and the seat went to Congress'&nbsp;Jakhar.

Deol is the third member of his family to join politics. Earlier in 2004, his father Dharmendra had also won the Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency for the BJP and his wife Hema Malini won Uttar Pradesh's Mathura seat for the party for a second consecutive term in the national elections.&nbsp;

Actor and Gurdaspur MP Sunny Deol failed to impress with his attendance record in the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha by not attending the house for 28 days.

Actor and Gurdaspur MP Sunny Deol failed to impress with his attendance record in the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha by not attending the house for 28 days. According to Lok Sabha's attendance record, Deol attended parliament for five continuous days soon after the resumption of the monsoon session but then gave it a miss for the next whole week. In total, the Gurdaspur lawmaker attended nine sittings of Parliament while giving a miss to Lok Sabha for 28 days out of a total of 37 days that the house functioned, including the extended session. In his debut election, Deol had defeated sitting MP and Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar by 82,459 votes from Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat in Punjab. He had joined the BJP on April 23, this year. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP had won this seat after fielding actor Vinod Khanna. After Khanna's demise in April 2017 by-polls were held and the seat went to Congress' Jakhar. Deol is the third member of his family to join politics. Earlier in 2004, his father Dharmendra had also won the Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency for the BJP and his wife Hema Malini won Uttar Pradesh's Mathura seat for the party for a second consecutive term in the national elections.

Sunny Deol Lok Sabha attendance unimpressive, skipped 28 days of Parliament

The Parliament on Thursday passed a bill that provides for stringent punishment for sexual crimes against children and the death penalty in cases of aggravated sexual assault.

The Lok Sabha passed the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Thursday. The bill seeks to amend Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. It had been passed by Rajya Sabha earlier.

In her reply to the debate on the bill, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said 6.20 lakh sexual offenders were listed in the national database and they were being tracked by investigative agencies. She also expressed concern that the number of juvenile perpetrators of crimes is increasing.

Irani said the government was working to create 1023 fast track courts under the Nirbhaya fund to provide quick justice in cases of crimes against women.

"Eighteen states have come on board to see that these courts are established between 2019-20 and 1920-21," she said.

The minister said that about Rs 75 lakh would be spent in creating infrastructure for each court.

The minister expressed concern over the "slow rate" of conviction in POCSO cases and said that in about 36,000 cases under the Act, over 36,000 persons have been arrested.

Referring to a point made by a member about consensual sex, Irani said the suggestion was made before the standing committee which had said that there should be no exemption in cases involving children below 18 years of age.

She said steps had been taken for witness protection and states urged to create witness protection fund.

Asked about the suggestion that death penalty should not be given if the accused is a juvenile, she said in such cases the matter is decided by the court in consultation with Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to determine if the person is of an adult mind.

The minister said various ministries were working cohesively on the issue of child protection under the Modi government and there has been a suggestion to track progress in POCSO cases.

Irani said children in CBSE-affiliated schools were being given awareness about "good touch and bad touch" and teachers were also being trained.

The minister suggested MPs to take up POCSO cases in district-level meetings.

She said there were 680 child welfare committees of which 444 were working to full strength while 509 of 675 JJBs were working to full strength.

Noting that training was being imparted for collection of forensic evidence, the minister suggested that the approved list of counsellors should be published.

Earlier, moving the bill for passage in the House, Irani had said 60 per cent of people using the internet were of ages less than 24, and there has been an instance of 5,000 people subscribing to an online porn channel which had the video of a crime.

She said the bill will protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensure their safety and dignity.

Referring to a case of drugs being administered to children to bring about early sexual maturity, Irani said the bill seeks to award strong punishment in such cases.

Members cutting across party lines demanded strong punishment in crimes against children.

The Bill provides for levying fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography.

The strong penal provisions are expected to act as a deterrent to curb child sex abuse.

The Parliament on Thursday passed a bill that provides for stringent punishment for sexual crimes against children and the death penalty in cases of aggravated sexual assault.

The Parliament on Thursday passed a bill that provides for stringent punishment for sexual crimes against children and the death penalty in cases of aggravated sexual assault. The Lok Sabha passed the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Thursday. The bill seeks to amend Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. It had been passed by Rajya Sabha earlier. In her reply to the debate on the bill, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said 6.20 lakh sexual offenders were listed in the national database and they were being tracked by investigative agencies. She also expressed concern that the number of juvenile perpetrators of crimes is increasing. Irani said the government was working to create 1023 fast track courts under the Nirbhaya fund to provide quick justice in cases of crimes against women. "Eighteen states have come on board to see that these courts are established between 2019-20 and 1920-21," she said. The minister said that about Rs 75 lakh would be spent in creating infrastructure for each court. The minister expressed concern over the "slow rate" of conviction in POCSO cases and said that in about 36,000 cases under the Act, over 36,000 persons have been arrested. Referring to a point made by a member about consensual sex, Irani said the suggestion was made before the standing committee which had said that there should be no exemption in cases involving children below 18 years of age. She said steps had been taken for witness protection and states urged to create witness protection fund. Asked about the suggestion that death penalty should not be given if the accused is a juvenile, she said in such cases the matter is decided by the court in consultation with Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to determine if the person is of an adult mind. The minister said various ministries were working cohesively on the issue of child protection under the Modi government and there has been a suggestion to track progress in POCSO cases. Irani said children in CBSE-affiliated schools were being given awareness about "good touch and bad touch" and teachers were also being trained. The minister suggested MPs to take up POCSO cases in district-level meetings. She said there were 680 child welfare committees of which 444 were working to full strength while 509 of 675 JJBs were working to full strength. Noting that training was being imparted for collection of forensic evidence, the minister suggested that the approved list of counsellors should be published. Earlier, moving the bill for passage in the House, Irani had said 60 per cent of people using the internet were of ages less than 24, and there has been an instance of 5,000 people subscribing to an online porn channel which had the video of a crime. She said the bill will protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensure their safety and dignity. Referring to a case of drugs being administered to children to bring about early sexual maturity, Irani said the bill seeks to award strong punishment in such cases. Members cutting across party lines demanded strong punishment in crimes against children. The Bill provides for levying fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography. The strong penal provisions are expected to act as a deterrent to curb child sex abuse.

Parliament passes POCSO (Amendment) Bill, proposed law introduces possibility of death penalty

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the contentious bill which criminalises the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-minister-ravi-shankar-prasad-tables-triple-talaq-bill-in-rajya-sabha-239408">practice of triple talaq</a>, amidst a walkout by Opposition members accusing the government of "singling out" a community.

In a big boost to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, introduced by Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, was passed with 99 members voting in favour whereas 84 voting against it.

Lok Sabha had on Thursday passed the landmark bill after a prolonged debate.

The BJP had issued a whip to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha lawmakers to be present in both the Houses today to support the bills introduced by the government.

Watch: What is the triple talaq Bill?

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The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to criminalise the act of instant divorce among Muslims with a three-year jail sentence for men who practice triple talaq, which has been made illegal by the Supreme Court.

The top court, in a landmark judgment in 2017, held the practice "void" and "unconstitutional".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the contentious bill which criminalises the practice of triple talaq, amidst a walkout by Opposition members accusing the government of "singling out" a community.

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the contentious bill which criminalises the practice of triple talaq, amidst a walkout by Opposition members accusing the government of "singling out" a community. In a big boost to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, introduced by Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, was passed with 99 members voting in favour whereas 84 voting against it. Lok Sabha had on Thursday passed the landmark bill after a prolonged debate. The BJP had issued a whip to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha lawmakers to be present in both the Houses today to support the bills introduced by the government. Watch: What is the triple talaq Bill? × The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to criminalise the act of instant divorce among Muslims with a three-year jail sentence for men who practice triple talaq, which has been made illegal by the Supreme Court. The top court, in a landmark judgment in 2017, held the practice "void" and "unconstitutional". (With inputs from agencies)

BJP passes big test in Parliament after Rajya Sabha clears Triple Talaq Bill

Congress MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday resigned from the party and Rajya Sabha as well and said he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference, he said that the Congress party is still living in its past and the leadership is completely missing.&nbsp;"There is a complete lack of communication in Congress party and the leadership is completely missing. Unfortunately, Congress is living in its past and is unaware of the future. Today, the country is with PM Modi &amp; if the country is with him, I'm with him. I will join BJP tomorrow. I have resigned from the party, as well as my membership of Rajya Sabha," he said.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has accepted the resignation of Sanjay Singh as member of the upper house.&nbsp; 
 
His wife Ameeta, who had represented Amethi constituency twice in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, also resigned from the party. 
 
Sanjay Singh, who had earlier served in Janata Dal, was fielded by Congress against BJP heavyweight Maneka Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections. He finished in the third position garnering only about 41,000 votes.

(With inputs from ANI)

Congress MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday resigned from the party and Rajya Sabha as well and said he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, he said that the Congress party is still living in its past and the leadership is completely missing.

Congress MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday resigned from the party and Rajya Sabha as well and said he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, he said that the Congress party is still living in its past and the leadership is completely missing. "There is a complete lack of communication in Congress party and the leadership is completely missing. Unfortunately, Congress is living in its past and is unaware of the future. Today, the country is with PM Modi & if the country is with him, I'm with him. I will join BJP tomorrow. I have resigned from the party, as well as my membership of Rajya Sabha," he said. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has accepted the resignation of Sanjay Singh as member of the upper house. His wife Ameeta, who had represented Amethi constituency twice in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, also resigned from the party. Sanjay Singh, who had earlier served in Janata Dal, was fielded by Congress against BJP heavyweight Maneka Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections. He finished in the third position garnering only about 41,000 votes. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress MP Sanjay Singh resigns from party, to join Bharatiya Janata Party

Lok Sabha on Friday saw an uproar when MPs demanded exemplary action against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan over his sexist remarks directed at BJP MP Rama Devi.

The remarks were later expunged as Rama Devi asked Khan to apologise.

Rama Devi said Azam Khan, being a repeat offender, should be dismissed by the Lok Sabha Speaker. "He has never respected women, we all know what he had said about Jaya Prada. He has no right to stay in the Lok Sabha, I will request the Speaker to dismiss him. Azam Khan must apologise," Rama Devi said.

Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said no one should be allowed to misbehave with a woman and get away with it by just dramatizing it. "The entire nation watched yesterday what happened. This House passed the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill. I appeal to all to speak in one voice- You cannot misbehave with a woman and get away with it by just dramatising it," she said.

"Let us not reduce this to a problem of just women. This is a blot on all legislators including men. This is not a House where men come in and 'Kisi aurat ki aankhon mein jhanka jaye'," she added.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also condemned the remarks. "It is very encouraging to see everyone stand up and speak in once voice condemning what happened yesterday. We look towards you (LS Speaker) for exemplary action against him," she said. 
 
TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty said that all women want Speaker to take action against Azam Khan.

"Nobody can stand in the Parliament and tell a woman "look into my eyes and talk." Speaker sir, all women here are expecting something big from you on this," she said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he will call a meeting of leaders of all parties and then take a decision on this issue.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav defended his remarks. "I don't think any unparliamentary words were used yesterday. It was the BJP MPs who have used unparliamentary words and if they are willing to take their words back, I am ready to take my words back too if I have used any," said Akhilesh.

On Thursday, Azam Khan stoked controversy in the Lok Sabha with his objectionable remarks against BJP member Rama Devi, who was presiding over the House. He later tried to downplay the remarks, saying she was like a sister to him.

Azam Khan did not apologise and said he will resign if he had said anything unparliamentary. He also staged a walkout along with his party chief Akhilesh Yadav. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha on Friday saw an uproar when MPs demanded exemplary action against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan over his sexist remarks directed at BJP MP Rama Devi.

Lok Sabha on Friday saw an uproar when MPs demanded exemplary action against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan over his sexist remarks directed at BJP MP Rama Devi. The remarks were later expunged as Rama Devi asked Khan to apologise. Rama Devi said Azam Khan, being a repeat offender, should be dismissed by the Lok Sabha Speaker. "He has never respected women, we all know what he had said about Jaya Prada. He has no right to stay in the Lok Sabha, I will request the Speaker to dismiss him. Azam Khan must apologise," Rama Devi said. Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said no one should be allowed to misbehave with a woman and get away with it by just dramatizing it. "The entire nation watched yesterday what happened. This House passed the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill. I appeal to all to speak in one voice- You cannot misbehave with a woman and get away with it by just dramatising it," she said. "Let us not reduce this to a problem of just women. This is a blot on all legislators including men. This is not a House where men come in and 'Kisi aurat ki aankhon mein jhanka jaye'," she added. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also condemned the remarks. "It is very encouraging to see everyone stand up and speak in once voice condemning what happened yesterday. We look towards you (LS Speaker) for exemplary action against him," she said. TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty said that all women want Speaker to take action against Azam Khan. "Nobody can stand in the Parliament and tell a woman "look into my eyes and talk." Speaker sir, all women here are expecting something big from you on this," she said. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he will call a meeting of leaders of all parties and then take a decision on this issue. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav defended his remarks. "I don't think any unparliamentary words were used yesterday. It was the BJP MPs who have used unparliamentary words and if they are willing to take their words back, I am ready to take my words back too if I have used any," said Akhilesh. On Thursday, Azam Khan stoked controversy in the Lok Sabha with his objectionable remarks against BJP member Rama Devi, who was presiding over the House. He later tried to downplay the remarks, saying she was like a sister to him. Azam Khan did not apologise and said he will resign if he had said anything unparliamentary. He also staged a walkout along with his party chief Akhilesh Yadav. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha members demand strict action against Azam Khan over sexist remarks directed at BJP MP Rama Devi

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday bid farewell to five of its members from Tamil Nadu who have completed six years of their term.

The five retiring MPs are Maitreyan, D Raja, KR Arjunan, R Lakshmanan and T Rathinavel.&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu appreciated the five MPs for their contributions in the law-making process and public service.

Meanwhile, outgoing AIADMK MP V Maitreyan broke down during his farewell speech in Rajya Sabha.

At this juncture I place on record deep sense of gratitude towards my beloved leader, Amma (Jayalalithaa) for having immense faith in me &amp; sending me to this House for 3 terms. She gave me the honour of being the only member from AIADMK to have been given membership to Rajya Sabha for three terms. My unalloyed loyalty to her will always be there," Maitreyan said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Outgoing AIADMK MP V Maitreyan breaks down while giving farewell speech in Rajya Sabha; says, "At this juncture I place on record deep sense of gratitude towards my beloved leader, Amma (Jayalalithaa) for having immense faith in me &amp; sending me to this House for 3 terms," <a href="https://t.co/flFpqRqen4">pic.twitter.com/flFpqRqen4</a>
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He also expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I cannot forget my longtime friend and Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom I know since 90s and I had been a loyal emissary between him and Madam. I sincerely thank him for personal affection for me," he said.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday bid farewell to five of its members from Tamil Nadu who have completed six years of their term. The five retiring MPs are Maitreyan, D Raja, KR Arjunan, R Lakshmanan and T Rathinavel.

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday bid farewell to five of its members from Tamil Nadu who have completed six years of their term. The five retiring MPs are Maitreyan, D Raja, KR Arjunan, R Lakshmanan and T Rathinavel. Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu appreciated the five MPs for their contributions in the law-making process and public service. Meanwhile, outgoing AIADMK MP V Maitreyan broke down during his farewell speech in Rajya Sabha. At this juncture I place on record deep sense of gratitude towards my beloved leader, Amma (Jayalalithaa) for having immense faith in me & sending me to this House for 3 terms. She gave me the honour of being the only member from AIADMK to have been given membership to Rajya Sabha for three terms. My unalloyed loyalty to her will always be there," Maitreyan said. #WATCH Outgoing AIADMK MP V Maitreyan breaks down while giving farewell speech in Rajya Sabha; says, "At this juncture I place on record deep sense of gratitude towards my beloved leader, Amma (Jayalalithaa) for having immense faith in me & sending me to this House for 3 terms," pic.twitter.com/flFpqRqen4 — ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2019 × He also expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I cannot forget my longtime friend and Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom I know since 90s and I had been a loyal emissary between him and Madam. I sincerely thank him for personal affection for me," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha bids farewell to its five outgoing members

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in introduced his very special friend on Instagram on Tuesday. In a post, PM added two photos of himself holding a baby at his office in the Parliament complex.

"A very special friend came to meet me in Parliament today," PM Modi wrote, which garnered more than a million likes in about an hour.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0QPjPLFlUo/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">A very special friend came to meet me in Parliament today.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/narendramodi/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Narendra Modi</a> (@narendramodi) on <time datetime="2019-07-23T09:12:28+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 23, 2019 at 2:12am PDT</time>
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The post has two photos of the PM playing with the baby, who looks more interested in the chocolates lying on the Prime Minister's desk.

Many of the Instagram users were delighted to see the post. While for some it was cute and lovely picture, others wanted to know who the child is.

The officials later said that the child is the grandson of BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Satyanarayan Jatiya.

PM Modi's affection for children is well known and he has been seen - and photographed - interacting with children on many occasions. Even during his official trips to other countries, candid photos of the PM speaking or playing with children have often revealed his softer side.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in introduced his very special friend on Instagram on Tuesday. In a post, PM added two photos of himself holding a baby at his office in the Parliament complex.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in introduced his very special friend on Instagram on Tuesday. In a post, PM added two photos of himself holding a baby at his office in the Parliament complex. "A very special friend came to meet me in Parliament today," PM Modi wrote, which garnered more than a million likes in about an hour. View this post on Instagram A very special friend came to meet me in Parliament today. A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) on Jul 23, 2019 at 2:12am PDT × The post has two photos of the PM playing with the baby, who looks more interested in the chocolates lying on the Prime Minister's desk. Many of the Instagram users were delighted to see the post. While for some it was cute and lovely picture, others wanted to know who the child is. The officials later said that the child is the grandson of BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Satyanarayan Jatiya. PM Modi's affection for children is well known and he has been seen - and photographed - interacting with children on many occasions. Even during his official trips to other countries, candid photos of the PM speaking or playing with children have often revealed his softer side.

PM Modi shares photo of a 'very special friend', Instagram delighted

When anti-nuclear activist Junko Isogai ran for office in Japan's northern Niigata region, it had an awkward dimension: not just stump speeches and chats with constituents, but entertaining potential backers.

"I was asked to pour sake, make flattering conversation and act in a way men wouldn't dislike," Isogai, 45, a mother of two teenage girls, told Reuters. "It was like being a bar hostess."

Such traditional campaign practices - heavy on face-to-face interaction and personal ties - are among many barriers women face when trying to enter Japan's male-dominated politics, candidates and experts say.

Other hurdles include a lack of role models, social norms discouraging women from speaking out, and the burden of an intense, full-time job in a society where women are expected to be responsible for housework, child-rearing, and eldercare.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abes-ruling-bloc-set-for-solid-upper-house-win-polls-236080&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBoZjKhrnjAhUDk3AKHSCCCR0QFjACegQIDRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw18D3s9rMqBwU1-F5FK4mQ-">Prime Minister Shinzo Abe</a> has made bringing more women into the workforce a policy pillar. But politics remains male-dominated.

Since Abe took office in December 2012, Japan's global ranking of women in parliament has fallen to 164th from 122nd among 193 countries. His Liberal Democratic Party has a smaller percentage of female lawmakers than its main opposition party.

A July 21 upper-house election will be the first national poll since the passage of a gender parity law that set non-binding targets for parties to field equal numbers of male and female candidates. A record of 28% of candidates is women.

But only 15% of LDP candidates are women, compared with 45% for its main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ).

Sakura Uchikoshi, a Tokyo-based lawyer making her first foray into politics in the rural district of Niigata, is among the opposition candidates.

Niigata has a tradition of strong female politicians, including outspoken former foreign minister Makiko Tanaka. And it currently has three female opposition MPs.

NETWORKS AND NAMES

Uchikoshi, who unlike many male politicians did not rise through party ranks, suffers from an image as an outsider. She was born in Hokkaido and pursued her career in Tokyo.

That's a stark contrast with her LDP rival Ichiro Tsukada, a Niigata-born incumbent whose father was also an MP.

"My lack of name recognition is the bottleneck," Uchikoshi told Reuters in an interview before a rally.

"Male candidates have networks and ... the lack of that for rookie female candidates makes it difficult," she said, adding she was grateful for support from the three incumbent women.

Politicians, especially in the LDP, typically rise through the ranks from local assemblies to parliament, creating their base along the way. That path can be tough for women, who are expected to raise families rather than shake hands.

"Individuals have to cultivate networks themselves," said Sophia University professor Mari Miura. "Many women, who have to interrupt their careers for child-rearing and struggle with work-life balance, can't afford such energy."

Uchikoshi's backers hope she stands out as a fresh alternative to Tsukada, said Hiroshi Sasaki, a university professor and civic activist advising her campaign.

Tsukada's reputation was dented when he bragged about securing a highway project in southern Japan as unsolicited favour for Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso. He resigned as deputy cabinet minister over the fuss.

"Usually, I vote for the LDP, but this time I think they are making fools of us and I'm angry," said 63-year-old Niigata retiree Susumu, who declined to give his last name.

Uchikoshi's husband, a lawyer, and their teenage son are living in Tokyo for the duration of the campaign, which officially kicked off on July 4.

"My son didn't seem to realise I'd have to stay in Niigata," she said.

By contrast, experts and politicians say, men, don't tend to see family duties as a barrier to entering politics.

"If a woman is a full-time housewife and her husband runs for office, she can take care of the home," CDPJ leader Yukio Edano told Reuters. "Unfortunately, the burden of child-rearing is heavier for women so the cost of running is bigger."

Isogai, who lost her bid for Niigata's prefectural assembly and is supporting Uchikoshi, said she often felt guilty for leaving her teenage daughters to the campaign.

"When I saw them with a button missing, I felt sorry," said Isogai, who moved to Niigata from Fukushima after the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Her husband, often away for work, wasn't used to household chores, she said.

"When it comes to campaigning, it is overwhelmingly easier for men," she said.

Proponents say more female lawmakers would help Japan focus on key policies such as child care, education, and welfare.

"I'm a working mother myself and the issues of child care and elderly care are very personal," Uchikoshi said. "To prioritise such issues, we need more women legislators."

When anti-nuclear activist Junko Isogai ran for office in Japan's northern Niigata region, it had an awkward dimension: not just stump speeches and chats with constituents, but entertaining potential backers.

When anti-nuclear activist Junko Isogai ran for office in Japan's northern Niigata region, it had an awkward dimension: not just stump speeches and chats with constituents, but entertaining potential backers. "I was asked to pour sake, make flattering conversation and act in a way men wouldn't dislike," Isogai, 45, a mother of two teenage girls, told Reuters. "It was like being a bar hostess." Such traditional campaign practices - heavy on face-to-face interaction and personal ties - are among many barriers women face when trying to enter Japan's male-dominated politics, candidates and experts say. Other hurdles include a lack of role models, social norms discouraging women from speaking out, and the burden of an intense, full-time job in a society where women are expected to be responsible for housework, child-rearing, and eldercare. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made bringing more women into the workforce a policy pillar. But politics remains male-dominated. Since Abe took office in December 2012, Japan's global ranking of women in parliament has fallen to 164th from 122nd among 193 countries. His Liberal Democratic Party has a smaller percentage of female lawmakers than its main opposition party. A July 21 upper-house election will be the first national poll since the passage of a gender parity law that set non-binding targets for parties to field equal numbers of male and female candidates. A record of 28% of candidates is women. But only 15% of LDP candidates are women, compared with 45% for its main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ). Sakura Uchikoshi, a Tokyo-based lawyer making her first foray into politics in the rural district of Niigata, is among the opposition candidates. Niigata has a tradition of strong female politicians, including outspoken former foreign minister Makiko Tanaka. And it currently has three female opposition MPs. NETWORKS AND NAMES Uchikoshi, who unlike many male politicians did not rise through party ranks, suffers from an image as an outsider. She was born in Hokkaido and pursued her career in Tokyo. That's a stark contrast with her LDP rival Ichiro Tsukada, a Niigata-born incumbent whose father was also an MP. "My lack of name recognition is the bottleneck," Uchikoshi told Reuters in an interview before a rally. "Male candidates have networks and ... the lack of that for rookie female candidates makes it difficult," she said, adding she was grateful for support from the three incumbent women. Politicians, especially in the LDP, typically rise through the ranks from local assemblies to parliament, creating their base along the way. That path can be tough for women, who are expected to raise families rather than shake hands. "Individuals have to cultivate networks themselves," said Sophia University professor Mari Miura. "Many women, who have to interrupt their careers for child-rearing and struggle with work-life balance, can't afford such energy." Uchikoshi's backers hope she stands out as a fresh alternative to Tsukada, said Hiroshi Sasaki, a university professor and civic activist advising her campaign. Tsukada's reputation was dented when he bragged about securing a highway project in southern Japan as unsolicited favour for Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso. He resigned as deputy cabinet minister over the fuss. "Usually, I vote for the LDP, but this time I think they are making fools of us and I'm angry," said 63-year-old Niigata retiree Susumu, who declined to give his last name. Uchikoshi's husband, a lawyer, and their teenage son are living in Tokyo for the duration of the campaign, which officially kicked off on July 4. "My son didn't seem to realise I'd have to stay in Niigata," she said. By contrast, experts and politicians say, men, don't tend to see family duties as a barrier to entering politics. "If a woman is a full-time housewife and her husband runs for office, she can take care of the home," CDPJ leader Yukio Edano told Reuters. "Unfortunately, the burden of child-rearing is heavier for women so the cost of running is bigger." Isogai, who lost her bid for Niigata's prefectural assembly and is supporting Uchikoshi, said she often felt guilty for leaving her teenage daughters to the campaign. "When I saw them with a button missing, I felt sorry," said Isogai, who moved to Niigata from Fukushima after the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Her husband, often away for work, wasn't used to household chores, she said. "When it comes to campaigning, it is overwhelmingly easier for men," she said. Proponents say more female lawmakers would help Japan focus on key policies such as child care, education, and welfare. "I'm a working mother myself and the issues of child care and elderly care are very personal," Uchikoshi said. "To prioritise such issues, we need more women legislators."

Japanese women are running for parliament in record numbers, but face many obstacles

As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament.

Parliament's first Budget session after the constitution of the new government at Centre is scheduled to start on June 17.

Deve Gowda, who served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997, lost to BJP's GS Basavaraj from Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency by little over 13,000 votes.

Earlier, Deve Gowda used to regularly contest from Hassan parliamentary constituency. However, he had vacated his seat to field his grandson Prajwal Revanna from there.

Soon after the Lok Sabha results were announced on May 23, Revanna, who defeated BJP's A Manju from Hassan by a margin of 1.41 lakh votes, offered to resign from the seat to get his grandfather re-elected.

"To reinstate the confidence of JD(S) cadre, we have to fill the gap left by the defeat of HD Deve Gowda. Therefore, I have decided to tender my resignation. I want him to be victorious once again from Hassan," said Prajwal, who was the only JD(S) candidate to be able to win his seat in Karnataka.

After his loss, Deve Gowda said, "As a former Prime Minister, I have been defeated twice. This is not a big issue. My concern is how to save a regional party. I will see that JD(S) strengthens its base. I will take responsibility and proceed forward. I am not going to blame anybody for the loss. How it happened is not to be discussed in media."

BJP ruled out JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka by winning 25 out of 28 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) received one seat each, while one seat went to an independent candidate.

Similar to its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party didn't perform well in 2019 general election too and only managed to win on 52 seats.

Due to Congress'&nbsp;poor performance, Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, will be missed in the upcoming Budget session of the Parliament as his nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday.

Singh would not be present in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since his first election from Assam in 1991 as he could not make up to the Parliament'&nbsp;upper House due to Congress'&nbsp;poor strength in the state Assembly.

The Congress party could not get him re-elected from Assam as it has only 25 MLAs as against 43 first-preference votes needed.

The party even cannot send Singh from other states where Rajya Sabha seats are vacant. With the election of BJP's Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and AGP's Birender Prasad Baishya's unopposed election from Assam, a total of nine seats are lying vacant in Odisha (4), Tamil Nadu (1), Bihar (2) and Gujarat (2).

Congress does not have required numbers to secure any Rajya Sabha berths in these states except Gujarat where it is eyeing to grab at least one seat.

Although Singh can be sent to the House from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan or Punjab, there are no immediate vacancies in these states.

During his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, Singh led the upper House for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and acted as the Leader of the Opposition for six years. Singh was last elected to the House in 2013.

&nbsp;

As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament.

As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament. Parliament's first Budget session after the constitution of the new government at Centre is scheduled to start on June 17. Deve Gowda, who served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997, lost to BJP's GS Basavaraj from Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency by little over 13,000 votes. Earlier, Deve Gowda used to regularly contest from Hassan parliamentary constituency. However, he had vacated his seat to field his grandson Prajwal Revanna from there. Soon after the Lok Sabha results were announced on May 23, Revanna, who defeated BJP's A Manju from Hassan by a margin of 1.41 lakh votes, offered to resign from the seat to get his grandfather re-elected. "To reinstate the confidence of JD(S) cadre, we have to fill the gap left by the defeat of HD Deve Gowda. Therefore, I have decided to tender my resignation. I want him to be victorious once again from Hassan," said Prajwal, who was the only JD(S) candidate to be able to win his seat in Karnataka. After his loss, Deve Gowda said, "As a former Prime Minister, I have been defeated twice. This is not a big issue. My concern is how to save a regional party. I will see that JD(S) strengthens its base. I will take responsibility and proceed forward. I am not going to blame anybody for the loss. How it happened is not to be discussed in media." BJP ruled out JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka by winning 25 out of 28 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) received one seat each, while one seat went to an independent candidate. Similar to its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party didn't perform well in 2019 general election too and only managed to win on 52 seats. Due to Congress' poor performance, Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, will be missed in the upcoming Budget session of the Parliament as his nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday. Singh would not be present in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since his first election from Assam in 1991 as he could not make up to the Parliament' upper House due to Congress' poor strength in the state Assembly. The Congress party could not get him re-elected from Assam as it has only 25 MLAs as against 43 first-preference votes needed. The party even cannot send Singh from other states where Rajya Sabha seats are vacant. With the election of BJP's Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and AGP's Birender Prasad Baishya's unopposed election from Assam, a total of nine seats are lying vacant in Odisha (4), Tamil Nadu (1), Bihar (2) and Gujarat (2). Congress does not have required numbers to secure any Rajya Sabha berths in these states except Gujarat where it is eyeing to grab at least one seat. Although Singh can be sent to the House from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan or Punjab, there are no immediate vacancies in these states. During his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, Singh led the upper House for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and acted as the Leader of the Opposition for six years. Singh was last elected to the House in 2013.

No former PMs to be in Parliament this Budget session

In an outreach exercise before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and other senior BJP ministers met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday. Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Arjun Meghwal accompanied Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, for the meeting which lasted around 15 minutes.

"Our meeting with Sonia Gandhi was very cordial. We sought her cooperation for the smooth functioning of Parliament. She said they (opposition) also need cooperation from treasury benches. I told her that the government has always been ready to cooperate," Joshi told reporters after the meeting at her residence.

The senior ministers also met Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. Sources say the BJP wants to end the logjam in Rajya Sabha which has led to more than three dozen bills not seeing the light of the day. Some of them are in force as ordinance, including the one to ban the practice of instant triple talaq, and government is keen to pass them in the House of Elders.

The ordinances were issued in February-March this year by the previous government.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins on June 17. After new MPs take oath on the first two days, the Lok Sabha Speaker's election is scheduled for June 19. The session, the first of the 17th Lok Sabha, will go on till July 26 and the budget will be tabled on July 5.

President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on June 20.

In an outreach exercise before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and other senior BJP ministers met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday.

In an outreach exercise before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and other senior BJP ministers met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday. Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Arjun Meghwal accompanied Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, for the meeting which lasted around 15 minutes. "Our meeting with Sonia Gandhi was very cordial. We sought her cooperation for the smooth functioning of Parliament. She said they (opposition) also need cooperation from treasury benches. I told her that the government has always been ready to cooperate," Joshi told reporters after the meeting at her residence. The senior ministers also met Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. Sources say the BJP wants to end the logjam in Rajya Sabha which has led to more than three dozen bills not seeing the light of the day. Some of them are in force as ordinance, including the one to ban the practice of instant triple talaq, and government is keen to pass them in the House of Elders. The ordinances were issued in February-March this year by the previous government. The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins on June 17. After new MPs take oath on the first two days, the Lok Sabha Speaker's election is scheduled for June 19. The session, the first of the 17th Lok Sabha, will go on till July 26 and the budget will be tabled on July 5. President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on June 20.

Government reaches out to Sonia Gandhi ahead of Parliament session

Asserting that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/wont-stake-claim-in-lok-sabha-for-leader-of-opposition-congress-223378">52 newly-elected Congress MPs</a> will work like "a pride of brave-hearted lions", Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that his party will continue to work "fearlessly" and that the BJP cannot have a "walk over" in parliament.

"The Congress Party may have just 52 Lok Sabha members but we will work together like a pride of brave-hearted lions to protect our Constitution and institutions and to fearlessly do our duty as the leading Opposition party. The BJP will have no walkover in Parliament," tweeted Rahul Gandhi.

Congress has secured a meagre 52 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats in the recent elections.

Watch: Sonia Gandhi elected as the leader of Congress Parliamentary Party

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sonia-gandhi-elected-as-the-leader-of-congress-parliamentary-party-223329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party, Rahul Gandhi said that Congress'&nbsp;ideological battle with the BJP will continue.

"Every Congress member must remember that each one of you is fighting for the Constitution, for every person in India irrespective of the colour of his skin or belief," Rahul was quoted as saying by party spokesperson Rajdeep Singh Surjewala.

At a meeting of the Congress Working Committee last week, Rahul had last week offered to resign from the post of Congress President accepting responsibility for the defeat in the elections but CWC has rejected it.

Asserting that the 52 newly-elected Congress MPs will work like "a pride of brave-hearted lions", Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that his party will continue to work "fearlessly" and that the BJP cannot have a "walk over" in parliament.

Asserting that the 52 newly-elected Congress MPs will work like "a pride of brave-hearted lions", Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that his party will continue to work "fearlessly" and that the BJP cannot have a "walk over" in parliament. "The Congress Party may have just 52 Lok Sabha members but we will work together like a pride of brave-hearted lions to protect our Constitution and institutions and to fearlessly do our duty as the leading Opposition party. The BJP will have no walkover in Parliament," tweeted Rahul Gandhi. Congress has secured a meagre 52 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats in the recent elections. Watch: Sonia Gandhi elected as the leader of Congress Parliamentary Party Addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party, Rahul Gandhi said that Congress' ideological battle with the BJP will continue. "Every Congress member must remember that each one of you is fighting for the Constitution, for every person in India irrespective of the colour of his skin or belief," Rahul was quoted as saying by party spokesperson Rajdeep Singh Surjewala. At a meeting of the Congress Working Committee last week, Rahul had last week offered to resign from the post of Congress President accepting responsibility for the defeat in the elections but CWC has rejected it.

BJP will have no walkover in Parliament: Rahul Gandhi

People of India really don't know how to relax. The majority has chosen Modi and re-elected BJP back to power (or is it the other way round?). It is a time to celebrate, rejoice and celebrate and maybe tune in to watch the beloved PM give speeches of desh, right? No. Because as soon as they have chosen their leaders, they have obviously found a new issue to outrage upon. And of course, like it is in most cases, at the receiving end are two women.&nbsp;

On Monday, as newly elected MPs went to Parliament to collect their IDs and certificates, many of took to social media to post photos from outside and inside Parliament. The excitement of first time MPs was naturally high as for many it was indeed a dream that had come true. Among them were actresses and now TMC MPs Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan - who shared their happiness and excitement via posts on social media. The two looked happy as they flashed their new ID Cards and the victory sign posing right outside Parliament.

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And its us again 
1st day at Parliament <a href="https://twitter.com/nusratchirps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nusratchirps</a> <a href="https://t.co/ohBalZTJCV">pic.twitter.com/ohBalZTJCV</a>
— Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) <a href="https://twitter.com/mimichakraborty/status/1132956102881107968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The junta took no time to take the higher moral ground on the two actresses and tutor them what to wear, what to post on their personal pages and even taught Nusrat a lesson on grammar. They were reminded in not so gentle ways that how this was 'not a film set' or a place to do a 'photoshoot' and how they should know 'what to wear' to the holy sanctum of the Indian democracy.&nbsp;

I almost choked on my coffee reading the comments on their attire and scrolled up to check what Mimi and Nusrat were wearing. After all, the two are indeed very glamorous and rule the Bengali film industry with their charm, beauty and perhaps even acting skills. So being top heroines, they may have gone overboard dressing up for the first day at their new job. Instead, what I found disappointed me to a great extent. You see, the two looked very regular - for the lack of a better word. Mimi was dressed in a white shirt and blue denim and Nusrat wore a burgundy pantsuit- stuff that you would find in almost every girl's wardrobe and nothing that should offend anyone in a free, democratic country like ours these days.&nbsp;

But it did.&nbsp;

To quote some of the trolls, the two were asked to get real. "Seriously? This is how you pose in front of the parliament? This is not some film shooting.. Get real, girl!," wrote one user on Mimi's post while another said, "U actually don't know how to dress up.I hope it's not ur shooting place or ur holiday destination.Its an official purpose."&nbsp;

On Nusrat's post, someone told her to wear something more formal than a pant-suit, and wrote "parliament is not a photo studio... make your getup with formal dress..." while another one dissed the people of Basirhat who voted for her and wrote, "SHAME ON THE PEOPLE OF BOSHIRHAT FOR ELECTING THIS WOMAN WHO HAS MADE A JOKE OF OUR PARLIAMENT."

<img alt="n" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0ea2570-0d9a-4c26-87ee-2e7ce11c544d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-05-28T151959.040_0.jpg" />

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Some even compared the women to another newly elected young MP Tejasvi Surya, who won from Bengaluru on a BJP ticket and said that the two needed to learn a thing or two from him.&nbsp;

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Diff between Sanskari &amp; Kusanskari 
 
Pic 1: <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tejasvi_Surya</a> anna 🙏🏻 
 
Pic 2: <a href="https://twitter.com/mimichakraborty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mimichakraborty</a> madam this is not Film set to pose like that I wondered how people elected you 🤷‍♂️ 
 
Many many congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tejasvi_Surya</a> anna 💐💐 All the best for feature 🚩 
 
Proud to be <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPian</a> 💪🏻🚩 <a href="https://t.co/fepZ4DmMbk">pic.twitter.com/fepZ4DmMbk</a>
— shashank Sharma Gonguluri (@shashiiBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/shashiiBJP/status/1133236539142463489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At this point, it is important to know that just like Mimi and Nusrat, Tejasvi too shared his excitement at being inside the parliament and posted numerous photos with senior BJP leaders. Tejasvi wore formal pant and shirt and a Nehru jacket and looked happy in all the photos flashing the rocking sign. But no one seemed to have any problem with his selfies or his attire. Neither did they have problem with former cricketer and now MP Gautam Gambhir posing outside Parliament- flashing his id card much like Mimi, dressed in a white t-shirt and blue denim. There were congratulatory messages, praises for the men- but no criticism about their attires, no questions raised about their credibility.&nbsp;

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Oh man!! 
 
I had waited for this selfie with my favourite <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smritiirani</a> ji from such a long time. So many countless hours I have spent hearing her speeches &amp; interviews! 
 
Her victory in Amethi only reinforces our faith in democracy. 
 
Smriti Ji you are a rockstar! 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/zYsxIlp0Ka">pic.twitter.com/zYsxIlp0Ka</a>
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya/status/1132329538556350464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<img alt="g" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="feb874a6-4c22-4aba-b43f-b28881450d5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-05-29T133641.779_0.jpg" /> 
 
How sexist is our society that we diss the women and question their credibility and praise the men at the same time? It may be alright to be a sceptic but to completely admonish the two women on their credibility even before they have started their work is absolutely unfair.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The biases are blind to the point of being hilarious at the same time trivialising the mandate of the people and the populous votes on the basis which the women have come to power. Not just Mimi and Nursat, many other MPs have posted photos from that day- thanking their voters and rejoicing at the new role that has been bestowed upon them. So targetting just the two women, questioning their credibility and pointing out their attires speaks volumes about the society we live in. Where everyone is quick to police the woman and turn blind to the man's action.&nbsp;

Then there were some, who brought out old TikTok videos of the two stars and guffawed at how could they be members of Parliament.&nbsp;

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Wow Wow Wow!!! New MPs from Bengal.. Mimi Chakraborty &amp; Nusrat Jahaan_India is really really progressing ..it’s a welcome relief to see MP’s who are so easy on the eye 🙏🙏🙏 <a href="https://t.co/F4B0EZxkZJ">pic.twitter.com/F4B0EZxkZJ</a>
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) <a href="https://twitter.com/RGVzoomin/status/1132493248994275328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While the verdict is out on whether RGV was mocking the two or praising them, the tweet itself reflects the mindset of many who are quick to judge even before they have seen their work. A person's attire, language, and face has nothing to do in Parliament. Work speaks ultimately and only time will tell how serious these new politicians are about the responsibilities that they have been given. Now is not the time.&nbsp;

In a free country, one has every right to speak their mind. Internet just multiplies that right manifold. But there is a thin line between calling out the wrong and making noise unnecessarily. We Indians need to understand that.&nbsp;

People of India really don't know how to relax. The majority has chosen Modi and re-elected BJP back to power (or is it the other way round?). It is a time to celebrate, rejoice and celebrate and maybe tune in to watch the beloved PM give speeches of desh, right?

People of India really don't know how to relax. The majority has chosen Modi and re-elected BJP back to power (or is it the other way round?). It is a time to celebrate, rejoice and celebrate and maybe tune in to watch the beloved PM give speeches of desh, right? No. Because as soon as they have chosen their leaders, they have obviously found a new issue to outrage upon. And of course, like it is in most cases, at the receiving end are two women. On Monday, as newly elected MPs went to Parliament to collect their IDs and certificates, many of took to social media to post photos from outside and inside Parliament. The excitement of first time MPs was naturally high as for many it was indeed a dream that had come true. Among them were actresses and now TMC MPs Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan - who shared their happiness and excitement via posts on social media. The two looked happy as they flashed their new ID Cards and the victory sign posing right outside Parliament. And its us again 1st day at Parliament @nusratchirps pic.twitter.com/ohBalZTJCV — Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) May 27, 2019 × The junta took no time to take the higher moral ground on the two actresses and tutor them what to wear, what to post on their personal pages and even taught Nusrat a lesson on grammar. They were reminded in not so gentle ways that how this was 'not a film set' or a place to do a 'photoshoot' and how they should know 'what to wear' to the holy sanctum of the Indian democracy. I almost choked on my coffee reading the comments on their attire and scrolled up to check what Mimi and Nusrat were wearing. After all, the two are indeed very glamorous and rule the Bengali film industry with their charm, beauty and perhaps even acting skills. So being top heroines, they may have gone overboard dressing up for the first day at their new job. Instead, what I found disappointed me to a great extent. You see, the two looked very regular - for the lack of a better word. Mimi was dressed in a white shirt and blue denim and Nusrat wore a burgundy pantsuit- stuff that you would find in almost every girl's wardrobe and nothing that should offend anyone in a free, democratic country like ours these days. But it did. To quote some of the trolls, the two were asked to get real. "Seriously? This is how you pose in front of the parliament? This is not some film shooting.. Get real, girl!," wrote one user on Mimi's post while another said, "U actually don't know how to dress up.I hope it's not ur shooting place or ur holiday destination.Its an official purpose." On Nusrat's post, someone told her to wear something more formal than a pant-suit, and wrote "parliament is not a photo studio... make your getup with formal dress..." while another one dissed the people of Basirhat who voted for her and wrote, "SHAME ON THE PEOPLE OF BOSHIRHAT FOR ELECTING THIS WOMAN WHO HAS MADE A JOKE OF OUR PARLIAMENT." Some even compared the women to another newly elected young MP Tejasvi Surya, who won from Bengaluru on a BJP ticket and said that the two needed to learn a thing or two from him. Diff between Sanskari & Kusanskari Pic 1: @Tejasvi_Surya anna 🙏🏻 Pic 2: @mimichakraborty madam this is not Film set to pose like that I wondered how people elected you 🤷‍♂️ Many many congratulations @Tejasvi_Surya anna 💐💐 All the best for feature 🚩 Proud to be #BJPian 💪🏻🚩 pic.twitter.com/fepZ4DmMbk — shashank Sharma Gonguluri (@shashiiBJP) May 28, 2019 × At this point, it is important to know that just like Mimi and Nusrat, Tejasvi too shared his excitement at being inside the parliament and posted numerous photos with senior BJP leaders. Tejasvi wore formal pant and shirt and a Nehru jacket and looked happy in all the photos flashing the rocking sign. But no one seemed to have any problem with his selfies or his attire. Neither did they have problem with former cricketer and now MP Gautam Gambhir posing outside Parliament- flashing his id card much like Mimi, dressed in a white t-shirt and blue denim. There were congratulatory messages, praises for the men- but no criticism about their attires, no questions raised about their credibility. Oh man!! I had waited for this selfie with my favourite @smritiirani ji from such a long time. So many countless hours I have spent hearing her speeches & interviews! Her victory in Amethi only reinforces our faith in democracy. Smriti Ji you are a rockstar! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/zYsxIlp0Ka — Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 25, 2019 × How sexist is our society that we diss the women and question their credibility and praise the men at the same time? It may be alright to be a sceptic but to completely admonish the two women on their credibility even before they have started their work is absolutely unfair. The biases are blind to the point of being hilarious at the same time trivialising the mandate of the people and the populous votes on the basis which the women have come to power. Not just Mimi and Nursat, many other MPs have posted photos from that day- thanking their voters and rejoicing at the new role that has been bestowed upon them. So targetting just the two women, questioning their credibility and pointing out their attires speaks volumes about the society we live in. Where everyone is quick to police the woman and turn blind to the man's action. Then there were some, who brought out old TikTok videos of the two stars and guffawed at how could they be members of Parliament. Wow Wow Wow!!! New MPs from Bengal.. Mimi Chakraborty & Nusrat Jahaan_India is really really progressing ..it’s a welcome relief to see MP’s who are so easy on the eye 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/F4B0EZxkZJ — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) May 26, 2019 × While the verdict is out on whether RGV was mocking the two or praising them, the tweet itself reflects the mindset of many who are quick to judge even before they have seen their work. A person's attire, language, and face has nothing to do in Parliament. Work speaks ultimately and only time will tell how serious these new politicians are about the responsibilities that they have been given. Now is not the time. In a free country, one has every right to speak their mind. Internet just multiplies that right manifold. But there is a thin line between calling out the wrong and making noise unnecessarily. We Indians need to understand that.

Dear sexist trolls, Mimi and Nusrat were not the only ones to post photos outside Parliament

It's their first time at Parliament and so the excitement is but natural. As newly-elected MPs of Trinamool Congress Party, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, posted photos outside Parliament, a certain section of social media was up in arms about their posts and even raised an objection about their attire.&nbsp;

On Monday, both Mimi and Nusrat, well-known stars in Bengali films, posted photos outside Parliament. Dressed in western outfits, the two posed outside Parliament and flashed their new ID cards and flashed the victory sign. But the two actresses were subjected to bitter trolling with many questioning their credentials as politicians.&nbsp;

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And its us again 
1st day at Parliament <a href="https://twitter.com/nusratchirps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nusratchirps</a> <a href="https://t.co/ohBalZTJCV">pic.twitter.com/ohBalZTJCV</a>
— Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) <a href="https://twitter.com/mimichakraborty/status/1132956102881107968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A new beginning..!! I thank <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> and people of my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basirhat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basirhat</a> constituency to have belief in me.. <a href="https://t.co/GU4Xcyz1Ff">pic.twitter.com/GU4Xcyz1Ff</a>
— Nusrat (@nusratchirps) <a href="https://twitter.com/nusratchirps/status/1132936153814904833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Some even remarked about the choice of the attire and commented on Mimi's photo saying, "This is not a film shooting."

<img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66cc98d4-a3c4-4f21-b3b0-f20a27cfb21e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-05-28T151850.062.jpg" />

On Nusrat's post, someone wrote, "This is not a place for a photoshoot. This is a place where you should fight for the people's rights and legislate for the country. You don't belong here."

<img alt="n" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cbf3c37d-c342-4c85-98a0-85e98367e8b7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-05-28T151959.040.jpg" />

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Interestingly, Mimi Chakraborty defeated veteran CPIM leader and former Kolkata mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya with a huge margin in Jadavpur constituency while Nusrat too won with a massive mandate in Basirhat constituency.&nbsp;

It's their first time at Parliament and so the excitement is but natural. As newly-elected MPs of Trinamool Congress Party, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, posted photos outside Parliament, a certain section of social media was up in arms about their posts and even raised an objection about their attire.

It's their first time at Parliament and so the excitement is but natural. As newly-elected MPs of Trinamool Congress Party, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, posted photos outside Parliament, a certain section of social media was up in arms about their posts and even raised an objection about their attire. On Monday, both Mimi and Nusrat, well-known stars in Bengali films, posted photos outside Parliament. Dressed in western outfits, the two posed outside Parliament and flashed their new ID cards and flashed the victory sign. But the two actresses were subjected to bitter trolling with many questioning their credentials as politicians. And its us again 1st day at Parliament @nusratchirps pic.twitter.com/ohBalZTJCV — Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) May 27, 2019 × A new beginning..!! I thank @MamataOfficial and people of my #Basirhat constituency to have belief in me.. pic.twitter.com/GU4Xcyz1Ff — Nusrat (@nusratchirps) May 27, 2019 × Some even remarked about the choice of the attire and commented on Mimi's photo saying, "This is not a film shooting." On Nusrat's post, someone wrote, "This is not a place for a photoshoot. This is a place where you should fight for the people's rights and legislate for the country. You don't belong here." Interestingly, Mimi Chakraborty defeated veteran CPIM leader and former Kolkata mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya with a huge margin in Jadavpur constituency while Nusrat too won with a massive mandate in Basirhat constituency.

Trinamool Congress MPs Mimi Chakraborty, Nusrat Jahan trolled for posing outside Parliament

No end to Brexit chaos

Two more key Australian ministers Saturday announced their retirement from politics before elections in May, amid a huge exodus of politicians from the Liberal Party in recent weeks.

Defense Minister Christopher Pyne, considered one of the most moderate politicians in the administration of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, confirmed his retirement after 26 years in politics on Saturday morning.

Pyne, who had retained his South Australian seat since 1993, said he will not contest the May elections as he is planning to move into the private sector.

Minister of Defense Industry, Steven Ciobo, also resigned Saturday morning with immediate effect after 17 years in Parliament and said he, too, will not be contesting the upcoming elections.

Morrison appointed Linda Reynolds, Australia's first female brigadier in the Army Reserve, as the new Minister for Defence Industry, and said her appointment took the number of women ministers in his cabinet to seven, the highest number on record.

"Our Government has a plan to make Australia even stronger, Linda is part of my team that'll make that happen," Morrison tweeted.

Pyne, in charge of a $200 billion expansion of Australia's military capability, and Ciobo, join a growing number of Liberal ministers, who have quit ahead of the elections, including former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Minister for Jobs Kelly O'Dwyer, Human Services Minister Michael Keenan and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion.

The centre-right government is not a favourite to win the May elections and the retirement of senior members of the cabinet just ahead of the elections have complicated its future even further.

Morrison will need to retain all the parliamentary seats held by his coalition government, but with senior ministers jumping ship just ahead of the elections it seems a tough battle.

Morrison confirmed the decisions of the two ministers in a televised speech while expressing confidence that public support will help them sail through the elections.

Although no dates have been confirmed as yet, Australia must elect before May 19 half of the 76 members of the Senate and will hold elections before November to elect the 151 members of the next House of Representatives.

Two more key Australian ministers Saturday announced their retirement from politics before elections in May, amid a huge exodus of politicians from the Liberal Party in recent weeks.

Two more key Australian ministers Saturday announced their retirement from politics before elections in May, amid a huge exodus of politicians from the Liberal Party in recent weeks. Defense Minister Christopher Pyne, considered one of the most moderate politicians in the administration of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, confirmed his retirement after 26 years in politics on Saturday morning. Pyne, who had retained his South Australian seat since 1993, said he will not contest the May elections as he is planning to move into the private sector. Minister of Defense Industry, Steven Ciobo, also resigned Saturday morning with immediate effect after 17 years in Parliament and said he, too, will not be contesting the upcoming elections. Morrison appointed Linda Reynolds, Australia's first female brigadier in the Army Reserve, as the new Minister for Defence Industry, and said her appointment took the number of women ministers in his cabinet to seven, the highest number on record. "Our Government has a plan to make Australia even stronger, Linda is part of my team that'll make that happen," Morrison tweeted. Pyne, in charge of a $200 billion expansion of Australia's military capability, and Ciobo, join a growing number of Liberal ministers, who have quit ahead of the elections, including former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Minister for Jobs Kelly O'Dwyer, Human Services Minister Michael Keenan and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion. The centre-right government is not a favourite to win the May elections and the retirement of senior members of the cabinet just ahead of the elections have complicated its future even further. Morrison will need to retain all the parliamentary seats held by his coalition government, but with senior ministers jumping ship just ahead of the elections it seems a tough battle. Morrison confirmed the decisions of the two ministers in a televised speech while expressing confidence that public support will help them sail through the elections. Although no dates have been confirmed as yet, Australia must elect before May 19 half of the 76 members of the Senate and will hold elections before November to elect the 151 members of the next House of Representatives.

Australia's political crisis deepens as more ministers resign

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said if his party won power he would renegotiate a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-to-meet-tusk-but-no-brexit-deal-in-the-desert-199045">Brexit deal with the European Union</a> and could hold another referendum, as he comes under pressure to support giving the public another chance to stay in the bloc.

Parliament is deadlocked over Britain's departure from the European Union after resoundingly rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's plan last month, throwing up several outcomes, including leaving without a deal or a second referendum.

Corbyn, when asked if he would hold a referendum on any deal on any deal he negotiated, told Sky News: "We'd consider putting that to the public."

Asked to clarify if he was considering calling for another referendum, Corbyn said: "That's the point we're discussing now in the party."

This comes after nine Labour lawmakers quit the party this week over its approach to Brexit and anti-Semitism.

Earlier John McDonnell, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party, gave his strongest indication yet that Labour is close to backing a second public vote and said he would campaign for remain if one is held.

McDonnell said Labour is "moving towards" a second referendum on Brexit. He said an amendment calling for a public vote which is being tabled for debate next week by lawmakers "could be a solution".

The party's would-be finance minister said that any referendum would have remaining in the European Union as the alternative to the deal.

"If we were going on a People’s Vote based on a deal that has gone through parliament in some form, if that got voted down then you’d have status quo, and that would be remain," he told the Evening Standard.

"I’d campaign for remain and I’d vote for remain."

May has ruled out staging a second vote, saying parliament should respect the 2016 referendum when 52 per cent of Britons who cast a vote chose to leave the EU. But supporters of a second referendum say it is the only way to break the deadlock in parliament by asking for the people to decide.

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said if his party won power he would renegotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union and could hold another referendum, as he comes under pressure to support giving the public another chance to stay in the bloc.

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said if his party won power he would renegotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union and could hold another referendum, as he comes under pressure to support giving the public another chance to stay in the bloc. Parliament is deadlocked over Britain's departure from the European Union after resoundingly rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's plan last month, throwing up several outcomes, including leaving without a deal or a second referendum. Corbyn, when asked if he would hold a referendum on any deal on any deal he negotiated, told Sky News: "We'd consider putting that to the public." Asked to clarify if he was considering calling for another referendum, Corbyn said: "That's the point we're discussing now in the party." This comes after nine Labour lawmakers quit the party this week over its approach to Brexit and anti-Semitism. Earlier John McDonnell, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party, gave his strongest indication yet that Labour is close to backing a second public vote and said he would campaign for remain if one is held. McDonnell said Labour is "moving towards" a second referendum on Brexit. He said an amendment calling for a public vote which is being tabled for debate next week by lawmakers "could be a solution". The party's would-be finance minister said that any referendum would have remaining in the European Union as the alternative to the deal. "If we were going on a People’s Vote based on a deal that has gone through parliament in some form, if that got voted down then you’d have status quo, and that would be remain," he told the Evening Standard. "I’d campaign for remain and I’d vote for remain." May has ruled out staging a second vote, saying parliament should respect the 2016 referendum when 52 per cent of Britons who cast a vote chose to leave the EU. But supporters of a second referendum say it is the only way to break the deadlock in parliament by asking for the people to decide.

UK Labour leader Corbyn says he could back a second Brexit referendum

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high.&nbsp;

"I think this is a very good sign because such confidence gives a&nbsp;boost to development," Modi said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He went on to tell his fellow parliamentarians that we "will be proud of this sixteenth Lok Sabha, as it saw the highest number of women members (44) elected to the house."&nbsp;

Modi added that this Lok Sabha also "passed laws to fight the menace of black money and corruption" and the GST bill.

On the other hand, he said, this Lok Sabha "has also put an end to over 1,400 laws, it had become a jungle-like situation with too many laws. This is a good beginning but more work needs to be done... <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-want-you-to-become-pm-again-mulayam-singh-yadav-to-narendra-modi-197166">for which Mulayam Singh Yadav has given me his blessing</a>".&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: 3 dashak ke baad ek purn bahumat wali sarkaar bani aur azaadi ke baad pehli baar Congress gotra ki nahi hai aisi sarkaar bani hai. Congress gotra nahi aisi milijuli pehli sarkaar Atal ji ki thi aur aisi purn bahumat wali sarkaar 2014 mein bani <a href="https://t.co/Nh0Ss62fZY">pic.twitter.com/Nh0Ss62fZY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095638215501979649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On the last day of parliament, Modi referred back to when he had first entered the house, saying he had learnt so much in parliament. "Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai (For the first time I understood that there is a difference between hugging someone and going for his throat.")

And he once again lashed out at his favourite target of attack — Congress president Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

He harked back to when Rahul had said he would make such a big announcement that there would be an earthquake. None came, Modi said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He also referred to when Congress MPs had flown paper planes in parliament to protest against the Rafale deal. The dignity of democracy is so high, Modi said Wednesday, that no plane could touch it.&nbsp;

And of course he brought up Rahul's wink in parliament.

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PM Modi: Mein pehli baar yahan aya, bahut si cheezein jaanne ko mili. Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai. Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain. <a href="https://t.co/tuSHdq5bHn">pic.twitter.com/tuSHdq5bHn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095645833591177217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain," Modi said.&nbsp;

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high. "I think this is a very good sign because such confidence gives a boost to development," Modi said on Wednesday. He went on to tell his fellow parliamentarians that we "will be proud of this sixteenth Lok Sabha, as it saw the highest number of women members (44) elected to the house." Modi added that this Lok Sabha also "passed laws to fight the menace of black money and corruption" and the GST bill. On the other hand, he said, this Lok Sabha "has also put an end to over 1,400 laws, it had become a jungle-like situation with too many laws. This is a good beginning but more work needs to be done... for which Mulayam Singh Yadav has given me his blessing". PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: 3 dashak ke baad ek purn bahumat wali sarkaar bani aur azaadi ke baad pehli baar Congress gotra ki nahi hai aisi sarkaar bani hai. Congress gotra nahi aisi milijuli pehli sarkaar Atal ji ki thi aur aisi purn bahumat wali sarkaar 2014 mein bani pic.twitter.com/Nh0Ss62fZY — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × On the last day of parliament, Modi referred back to when he had first entered the house, saying he had learnt so much in parliament. "Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai (For the first time I understood that there is a difference between hugging someone and going for his throat.") And he once again lashed out at his favourite target of attack — Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He harked back to when Rahul had said he would make such a big announcement that there would be an earthquake. None came, Modi said on Wednesday. He also referred to when Congress MPs had flown paper planes in parliament to protest against the Rafale deal. The dignity of democracy is so high, Modi said Wednesday, that no plane could touch it. And of course he brought up Rahul's wink in parliament. PM Modi: Mein pehli baar yahan aya, bahut si cheezein jaanne ko mili. Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai. Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain. pic.twitter.com/tuSHdq5bHn — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × "Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain," Modi said.

Country's confidence at all-time high, Modi says on last day of parliament before elections

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