Latest Rajya Sabha News | Top Rajya Sabha News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Rajya Sabha News Today | English Rajya Sabha News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Kamal Haasan Poised to Enter Rajya Sabha Backed by DMK

May 28, 2025, 12:40 pm

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan will be entering the Rajya Sabha for the first time with the backing of Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The DMK has decided to give one of its four Upper House seats to Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party as part of a pre-poll alliance forged prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The MNM has already approved a resolution accepting Haasan’s nomination. His political career started in 2018 with a promise of providing alternative rule. His nomination this time is his official entry into parliamentary politics.

DMK Announces Candidates for Rajya Sabha Elections

On Tuesday, DMK released its candidates for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha polls. The selected candidates are senior lawyer P Wilson, renowned poet and writer Salma, and former minister SR Sivalingam. DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin said in a party release that providing one seat to MNM is in keeping with their electoral understanding.

Six Tamil Nadu Rajya Sabha members will be retiring on July 24, 2025. They include PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss and MDMK chief Vaiko. With the current Tamil Nadu Assembly strength, the DMK and its allies are poised to capture four of the six seats, while the principal opposition AIADMK, aided by the BJP and other allies, is likely to bag the remaining two.

Language Controversy

Haasan, on the other hand, ignited a political firestorm in Karnataka with a remark made at the promotional event of his upcoming release ‘Thug Life’. In addressing the Tamil adage “Uyire Urave Tamizhe” (“my life and my family”), he pointed out the presence of Kannada star Shivarajkumar and stated:
“This is my family. That’s why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That’s why I started my speech with life, relationship, and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born of Tamil, so you too are included.”

The statement led to instant reaction in Karnataka. BJP state president Vijayendra Yediyurappa described Haasan’s remarks as ‘uncultured’. He blamed the actor for ‘disrespecting’ and ‘injuring the self-respect of 6.5 crore Kannadigas’ with an attempt to ‘glorify his own mother tongue’, and called for a public apology.

With Haasan gearing up for a fresh innings in national politics, the furor over his remarks on language has introduced an element of tension into his political ascendancy.

Waqf Law Passed: What Changes Now For Millions Of Properties Across India?

April 5, 2025, 7:22 am

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has cleared both Houses of Parliament after extensive debates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha this week. Once President Droupadi Murmu gives her assent, the bill will become law, marking a significant overhaul of the Waqf Act.

Legal expert and advocate-on-record in the Supreme Court, Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi, who had also presented his views before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), clarified the timeline and implications of the new legislation. “From that date, the statute stands amended, and it becomes the law of the land,” Ayyubi said, referring to the notification that will be issued post-presidential approval.

Key Changes and What Comes Next

Ayyubi noted that several amendments — such as the removal of the Waqf Board’s power to determine Waqf property — will be implemented immediately. Others, like the process for inquiries led by district collectors, will require new rules and guidelines. “The survey is now in the hands of the collector, and rules will be needed to outline how inquiries will be conducted,” he said.

Additionally, the government will need to define the role and responsibilities of designated officers handling government properties. “The specifics of who this officer will be, their tenure, and their jurisdiction will be outlined in the rules,” Ayyubi explained.

He also emphasized the importance of procedural clarity, saying, “Some amendments will only require procedural tweaks.”

Timeline for Rule Formation

According to an official from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, which is responsible for drafting the rules, the process will begin immediately after the President’s assent. “We are hopeful that the publishing of the rules will not take much time, as the ministry is clear regarding the bill and the amendments,” said the official on condition of anonymity.

As per procedure, rules must be published within six months of the law being enacted. Some rules may require public consultation, with a mandatory 30-day window for public feedback. If there is significant public response, the publication timeline may stretch up to six months. However, rules not needing consultation must still be notified within the same period.

Legislative Procedure Post-Enactment

Former Lok Sabha Secretary General PDT Achary explained the post-enactment process: “Once the rules are formulated, they come into effect and are also laid on the table of both the houses. The members have the right to suggest amendments to these rules.”

Achary also highlighted the flexibility in public consultation, saying, “It’s not compulsory for the government to do so and especially in the case of Waqf wherein the bill was sent to a JPC for consultation, govt might opt to not carry any further consultations.”

He further noted that some governments proactively draft rules before a bill is even passed. “In a few cases, the government makes the rules before the bill has even been tabled or passed in the Parliament, so that as soon as it’s passed, the rules can be notified,” he said.

With the President’s assent and subsequent rule-making, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to bring substantial administrative and procedural changes to how Waqf properties are governed across the country.

Rajya Sabha Roars with Laughter as Ramdas Athawale Raps on Waqf Bill | Watch

April 4, 2025, 2:08 pm

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale expressed strong support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Highlighting the fact that the bill is aimed at bringing justice to the largest Muslim population while fostering communal harmony throughout the country, Ramdas Athawale termed it a “revolutionary” measure.

“This bill is intended to provide justice to all Muslims — nearly 90% of them. It is not against the Constitution. It is a revolutionary bill and aims to integrate Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and all communities,” Ramdas Athawale announced in the Upper House after the passage of the bill.

Poetic Defense of PM Modi’s Policies by Ramdas Athawale

Athawale continued, “Modiji Musalmanon ki baat karte hain, Congress wale to Musalmanon ki baat karte hain. Modiji gareebon ki baat karte hain, aur ve hamesha Musalmanon, alpasankhyakon ki baat karte hain.”

His poetic speech eased the long and serious legislative session. Famous for blending poetry with politics, Athawale’s witty one-liners transcended party lines and brought smiles during the otherwise somber debate.

Best Poet is back???

खड़गे साहब… नड्डा साहब… बजाओ ताली pic.twitter.com/LThPwuWrMn

— Barun Raj Singh (@barunrajsingh) April 3, 2025

Congress Draws Scathing Criticism for Opposing the Bill

The minister was not far behind in criticizing the Congress party for raising objections to the bill. Charging that it had been pursuing a “divide and rule” policy, Ramdas Athawale stated, “Muslims have suffered injustice for a long time. The Congress Party is adopting a policy of divide and rule and is not providing justice to Muslims and Dalits.”

Bringing humor and poetry to the solemn parliamentary discourse, Athawale quoted wry couplets that rang out with laughter and applause from other members. Targeting the opposition while seconding the bill, he resorted to his signature rhyming satire.

“Waqf bill ka hum karte hain smaran, lekin vipaksh ko hum kar denge haran. Modiji hain Musalmanon ke sacche wali, Kharge sahab bajao zor-dar taali. Mat do roz Modiji ko gaali, nahi to kursi karo khaali. Vidrohi dalon ki raat ho rahi kaali, Nadda sahab bajao aap bhi taali” he recited, mixing wordplay and political jabs.

Athawale continued with another couplet, “Itni ho gayi hai raat, main kar raha hoon Waqf bill par baat, main de raha hoon Modiji ko saath, isliye main Congress ko dikha raha hoon haath.”

PM Modi Calls Passage of Waqf Bill a Milestone for the Marginalized

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as a “milestone moment” for delivering justice and opportunity to the marginalized.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “The passage by both Houses of Parliament of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Muslim Waqf (Repeal) Bill is a landmark in our collective journey towards socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. It will particularly benefit those who have been long on the margins and therefore denied voice and opportunity.”

The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025

Modi laid stress on the fact that the revised law would protect individuals’ rights and address the absence of transparency and accountability in the Waqf system that had inflicted damage on Pasmanda Muslims’ and Muslim women’s interests.

Bill Aims to Modernize and Improve Waqf Administration

Earlier, the Lok Sabha cleared the Waqf (Amendment) Bill following a marathon debate that lasted beyond midnight. The government accepted suggestions made by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, which had gone through the draft legislation laid out in August last year.

The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to remove its deficiencies and enhance the Waqf property administration in India. Some of the major aims are to make Waqf boards more efficient, simplify the process of registration, and use technology to enhance Waqf record management.

Rajya Sabha Clears Waqf Bill Amid Strong Opposition Protests

April 4, 2025, 8:27 am

In a late-night session, Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The Rajya Sabha approved it after a 13-hour discussion. Earlier, the Lok Sabha had already cleared it. 128 Rajya Sabha members voted in favour, while 95 opposed it. In the Lok Sabha, 288 voted for the Bill and 232 against.

Opposition Slams Bill as Anti-Muslim

Opposition parties strongly opposed the Bill. They labelled it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” They argued that the Bill aims to seize Muslim-owned properties and hand them over to corporate groups. Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, RJD, and Left leaders called for the Bill’s withdrawal, questioning the government’s intent.

Government Calls It a Historic Reform

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the Bill. He said the Waqf Board is a statutory body that should stay secular. “Adding a few non-Muslims to the board will not change its decisions but will add value,” he said. Rijiju noted that the government accepted many suggestions from the Joint Parliamentary Committee and various stakeholders. He also accused the opposition of misleading Muslims. He stated, “The government works with the aim of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.”

Nadda Criticises Congress Over Women’s Rights

BJP leader and Leader of the House J P Nadda supported the Bill. He blamed the Congress for neglecting Muslim women. “You made Indian Muslim women second-class citizens,” Nadda said. He pointed out that countries like Egypt, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Syria banned triple talaq long ago, but Congress did nothing for Muslim women during its decade in power. “We believe in real service, not lip service,” he added. He stated that the Bill will bring needed reforms in managing Waqf properties.

Kharge Urges Government to Withdraw the Bill

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge urged the government not to disturb peace and harmony. He warned that the Bill could provoke tensions. Calling it “unconstitutional,” he asked the ruling party to drop it. “Don’t make this a matter of prestige,” he said. Kharge alleged that the Bill aimed to suppress Muslims and take over their assets.

Congress MP Flags Community Targeting

Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain opened the debate. He described the Bill as “unconstitutional” and claimed it specifically targeted Muslims. He accused the BJP of trying to divide society for political gain. He alleged the government was using the Bill to polarise voters and push it through the Upper House without proper debate.

Other Opposition MPs Voice Worries

RJD’s Manoj Jha raised doubts about the Bill’s purpose. He said, “The content and intent are questionable.” He urged the government to send it back to a Select Committee. Jha warned the Bill was part of “dog-whistle politics” aimed at sidelining Muslims. Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav highlighted the need to respect all religions. He cautioned, “India must not turn into a totalitarian state.” He stressed that a major population group feeling marginalised could create instability.

Constitutional Principles at Risk, Say Critics

CPI(M)’s John Brittas warned that the Bill attacked the core values of the Constitution. “It attacks secularism, democracy, and equality. They are segregating God from God—Hindu God from Allah,” he said. YSRCP’s Y V Subba Reddy also opposed the Bill, calling it unconstitutional. Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi criticised the removal of the ‘Waqf by user’ concept. He said the Bill restricts waqf creation based on long-term use. “This is a deliberate attempt by the government to further its own agenda,” he alleged.

Sibal and Others Raise Broader Concerns

Independent MP Kapil Sibal argued that earlier laws allowed non-Muslims to form Waqf Boards, but the new Bill blocks that. He said, “Bring a law to ensure women have inheritance rights in all religions.” He urged the government to protect daughters’ property rights in every community. BJD MP Muzibulla Khan said Muslims were concerned about the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board. However, BJD’s Sasmit Patra clarified that the party allowed its MPs to vote freely and had not issued any whip.

DMK, AAP, and Shiv Sena Also Oppose the Bill

DMK leader Tiruchi Siva opposed the Bill, saying, “We reject the Bill in its entirety because it is legally flawed, constitutionally indefensible, and morally reprehensible.” He asked why the government was targeting a specific community and expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would strike it down. AAP MP Sanjay Singh warned the Bill would give the government control over Muslim religious bodies. He cautioned, “Next, they will target Sikh, Christian, and Jain institutions.” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also questioned the government’s intent. “Why is the government so concerned about poor Muslims?” he asked, suggesting that the Bill might be a distraction from external issues like US tariffs.

No US Tariffs on India… Yet! Centre’s Big Statement in Rajya Sabha

March 21, 2025, 6:44 pm

The Narendra Modi administration has made it clear that the United States has not even levied any country-specific or retaliatory tariffs on India. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State (MoS) for Commerce and Industry, said this in response to a question during the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Prasada said, “The United States has issued a Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs on February 13, 2025, wherein the Secretary of Commerce and United States Trade Representative are to take necessary actions to investigate harm to the US from any non-reciprocal trade arrangements adopted by trading Partners and provide a report with detailed proposed remedies for each trading Partner, based on which, US action against relevant trading partner could, thereafter be undertaken under any of the relevant US legislations.”

US and India Remain Engaged in Negotiations over Trade Agreements

Even with US President Donald Trump’s strong word against India’s high tariffs, the government of India ensured that no such reciprocal tariffs have been imposed on Indian exports at this point in time. But the US imposed further duties on steel and aluminium imports from every country without exemptions.

“As of date, there has been no imposition of country-specific, including reciprocal tariffs by the US on India. There has been the imposition of additional duties on steel and aluminium imports by the US from all countries without any exemption,” added Prasada. “The impact of these duties which are an enhancement over existing additional duties, is being closely evaluated due to the fact that there are no exemptions as compared to exemptions earlier to certain major exporting countries in these sectors.”

Strengthening Economic Ties Under “Mission 500”

In spite of trade tensions, India and the US are still cooperating to further enhance their economic relations. The two countries issued a joint statement on February 13, 2025, reiterating their commitment to expanding economic ties. Through the ambitious “Mission 500,” both countries are targeting to double US-India trade more than five times to $500 billion by 2030. To achieve this aim, the trade relationship will be intensified across various sectors.

Prasada stressed, “Both countries have committed to negotiate a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement under which the countries would focus on increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhancing supply chain integration, and resolving key trade issues bilaterally.”

Trump’s Remarks about India’s Tariffs

US President Donald Trump, who has been outspoken on trade policies, reaffirmed his issues with India’s tariffs. Trump said on Thursday that though he has a “very good relationship” with India, the nation is “one of the highest tariffing nations in the world.”

“I have a very good relationship with India, but the only problem I have with India is they’re one of the highest tariffing nations in the world. I believe they’re going to probably be lowering those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us,” Trump stated.

Future Outlook on US-India Trade Relations

India and the US continue to be major trade partners, and current negotiations will set the direction for future tariffs and trade agreements. With “Mission 500” underway, both nations seek to achieve a more balanced trade relationship as well as settle issues of tariffs and non-reciprocal trade policies.

With the looming deadline for reciprocal tariffs, industry players and policymakers alike will keep a close watch on further US-India trade relations developments.

‘Her English will be good but deeds are not’: Kharge and Sitharaman Engage in Heated Debate Over Constitution in Rajya Sabha| WATCH

December 16, 2024, 2:38 pm

A fierce exchange unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Monday as the House debated the Constitution of India, with Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge clashing over historical interpretations and party legacies. Sitharaman launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and its leaders, including former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, asserting that the constitutional amendments they enacted were aimed at protecting those in power rather than strengthening democracy.

VIDEO | “I have to tell them that I also know how to read. I have studied in municipality school, she (Nirmala Sitharaman) has studied in Jawaharlal Nehru University, it is certain that her English will be good, her Hindi will be good, but the deeds are not good,” says Congress… pic.twitter.com/1PFqGVS9II

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 16, 2024

Sitharaman emphasized that India, a nation that prides itself on freedom of expression, witnessed its first interim government introduce a constitutional amendment to restrict free speech within a year of the Constitution’s adoption.

In response, Kharge countered Sitharaman’s assertions, stating that while she may possess strong language skills, her actions do not reflect good deeds. “I have to tell them that I also know how to read. I have studied in a municipality school; she has studied in Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her English will certainly be good, her Hindi will be good, but the deeds are not good,” Kharge remarked.

Kharge further questioned the motives of those who “hate” the Constitution, the national flag, and the Ashok Chakra, suggesting they were attempting to instruct the Congress party on its legacy. He recalled instances when individuals burned the Constitution and torched effigies of prominent leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Nehru, and Mahatma Gandhi on the day the Constitution was adopted.

Defending the Congress party, Kharge highlighted that while many powerful nations did not grant universal adult franchise or women’s voting rights at the time, the Congress and the Constitution provided these rights to the nation. He noted that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jansangh (now BJP) opposed these progressive measures.

Kharge concluded by stating that the debates from the Constituent Assembly indicate that the leaders of the RSS were against the Constitution.

Sitharaman Criticizes Congress, Cites Historical Restrictions on Free Speech

December 16, 2024, 12:42 pm

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a strong critique of the Congress party during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. She accused the Congress of curbing free speech and restricting the expression of dissent, particularly under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

Sitharaman pointed to the actions taken by the Congress government in the early years of India’s independence, which she argued limited freedom of expression. She highlighted the 1949 imprisonment of renowned lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri and actor Balraj Sahni for their critical stance against the government. “Majrooh Sultanpuri was jailed in 1949 for reciting a poem that criticized Nehru. Despite his refusal to apologize, the Congress government imprisoned him,” Sitharaman explained.

The Finance Minister also mentioned the banning of Michael Edward’s political biography of Nehru in 1975 and the film Kissa Kursi Ka, which criticized Indira Gandhi. Sitharaman claimed these incidents were part of a broader pattern of suppressing works that challenged the government. “Congress’s record of curtailing freedom of speech didn’t stop with these two incidents. They banned these works simply for questioning the government,” she added.

Further, Sitharaman discussed the historical context in which the Constitution was framed, paying tribute to the 389 members of the Constituent Assembly, including 15 women, for their role in drafting the Constitution under difficult circumstances. “I salute the members of the Constituent Assembly for their hard work. The Constitution has withstood the test of time,” she said.

Sitharaman also reflected on the global context, noting that while over 50 countries wrote their Constitutions after World War II, many have since altered or abandoned them. In contrast, India’s Constitution has endured, though it has been amended to meet the evolving needs of the nation. She emphasized the importance of reaffirming India’s commitment to upholding the spirit of the Constitution as the country marks 75 years of its adoption.

‘TB Mukt Bharat’: Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MP Cricket Face-Off | WATCH

December 15, 2024, 10:38 am

As a unique initiative for tuberculosis awareness, a friendly 20-over cricket match titled “TB Mukt Bharat Awareness Cricket Match” was organized today at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The game had two teams consisting of Members of Parliament: the Rajya Sabha Chairman XI led by Kiren Rijiju and the Lok Sabha Speaker XI, captained by Anurag Singh Thakur.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

#WATCH | Delhi: A friendly cricket match of Parliamentarians – Rajya Sabha Chairman XI vs Lok Sabha Speaker XI is being played today at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Visuals of the toss. pic.twitter.com/yHTHX9Bh7j

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2024

The match was held under the auspices of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla with an aim to focus attention on the need to fight against tuberculosis in India. Both the teams displayed vigor and cooperation with MPs of different parties, putting behind their party differences, cheering for the cause. Spectators were thrilled as the stadium erupted with a flavour of bonhomie and competitive fervour.

This match reminds us of the power of sports to unite people for a greater purpose. The event, by using cricket’s popularity in India, will bring attention to the National TB Elimination Program and inspire action towards making India tuberculosis-free by 2025.

Ex-NCW chief Rekha Sharma elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Haryana

December 14, 2024, 3:41 am

Rekha Sharma- former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women and BJP candidate has been declared elected unopposed for the Rajya Sabha by-election from Haryana.
As the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended on Friday, Rekha Sharma was officially declared the winner as no other political party fielded a candidate against her. She was handed the certificate of victory by Haryana Assembly Secretary and Returning Officer Ashok Kumar Meena. The BJP had fielded her as party candidate on December 10, following which she filed her nomination for the December 20 election.
In the 90-member Haryana Assembly, the BJP holds a majority as the party won 48 seats and the Congress could win only 37 seats. Also the BJP also enjoys support of three Independent legislators. This made her victory almost certain as the Congress and other opposition parties chose not to field any candidate further solidifying BJP’s dominance in the election.
Out of the five Rajya Sabha seats from Haryana, four are now under BJP’s control. Besides Rekha Sharma, Subhash Barala, Ram Chander Jangra, and Kiran Choudhry are BJP members in the Rajya Sabha. Also independent Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma was also elected to the Rajya Sabha with BJP’s support. Kartikeya’s mother Shakti Rani Sharma is a BJP MLA from Kalka assembly constituency.
This Rajya Sabha seat had fallen vacant following the resignation of BJP leader Krishan Lal Panwar, who stepped down after being elected to the Haryana Assembly and later he was elevated as cabinet minister in the Nayab Singh Saini government.

Kharge Alleges Dhankhar’s ‘Persistent Heckling’ and ‘Unwarranted Insistence on Authentication’

December 12, 2024, 5:40 pm

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a scathing attack on Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of “persistently heckling” the opposition and suppressing their freedom of expression. Kharge, who is the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, claimed that Dhankhar’s actions have made it difficult for opposition members to express their opinions in the House.

“Muzzling of Opposition’s Right to Speak”

Kharge alleged that Dhankhar “routinely directs arbitrary, mala fide expunging of critical portions of speeches by opposition members, including the leader of opposition”. He also claimed that Dhankhar repeatedly criticizes opposition leaders outside the House, often echoing the ruling party’s (BJP) arguments. “Muzzling of opposition’s ‘right to speak’, ‘expression of opinion’ in Rajya Sabha has become the norm,” Kharge was quoted as saying by media.

Ruckus in Rajya Sabha Over No-Trust Notice

The Rajya Sabha witnessed a huge ruckus on Thursday as the treasury and opposition benches traded charges over a no-trust notice against Dhankhar. The BJP linked the Congress to US billionaire investor George Soros, with party chief JP Nadda asking, “What is the relationship between Sonia Gandhi and Soros? The country wants to know.” The Congress MPs accused Dhankhar of “encouraging reckless allegations” rather than containing them.

Kharge told the Chair, “House is not in order. They are making reckless allegations. You are listening and encouraging… Democracy runs on two wheels – one is the opposition party, other is the ruling party, and you are the umpire. But if you take one-sided decisions, it is a setback for the country and democracy…”

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose submitted a privilege motion notice against parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, accusing him of making derogatory remarks against opposition leaders in the Upper House. The move comes after Rijiju, addressing opposition members on Wednesday, said, “If you cannot respect the chair, you have no right to be a member of this House.” Rijiju’s comments were made amid criticism from opposition leaders targeting Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Rajya Sabha being run by politics, not rules: Mallikarjun Kharge Alleges Political Bias Under VP Dhankhar

December 11, 2024, 4:38 pm

: In a significant escalation of tensions in the Rajya Sabha, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has leveled serious accusations against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, asserting that the chairman is exhibiting favoritism towards the government. Kharge stated that the functioning of the House is now dictated by political considerations rather than established rules.

“Since 1952, no resolution has been brought under Article 67 as the vice president has never engaged in politics. Currently, the House is being run by politics, not rules, and the chairman has indulged in partisan behavior,” Kharge remarked, referencing the recent no-confidence motion filed against Dhankhar.

He further criticized the chairman’s conduct, claiming it undermines the dignity of the position. “The Rajya Sabha chairman’s actions have been contrary to the post’s dignity. He has targeted opposition leaders, denying them opportunities to speak while frequently praising the government,” Kharge added.

Discussing the ongoing proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge likened the chairman’s approach to that of a school headmaster, delivering ‘pravachan’ (sermons) to seasoned opposition leaders and interrupting their speeches. “The biggest reason for disruptions in Rajya Sabha is the chairman himself. He is acting as a government spokesperson to secure his next promotion,” Kharge asserted in a comprehensive attack on Dhankhar’s leadership.

In defense of the no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, Kharge stated, “The chairman’s conduct in the House has harmed the country’s dignity. We are fed up with the Rajya Sabha chairman’s behavior and partiality, which is why we submitted a notice for his removal.”

However, the INDIA bloc’s attempt to remove Dhankhar is expected to face challenges, as they lack a majority in either House. Meanwhile, NDA leaders have dismissed the motion as “politically motivated.”

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to the Congress’s allegations, stating, “If the opposition attacks the dignity of the Chairman, we will protect it. The Congress party and its allies have consistently disregarded the Chair’s directions. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar comes from a humble background and always speaks about people’s welfare inside and outside Parliament. We respect him and condemn the actions of the 60 MPs who signed this notice. The NDA has the majority, and we all have faith in the Chairman.”

Pawan Khera Criticizes BJP Over Adani and Soros Issue

December 10, 2024, 9:17 am

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the BJP, accusing them of avoiding the discussion on Gautam Adani’s indictment. He firmly stated that the opposition will continue to raise the issue because they have nothing to hide. In contrast, he claimed the BJP has “everything to hide.”

Opposition Demands Debate on Adani Issue

On Monday, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned. The BJP intensified its attack on Congress over alleged links to George Soros. Meanwhile, the opposition accused the ruling party of hindering the functioning of the House. Congress members continued to demand a discussion on the Adani issue.

Khera Questions BJP’s Ties to Soros and Minister’s Son

Khera also raised concerns about the relationship between Union Minister S. Jaishankar’s son, Dhruv Jaishankar, and the Aspen Institute in Washington. Furthermore, he challenged the BJP to explain how the children of their leaders studying abroad secure scholarships. He also asked about the involvement of BJP leaders’ children in organizations funded by Soros.

In a video posted on Monday, Khera said, “Bharatiya Janata Party thinks that George Soros’s name can trap us. It is laughable. We want to tell them that we will keep raising the Gautam Adani (indictment) matter because we have nothing to hide. But you (BJP) have everything (to hide). If you want to make George Soros an issue, you should answer from where the children of BJP leaders and ministers who are studying abroad get their scholarships. You should also tell us how many children of BJP leaders are working in places funded by Soros. Tell us about the connection of Dhruv Jaishankar, son of S Jaishankar, with Aspen Institute. What is his relation with the German Marshall Fund? What is the relationship of George Soros with these two organisations? We will end this discussion that you have started.”

BJP’s Allegations Against Congress

Khera’s comments came after BJP leader Tarun Chugh’s allegations. Chugh claimed that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were linked to the George Soros Foundation. He argued that Congress had become a tool for forces aiming to destabilize India. Additionally, he accused Sonia Gandhi of being connected to the Forum of the Democratic Leaders in Asia Pacific (FDL-AP), an organization funded by Soros. Chugh also stated that FDL-AP had expressed views suggesting that Kashmir should be treated as a separate entity.

Chugh, who is responsible for BJP activities in Jammu and Kashmir, promised to expose the Gandhi family’s “anti-national” ties. He further emphasized that no attempts to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India would succeed.

Thus, both parties remain engaged in a heated exchange, with Congress demanding answers on the Adani issue, while the BJP focuses on alleged foreign ties to discredit the opposition.

Parliament Security Breach? Cash Found in Congress MP’s Rajya Sabha Seat Raises Serious Questions

December 6, 2024, 4:21 pm

A dramatic turn of events unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Friday when a wad of cash was discovered on a seat assigned to Congress MP and Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The incident has raised eyebrows, sparked a political debate, and prompted a formal investigation by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Singhvi, expressing astonishment over the incident, clarified his brief presence in the house on the day in question. “I am quite astonished to even hear about it. I never heard of it. I reached the inside of the House yesterday at 12.57 pm. The House rose at 1 pm. From 1 to 1:30 pm, I sat with Ayodhya Prasad in the canteen and had lunch. At 1:30 pm, I left Parliament. So my total stay in the House yesterday was 3 minutes and my stay in the canteen was 30 minutes. I find it bizarre that even on such issues politics is raised,” Singhvi stated.

Welcoming the investigation ordered by Chairman Dhankhar, Singhvi emphasised the need for accountability and security reforms in Parliament. “Of course, there must be an inquiry as to how people can come and put anything anywhere in any seat. It means that each of us must have a seat where the seat itself can be locked and the key can be carried home by the MP because everybody can then do things on the seat and make allegations about this. If it was not tragic and serious it would be comical. I think everybody should cooperate in getting to the bottom of this and if there is a failing in the security agencies that must also be completely exposed,” he added.

Chairman Dhankhar provided details of the discovery earlier in the day. “I hereby inform the members that during the routine anti-sabotage check of the chamber after the adjournment of the House yesterday, a wad of currency notes was recovered by the security officials from seat number 222, which is presently allotted to Abhishek Manu Singhvi, elected from the state of Telangana. The matter was brought to my notice, and I made sure an investigation takes place and the same is underway,” Dhankhar said.

Inside the house, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the decision to name Singhvi publicly while the investigation was ongoing. “I am not going beyond that, I know that you will not allow us. You said that this matter is under investigation, then his/her name should not have been taken. I request that until the investigation is done and the authenticity of the incident is established, a member should not be named. Can he do like this? Aaisa chillar kaam krti hai aur desh ko barbaad kr rahe hai yeh log (BJP),” Kharge remarked.

Also read: Chak-Hao, Naga Mircha, And More GI-Tagged Treasures Shining at Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav| Video

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju added his perspective, stating, “No one carries note bundles in the house.”

The incident has added to the disruptions in Parliament, with the winter session, which began on November 25, already witnessing early adjournments. The session is set to continue until December 20, with members eagerly awaiting the findings of the ongoing investigation.

The discovery has underscored concerns about parliamentary security and decorum, leaving many questions unanswered about how the cash ended up on Singhvi’s seat.

Big Blow to Jagan Reddy as Two YSRCP MPs Resign from Rajya Sabha; Likely to Join TDP

August 29, 2024, 5:06 pm

In a significant setback to Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, two YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Rajya Sabha MPs, Beedha Mastan Rao Jadhav and Venkataramana Rao Mopidevi, resigned from the Upper House on Thursday. This development further weakens Jagan’s party, which already faced a significant defeat in this year’s Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections.

The MPs submitted their resignations to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who has accepted them, according to parliamentary sources. Venkataramana Rao Mopidevi, who had a term until June 2026, confirmed his resignation from the party before stepping down from his Rajya Sabha membership.

Sources indicate that both industrialists, Rao and Mopidevi, are likely to join the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The MPs have reportedly met with Naidu and expressed their willingness to switch parties. While Rao is expected to be renominated to the Rajya Sabha in the upcoming by-election, Mopidevi may join TDP unconditionally.

This move marks TDP’s re-entry into the Rajya Sabha, as the party, which had no representation in the Upper House, is now set to win the vacant seats in the by-elections uncontested. Mopidevi’s departure from YSRCP is believed to stem from his dissatisfaction with the party leadership after being denied a ticket in the recent assembly election.

Mopidevi, a former minister, has a history of loyalty to ex-Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He was the first minister arrested by the CBI in 2012 during the investigation into Jagan’s disproportionate assets case. After securing bail, Mopidevi joined YSRCP but lost the 2014 and 2019 elections. Despite this, Jagan brought him into the cabinet and later appointed him to the legislative council.

This political shift signals a potential realignment in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape as the state gears up for future elections.

NDA Secures Majority in Rajya Sabha as BJP and Allies Win 11 Seats Unopposed

August 28, 2024, 10:05 am

The ruling NDA reached the majority mark in the Rajya Sabha today as nine BJP members and two from allied parties were elected unopposed in the by-elections for the upper house. With these new members, the BJP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has increased to 96, bringing the total for the NDA to 112 seats. The newly elected members include one each from the NDA allies: the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar and the Rashtriya Lok Manch (RLM). The ruling alliance also has the support of six nominated members and one independent member.

Additionally, one Congress member was elected unopposed, bringing the opposition’s total to 85 seats in the upper house.

The Rajya Sabha has a total of 245 seats, but currently, there are eight vacancies—four from Jammu and Kashmir and four nominated positions. With the house’s current strength at 237 members, the majority mark is set at 119.

The BJP candidates elected unopposed include Mission Ranjan Dass and Rameshwar Teli from Assam, Manan Kumar Mishra from Bihar, Kiran Chadhary from Haryana, George Kurien from Madhya Pradesh, Dhirya Sheel Patil from Maharashtra, Mamata Mohanta from Odisha, Ravneet Singh Bittu from Rajasthan, and Rajeev Bhattacharjee from Tripura.

Among the allies, Nitin Patil from the NCP Ajit Pawar faction was elected from Maharashtra, and Upendra Kushwaha from the Rashtriya Lok Manch was elected from Bihar. Congress’s Abhishek Manu Singhvi was elected unopposed from Telangana.

Achieving a majority in the Rajya Sabha, a goal the NDA has pursued for a decade, will make passing contentious bills much easier for the government. In the past, strong opposition numbers in the upper house often stalled such bills. Some could only be passed with support from non-aligned parties like Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSR Congress. However, with both parties losing power in their respective states—one to the BJP and the other to its ally Chandrababu Naidu—their support can no longer be relied upon.

BJP Selects Ravneet Singh Bittu As Rajya Sabha Candidate For Rajasthan

August 21, 2024, 10:23 pm

Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu announced on Tuesday that the party has made a significant choice by selecting him as the Rajya Sabha candidate for Rajasthan. Addressing the media in Jaipur, Bittu expressed his gratitude to Rajasthan, promising to serve the state with “dignity and pride.”

“I am indebted to Rajasthan. One thing I would say is that the party has taken a big decision. The chance that I have got, I’ll serve Rajasthan with dignity and pride,” the BJP leader said.

On Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party announced nine candidates for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha by-elections. Although Bittu lost the Lok Sabha election in Ludhiana, he currently serves as the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries.

Following the announcement, Bittu visited Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at his residence in Jaipur. Sharma congratulated Bittu on his nomination and wished him success.

During their meeting, Sharma and Bittu discussed plans for Rajasthan’s development. Also present were Rajya Sabha MP and State In charge Radha Mohan Das Aggarwal, BJP State President Madan Rathore, and Law Minister Jogaram Patel.

The by-elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats are set to take place on September 3, most of which were vacated due to the election of the previous MPs to the lower house.

Such Incidents Shouldn’t Happen: Harivansh on Kolkata Doctor’s Murder

August 15, 2024, 5:25 pm

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh expressed deep sorrow and anguish over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at a medical college in Kolkata, West Bengal. Speaking on Thursday, Harivansh highlighted the tragic irony of such a horrific crime occurring in a city known for its reverence towards Maa Durga, even after 78 years of independence.

In an interview with ANI, Harivansh commented on the nationwide outcry sparked by the incident, noting the widespread protests led by women and medical professionals in solidarity with the victim. “After 78 years of independence and in the 75th year of the implementation of the Constitution, such an incident has happened in this country, especially in the land where people worship Maa Durga. This land has a long and rich history of equality between men and women, which is why Prime Minister Modi expressed his pain from the Red Fort,” he stated.

Harivansh underscored the gravity of the situation, expressing concern that such incidents continue to occur decades after independence. “There cannot be any other incident more tragic and shocking than this. The anguish over this incident was clearly reflected in the Prime Minister’s address from the Red Fort today,” he added.

The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman called on those in positions of power to take immediate action to restore public trust in law enforcement and administration. He emphasized that law and order is a state subject and urged state authorities to create an environment where such heinous acts are not repeated. “Certainly, those who are in the administration, those in power, should work towards building trust in the police and administration. Politics should not interfere in such cases, and the culprits should be brought to justice swiftly. We must ensure that such incidents never happen again,” Harivansh said.

He also urged the West Bengal government and local administration to take decisive action against those responsible and to focus on rebuilding public confidence in the legal system. Harivansh stressed the need for every state to ensure that such crimes are not repeated within their jurisdictions.

The tragic incident took place on August 9 when the post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The victim’s family has alleged that she was raped and murdered. The case has triggered widespread protests by doctors and medical fraternities across the country, demanding justice and accountability.

Assam BJP Sends 10 Names for Rajya Sabha Nominations to Central Committee

August 12, 2024, 5:44 pm

Assam BJP president Bhabesh Kalita announced on Monday that 10 members have applied for nominations to fill two vacant Rajya Sabha seats in the state. The names have been forwarded to the central parliamentary committee for the final decision.

After a meeting of the state election committee, Kalita shared that the applicants include former Union minister Rameswar Teli, former MPs Rajdeep Roy and Topon Gogoi, current MLA Manab Deka, and former MLA Mission Ranjan Das. The meeting, attended by Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and state in-charge Harish Dwivedi, thoroughly discussed the nominations.

The two Rajya Sabha seats became vacant after Sonowal and Kamakhya Tassa were elected to the Lok Sabha. Assam has seven seats in the Upper House, with the BJP-led alliance currently holding six, and one seat held by an Independent MP. Rajya Sabha elections for a total of 12 seats in nine states, including Assam, are scheduled for September 2.

MP Jaya Bachan demands apology from RS chairman Jagdeep Dhankar

August 9, 2024, 2:37 pm

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachan on Friday demanded an apology from Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankar after a heated exchange of words over BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari’s remarks against Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.

She said, “I objected to the tone used by the Chair. We are not schoolchildren. Some of us are senior citizens. I was upset with the tone and especially when the Leader of Opposition stood up to speak, he switched off the mike.”

“How can you do this? You have to allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak…I mean using unparliamentary words every time which I do not want to say in front of you all. He uses words like nuisance, ‘Buddhiheen'” said Samajwadi Party MP

She further said, “He said you may be a celebrity, I do not care. I am not asking him to care. I am saying I am a member of Parliament. This is my fifth term. I know what I am saying”.

“The way things are being spoken in Parliament these days, nobody has ever spoken before. I want an apology” she added

Bacchan was flanked by several other women MPs including Sonia Gandhi. The women MPs back her claims against the RS Chairman.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, “She (Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan) comes with vastly more experience than the Vice President himself. He cannot disrespect the Member of Parliament.”

TMC MP Dola Sen said, “She (SP MP Jaya Bachchan) has not come here as a celebrity. She has come here as an elected Member of Parliament.”

Earlier today amid the demand of Opposition Rajya Sabha MPs for expunging remarks of BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari about LoP, SP MP Jaya Bachchan made remarks about the tone of the remarks made by the Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The Chairman took strong exception to Jaya Bachchan’s remarks, saying he does not want schooling and that he does not go by any script and has his script.

Reacting to this the Opposition members staged a walkout from Rajya Sabha. As the Opposition MPs walked out, the Chairman referred to the anniversary of the Quit India movement and said the Opposition was quitting parliament, their duty. Leader of House JP Nadda said that the conduct of the Opposition was improper and condemnable. He moved “ninda prastav” over the behaviour of the Opposition in the House

Earlier on August 2 Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan’s self-introduction as ‘Jaya Amitabh Bachchan’ elicited a hearty reaction from Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The incident occurred after Bachchan, who had previously expressed discomfort with being addressed by her husband’s name, during a session.

This unexpected twist led Dhankhar to burst into laughter, a reaction that was echoed by several other MPs, including Congress’ Jairam Ramesh and Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Raghav Chadha.

The playful moment sparked a brief but humorous exchange between Bachchan and Dhankhar. Bachchan jested, “Did you get a lunch break today? No? This is why you’re taking Jairam Ji’s name repeatedly. You cannot digest your food without taking his name.”Dhankhar responded in kind, saying, “I’ll tell you on a light-hearted note. I did not take a lunch break today but I had lunch with Jairam ji,” which further amused the house. He said, “I also want to tell you that this might be the first time that I am both yours and Amitabh Ji’s fan.”

This light-hearted exchange comes in the wake of Bachchan’s earlier objection to being addressed as “Jaya Amitabh Bachchan” by Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh.

On July 29, Bachchan firmly stated, “Sir, only Jaya Bachchan would have sufficed,” highlighting her concern about women being identified solely by their husband’s names. During that session, Bachchan expressed her discontent, stating, “This is something new, that women will be recognized by the name of their husbands like they have no existence or achievements of their own.” (ANI)

‘Apka Tone Sahi Nahi’: Jaya Bachchan And Dhankhar Argues In Rajya Sabha | Watch

August 9, 2024, 2:04 pm

In a dramatic exchange in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan found themselves at odds amidst a chaotic session in the Upper House.

The incident began when Dhankhar criticized opposition MPs, accusing them of disrespecting the Constitution and democratic values. In the midst of the uproar, Dhankhar addressed Bachchan, urging her to speak. This led to Bachchan questioning Dhankhar’s tone, which she found inappropriate.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Watch: Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar reacted to Jaya Amitabh Bachchan’s statement, says, “You have earned a great reputation. You know, an actor is subject to the director. You have not seen what I see from here every day…” pic.twitter.com/ozwXADQbpd

— IANS (@ians_india) August 9, 2024

“I, Jaya Amitabh Bachchan, would like to say that I am an artist and understand body language and expressions. I am sorry, but your tone is not acceptable. We are colleagues, and while you may be in the Chair, this tone is inappropriate,” Bachchan said.

Dhankhar swiftly interrupted, advising Bachchan to take her seat. He asserted, “Jaya ji, take your seat. You have a great reputation. An actor follows the director’s lead. You do not see what I see from my position. I have gone out of my way to accommodate you. You may be a celebrity, but parliamentary decorum must be maintained.”

This confrontation follows a similar incident earlier in the week when Bachchan objected to Dhankhar using her full name, Jaya Amitabh Bachchan, during parliamentary proceedings. She expressed discomfort with her identity being linked to her husband’s name, calling it a “new drama” in Parliament.

In response, Dhankhar referred to procedural norms regarding election certificates, stating, “Jaya ji, the name used in official documents is what is referred to. You can opt to have it changed if you wish.”

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the Rajya Sabha and raises questions about the decorum and procedures in parliamentary interactions.

ECI announces elections on 12 vacant seats in Rajya Sabha on Sep 3

August 7, 2024, 4:23 pm

The Election Commission announced on Wednesday, September 3, as the date for Elections for 12 vacant seats in Rajya Sabha.

As per the ECI, the last date for making notification is August 21, and the scrutiny of nominations will be held on August 22.

The last date of withdrawal of candidatures for Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tripura is August 26 and for Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan Telangana and Odisha–August 27.

The polling will be held on September 3 from 9 am to 4 pm and counting of votes will be held on September 3 at 5 pm.

There are two vacant seats in Assam, two in Bihar, one in Haryana, one in MP, two in Maharashtra, one in Rajasthan, one in Tripura, one in Telangana and one in Odisha.

Mamata Mohanta, who belongs to the Kudumi tribals of Mayurbhanj, resigned from the BJD and Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

In her resignation letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman, Mohanta wrote, “I Do hereby tender my resignation from the membership of Rajya Sabha, today, i.e. July 31, 2024. I have taken this decision consciously.”

After joining the BJP, Mamata Mohanta said that her only aim is the service and welfare of the common people.

“My only aim is the service and welfare of the public. It can be fulfilled only by joining the BJP,” Mohanta said.

In her resignation letter to Naveen Patnaik, Mohanta said, “I do hereby resign from the Primary Membership of Biju Janata Dal on July 31, 2024. I sincerely express my gratitude to your goodself for giving me an opportunity to serve the people of Mayurbhanj and also to take the cause of Odisha at the national level.”

She added further, “However, I feel that there is no requirement of the services of myself as well as my community in the Biju Janata Dal. Therefore, I have taken this hard decision in the public interest.”

Nirmala Sitharaman Defends Agniveer Scheme, Cites Global Practices For Youthful Forces

August 1, 2024, 12:25 pm

In her response to the Rajya Sabha debate on the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the government’s Agniveer scheme, stating it is designed to keep the armed forces young and agile. She argued that similar practices are used in countries like the U.S. and UK, where soldiers serve shorter terms to maintain a fit and dynamic force. Sitharaman emphasised that the scheme, which recruits individuals aged 17-21, was introduced with commitment and should not be politicised.

On the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Sitharaman claimed that it broadens opportunities rather than disadvantaging anyone. She highlighted that Tamil Nadu has seen a significant increase in medical seats and that NEET has improved access and affordability for medical education. She criticised opposition claims about NEET being detrimental, arguing that it has led to more equitable opportunities across the board.

Sitharaman also addressed criticisms of inflation management, citing the BJP-led NDA government’s record in maintaining lower average inflation rates compared to the Congress-led UPA government. She noted that the current government’s fiscal management has been praised by global observers and emphasised substantial increases in capital expenditure.

Furthermore, she defended the allocation of funds to various states, pointing out that past budgets under the UPA government also did not name all states. Sitharaman also highlighted improvements in Jammu and Kashmir’s fiscal situation and the success of reforms in the banking sector.

In her budget speech, Sitharaman announced projects for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, rebutting claims of state favouritism and stressing that tax revenues have grown significantly. She also noted a reduction in import duties on certain edible oils to support job creation and ensure supply stability.

Watch: Jaya Bachchan’s Fiery Response To Being Called ‘Jaya Amitabh Bachchan’

July 30, 2024, 11:00 am

Veteran actor and politician Jaya Bachchan expressed her displeasure after Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh addressed her using her husband’s name during a session. “Shrimati Jaya Amitabh Bachchan ji, please,” said Mr. Singh, calling upon her to speak in the House.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Watch: “It’s a very painful incident and we should not bring politics into the matter,” says Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan on the death of the UPSC student in Old Rajinder Nagar pic.twitter.com/4928QcZoNS

— IANS (@ians_india) July 29, 2024

Ms. Bachchan responded, “Sir, sirf Jaya Bachchan bolte to kaafi hojata (It would’ve been enough to call me Jaya Bachchan).” Mr. Singh then clarified that her name is officially registered as Jaya Amitabh Bachchan in Parliament’s records. “Your full name was written here, I just repeated the same,” he explained.

Ms. Bachchan retorted, “This is something new, that women will be recognised by the name of their husbands. They (women) have no existence or achievements of their own.”

Following this exchange, Ms. Bachchan addressed the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants at a coaching center in Delhi. “It’s a very painful incident and we should not bring politics into the matter,” she stated.

Last week, three students drowned in the flooded basement of a coaching center in east Delhi, sparking protests by students who blamed civic negligence for the incident. The tragedy has also led to a political blame game, with the BJP targeting the Aam Aadmi Party, which governs Delhi and controls the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

SP Leader Calls For Restoration Of Old UPSC Exam Pattern In Rajya Sabha

July 29, 2024, 3:50 pm

On Monday, Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav urged the government in the Rajya Sabha to revert to the traditional subject-based question paper format for UPSC examinations. During the Zero Hour session, Yadav emphasized the importance of this issue, arguing that education should aim for the overall development of individuals.

Recalling the previous exam pattern, Yadav credited it with producing many of the nation’s advocates and scientists. “The competitive exams have moved away from this effective pattern,” he said, suggesting that the current objective question format has led to a rise in cheating and paper leaks.

Yadav highlighted the significance of subjective questions in assessing an individual’s reasoning abilities. He expressed concerns about the quality of selected candidates, stating, “As a result, such candidates, after selection, cannot even draft a letter correctly.”
He appealed to the government, “This method needs to be changed. Bring back the old system.”

The Chair allowed Yadav to raise the issue despite submitting a physical notice instead of the required electronic submission. “As an exception, I will allow him to raise this issue with the understanding that all members will be inspired by him to follow the procedure and become technologically upgraded,” the Chair remarked.

Raghav Chadha Criticizes Removal of Indexation Benefit in Rajya Sabha

July 26, 2024, 11:18 am

AAP MP Raghav Chadha recently voiced strong criticism against the central government’s decision to remove the indexation benefit for long-term capital gains on the sale of old properties. During a Rajya Sabha session, Chadha described this move as a ‘grave mistake’ and outlined several potential negative consequences.

Indexation benefits, which adjust the cost of assets for inflation, previously allowed investors to reduce their tax liabilities. By removing this benefit, the Union Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, imposes higher taxes on the sale of immovable properties, gold, and other unlisted assets. Chadha argued that this change will lead to a series of adverse effects.

Firstly, Raghav Chadha warned that the removal of indexation will likely decrease investment in the real estate sector. Without this tax relief, potential investors might be deterred, making it harder for people to purchase their ‘dream homes.’ He emphasized that the increased tax burden could disincentivize investment and stifle growth in the real estate market.

Additionally, Chadha expressed concern about the rise in corruption and undervaluation of property transactions. He suggested that people might report property deals at lower ‘circle rates’ to minimize their tax liability, thereby encouraging dishonest practices and inflow of black money into the market.

Removal of ‘Indexation’ benefit from the Investor is a grave mistake by the Government.

I explain in detail. Please watch. pic.twitter.com/AhB7vViy0n

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) July 25, 2024

Chadha also criticized the broader tax system in India, arguing that it imposes high taxes but fails to deliver services on par with those in other countries. He called for a comprehensive review of both direct and indirect taxes to better align tax policies with public services.

Overall, Chadha’s remarks underscore a significant debate on the impact of fiscal policies on investment and economic integrity. As discussions continue, the implications of these changes will become clearer, potentially shaping the future landscape of taxation and investment in India.

‘Mataji Bolne Mein Toh Expert Hain’: Kharge Comments On Nirmala Sitharaman During Budget Debate

July 24, 2024, 4:30 pm

On Wednesday, Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition and Congress President, accused the BJP-led government of favoring only two states, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, in the Union Budget for 2024-25 while neglecting the rest of the country.

Kharge labeled the budget as a “kursi-bachao” (chair-saving) document and led criticism from Congress and other INDIA bloc parties against what he described as biased allocations. During a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge claimed, “No state received any benefit from the Modi government’s budget. States where people have rejected BJP got nothing! Everyone’s plate is empty, while two states have Pakora and Jalebi on their plates. This budget is merely designed to save his chair,” he said.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar urged Kharge to allow Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to respond, to which Kharge replied, “Main bol deta hun. Mataji Bolne Mein Toh Expert Hain Mujhe Maloom Hain..(Let Me Finish. Mataji is an expert in speaking, I am aware of that)” Kharge argued that balanced development across states is crucial for overall progress. As Sitharaman took the floor, Kharge led the opposition bloc out of the House in protest.

In her response, Sitharaman addressed the allegations by noting that many states were not specifically mentioned in either the interim or full budgets. She emphasized that the absence of a state’s name in the budget speech does not mean that government schemes are not benefiting those states.

She cited Maharashtra as an example, which, despite not being mentioned, recently received approval for the Rs 76,000-crore Vadhavan port project. Sitharaman challenged the Congress party to review their own budget speeches to see if every state was named and rejected the opposition’s claims as “outrageous” and “unacceptable.” Upon the opposition’s return to the House, Sitharaman also addressed concerns from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding West Bengal’s budget allocations. She countered that several schemes introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade had not been implemented in the state.

Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget Speech: Will She Reveal the Roadmap for Vision 2047?

July 23, 2024, 2:07 pm

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for 2024 in Parliament today. This will be her seventh consecutive budget speech, breaking the record previously held by late Morarji Desai, who presented the budget six times in a row.

What to Expect from the Budget

This budget will be the first for Modi’s third term as Prime Minister. All eyes are on Nirmala Sitharaman as she might announce changes to income tax, improvements for businesses, and new developments for railway infrastructure. She will also detail the Central government’s planned income and expenses for the fiscal year 2024-2025 in the Rajya Sabha.

Recent Economic Developments

On February 1, the Central government presented an interim budget to meet the country’s financial needs before the Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, on Monday, Nirmala Sitharaman shared the Economic Survey, which reviews the economy’s current state and future projections.

According to the Economic Survey, India’s economy is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5-7% in the current financial year, which is lower than last year’s 8.2% growth and below the RBI’s 7.2% growth estimate for this year. The survey praised the government’s efforts to manage retail inflation, which is currently at 5.4%, the lowest since the pandemic began. It also recommended increasing exports.

Boosting Exports

The Economic Survey suggested two main strategies for improving exports:

Integrate into China’s Supply Chain: Join China’s global supply network.
Promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China: Encourage Chinese companies to invest in India, which could help boost exports to the US, similar to successful strategies used by East Asian countries in the past.

Key Points

Seventh Budget Speech: Nirmala Sitharaman will give her seventh consecutive Union Budget speech today.
First Budget of Modi’s Third Term: This budget will be the first one under Modi’s third term as Prime Minister.
Expected Announcements: Look for possible updates on income tax, business regulations, and railway projects.
Economic Survey Highlights: The survey predicts 6.5-7% economic growth and praises efforts to control inflation.
Export Strategy: The survey recommends focusing on FDI from China to boost exports, particularly to the US.

BJP Women Leaders Vying For Rajya Sabha Seat

July 16, 2024, 10:40 pm

Chandigarh: With the assembly polls drawing near, several Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) stalwart are staking claim on Rajya Sabha seat which is lying vacant following the resignation of Congress parliamentarian Deepender Singh Hooda.

In this connection, it is coming to light that several women leaders in BJP are strong contenders for Rajya Sabha seat but the final decision has to be taken by the party high command, the supreme authority to take final call pertaining to any decision.

BJP is entitled to give 33 percent reservation to women in elections, so in this sense the claim of women leaders on Rajya Sabha seat becomes strong.

Currently among the women leaders in the party, Banto Kataria, Sunita Duggal and Kiran Chaudhary are in the queue for ticket.

At present , there is no woman MP of BJP in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha from Haryana, in such a situation, the party can galvanise women voters in the upcoming assembly elections by giving ticket to any one of aforementioned women leaders.

In the Lok Sabha elections too, BJP gave ticket to only one woman leader Banto Kataria from Haryana, in this sense women leaders got only 10 percent representation in terms of 10 Lok Sabha seats. Banto Kataria, wife of late Ratan Lal Kataria, who was MP from Ambala for 3 times and is a well-known Dalit face of the party, was given ticket from Ambala but she could not survive the polls.

Similarly, Sunita Duggal, who was an MP from Sirsa was replaced as the BJP Lok Sabha candidate fielding Ashok Tanwar who could not win against Congress’s Kumari Selja. Sunita is an influential leader of Haryana. Similarly, Kiran Chaudhary, who bid a farewell to Congress just ahead of Lok Sabha elections to join BJP in a bid fulfill her political ambitions, is also a contender for Rajya Sabha seat.

If the party fields her from Rajya Sabha, then BJP can get benefit from it on about half a dozen seats in the upcoming assembly elections. Since this time BJP has lost both the reserved seats of Sirsa and Ambala, the claim of the leader of the reserved community increases.

The male stalwarts in the party are also contenders for Rajya Sabha seat. Among them, the names of Ram Bilas Sharma, Om Prakash Dhankhar, Kuldeep Bishnoi and Captain Abhimanyu are constantly surfacing, although the decision of the high command is to be taken as to whom to give priority.

At present, Ramvilas Sharma and Captain Abhimanyu are marginalized in Haryana politics. On the other hand, OP Dhankhar was definitely given a berth in the National organizational set up but his removal from the post of state president was a setback for him. Kuldeep Bishnoi, who left Congress and joined BJP, has also not got such a big responsibility in the party as per his expectations. Neither his son Bhavya Bishnoi was made a minister in Haryana nor Kuldeep Bishnoi got a ticket from Hisar Lok Sabha constituency.

Out of the total 5 Rajya Sabha seats, Haryana currently has 3 BJP, 1 independent and 1 Congress Rajya Sabha member.

With Rajya Sabha member Deepender Hooda being elected to the Lok Sabha, one Rajya Sabha seat has become vacant for which a by-election is to be held.

Its term is till 9 April, 2026. Due to the possibility of elections being held on 10 Rajya Sabha seats in many states including Haryana, political activities have increased in the state, especially in the BJP. Elections are to be held on 2-2 seats in Maharashtra, Assam and Bihar and 1-1 seat in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tripura.

In terms of required legislators, the BJP seems to have an upper hand at the moment. The party has 41 MLAs while an independent MLA Nayanpal Rawat and Haryana Lokhit Party MLA Gopal Kanda have already extended support the BJP. The main opposition party Congress has 28 MLAs while 3 independent MLAs have supported Congress recently.

BJP’s former ally JJP has 10 MLAs but there has been a contradiction in the party for a long time. JJP and Congress are trying to put the ball in each other’s court while both do not have the required number to win. BJP will try to get more than 43 votes in its court. Due to the non-implementation of whip in the Rajya Sabha elections, the possibility of cross voting cannot be ruled out.

It is being said that many big leaders of the state BJP are making rounds of the party high command in Delhi to reach the Rajya Sabha.

Apart from BJP, Naveen Jaihind of Jaihind Sena is also staking claim for the Rajya Sabha elections. For this, support of at least 10 percent of the total elected members of the assembly or 10 members, whichever is less, as proposers will be necessary.

Independent MLA from Meham, Balraj Kundu has announced his party Haryana Jansevak Party’s support to him which is insufficient. He is hopeful that some more MLAs will join him. But it is clear from the current political scenario that the path to Rajya Sabha is not so easy for Naveen Jai Hind

BJP Rajya Sabha Tally Falls To 86; NDA At 101, Can Pass Bills With Support

July 15, 2024, 3:05 pm

Four nominated members from the BJP in Rajya Sabha retired on Saturday, reducing the party’s strength to 86 and the NDA’s to 101 in the Upper House, which currently has 226 members due to 19 vacancies.

Despite this, the NDA can still pass key legislation during the upcoming budget session with support from seven non-aligned nominated members, two Independents, and friendly parties like AIADMK and YSRCP. However, filling the nominated vacancies promptly will be crucial to lessen the alliance’s reliance on others.

The retiring members are Rakesh Sinha, Ram Shakal, Sonal Mansingh, and Mahesh Jethmalani, who were all aligned with the BJP upon their nomination. Another nominated member, Gulam Ali, will retire in September 2028.

The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha on the government’s recommendation. Currently, seven of these members are non-aligned but typically support the ruling party in legislative matters.

The Upper House has 19 vacancies, including four each from Jammu & Kashmir and the nominated category, along with 11 from various states. Ten of these seats became vacant last month due to Lok Sabha elections, while one vacancy resulted from the resignation of Bharat Rashtra Samithi member K. Keshava Rao, who later joined Congress.

Elections for these 11 seats in the coming months could potentially grant eight to the NDA and three to the INDIA bloc, including one seat from Telangana to Congress, bringing the latter’s total to 27—two more than needed to maintain its Leader of Opposition position in Rajya Sabha.