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Mamata Banerjee Ready to Lead INDIA Bloc, Says ‘If Given the Opportunity’

December 7, 2024, 11:46 am

After TMC MPs proposed making Mamata Banerjee the leader of the opposition alliance, the West Bengal Chief Minister responded. She said she would be willing to lead if asked. This comes amid rising disagreements within the INDIA bloc over Congress’s recent losses in Haryana and Maharashtra, as well as its insistence on debating one specific issue in Parliament.

Banerjee Clarifies Leadership Role

Mamata Banerjee made it clear that she is not leading the INDIA alliance. “I formed the INDIA bloc; now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can’t run the show, what can I do?” she stated. She also said, “I am not leading that front.”

When asked if she would accept the leadership role, she responded, “If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning.”

TMC MPs Push for Banerjee’s Leadership

Recently, TMC MPs like Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad urged Congress and other INDIA bloc allies to recognize Mamata Banerjee as the opposition leader. They highlighted her success in defeating BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in West Bengal.

“Mamata Banerjee has a perfect record. Whenever Narendra Modi has faced defeat, it has always been in West Bengal,” Kalyan Banerjee said. He added, “Even in the recent by-elections, where the BJP had one seat and we had five, Mamata Didi hit a six and threw Narendra Modi out of the West Bengal boundary.”

INDIA Bloc’s Mixed Reactions

Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed support for Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. They said they are aware of her views and want her to be a major partner in the INDIA alliance. “We know this opinion of Mamata ji. We also want her to be a major partner of the INDIA alliance,” they stated. They also mentioned they would meet her soon in Kolkata.

However, Congress dismissed the suggestion. Congress leader Manickam Tagore called it “a good joke” when asked about the proposal.

BJP Criticizes INDIA Bloc’s Leadership Issues

The BJP criticized the INDIA bloc, calling it a group of parties united only against Prime Minister Modi, without a clear agenda. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Mamata Banerjee’s statement makes it clear that the entire INDIA alliance does not have faith in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.”

TMC and Congress: A Strained Relationship

TMC and Congress have often disagreed, even within the INDIA bloc. They have clashed over issues like seat-sharing and contesting elections independently. Recently, tensions grew after Congress’s poor performance in Haryana and Maharashtra.

During the winter session of Parliament, TMC differed from Congress by opposing disruptions over the Adani issue. While Congress demanded a discussion on the Adani controversy, TMC focused on issues like central funding and the Manipur crisis. TMC also skipped several INDIA bloc meetings at the start of the winter session.

Despite being part of the same alliance, TMC and Congress continue to face challenges in their relationship.

Winter Session: Parliament to Reconvene on Monday After Opposition Protests

December 2, 2024, 9:46 am

After the proceedings of Parliament were disrupted during the first week of the Winter Session, which ended on November 29, both Houses are scheduled to resume on Monday at 11 am.

Parliament has been at a standstill since the start of the Winter Session due to protests by opposition parties over the Adani issue and the ongoing violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Meanwhile, the floor leaders of the INDIA bloc are scheduled to meet at the Parliament House office of Congress President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge ahead of the commencement of both Houses.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore gave an Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the Adani issue.
“I hereby seek leave to move an adjournment motion to discuss a matter of urgent public importance, namely the recent allegations of corruption, bribery, and securities fraud involving the Adani Group and its leadership,” Tagore stated.
Moreover, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi gave Suspension of Business notice in Rajya Sabha on issues of Sambhal violence and Ajmer Sharif Dargah plea.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to move the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the lower house of Parliament on Monday.
As per the schedule issued by the secretariat, Sitharaman is expected to move the Bill further to amend the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the State Bank of India Act, 1955, the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980, be taken into consideration and passing today in Lok Sabha.
Union Railways Minister Ashqini Vaishnaw is also expected to move a bill further to amend the Railways Act, 1989, for consideration and passing, the schedule read.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal is expected to introduce the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, in Lok Sabha.
The Bill will seek to amend the law relating to regulation of coastal shipping, promote coasting trade and encourage domestic participation therein, to ensure that India is equipped with a coastal fleet, owned and operated by the citizens of India for its national security and commercial needs, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Union Ministers S Jaishankar, Jayant Chaudhary and Pankaj Chaudhary will make statements on key matters.
Jaishankar is likely to make a statement regarding “Recent Developments in India”s Relations with China” while Jayanat Chaudhary is expected to make a statement regarding the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 56th Report of the Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development on Implementation of Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Project pertaining to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
In Rajya Sabha, Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Kinjarapu Rammohan Raidu are likely to move bills for the respective ministries.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri is likely to move the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, for consideration and passing.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu is expected to move the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, for consideration and passing. The Bill seeks to provide for regulation and control of the design, manufacture, maintenance, possession, use, operation, sale, export and import of aircraft and for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto, as passed by Lok Sabha.
Both houses faced brief sessions in the past week following ruckus amid opposition’s demand to discuss Adani indicment.
The first session of the winter Parliament commenced on November 25, with both Houses getting adjourned fairly early due to disruptions. The winter session will go on till December 20.

Winter Session Of Parliament To Start Today; Focus On Waqf, Banking Laws

November 25, 2024, 12:05 am

The Winter Session of Parliament is set to commence on Monday and will run until December 20.

Key legislative discussions include the Waqf Act (Amendment) Bill and several others listed for introduction, consideration, and passing. Among the bills slated are the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, the Bills of Lading Bill, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill.

Also included on the agenda are the Boilers Bill, the Rashtriya Sahkari Vishwavidyalaya Bill, the Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill, the Merchant Shipping Bill, the Coastal Shipping Bill, and the Indian Ports Bill. Parliament will observe no sittings on November 26 to mark “Constitution Day,” according to an official statement.

Must Read: 3 Dead, 30+ Cops Hurt In Violent Clashes During Mosque Survey In UP’s Sambhal

Ahead of the session’s commencement, floor leaders of the INDIA bloc are scheduled to meet on November 25 at 10 a.m. in Parliament House to strategize their approach. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to finalize the Opposition’s strategy, with the Congress likely to raise issues such as the Manipur crisis and bribery allegations against the Adani Group.

Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the government’s readiness for discussions while urging for a peaceful session. Following an all-party meeting held on Sunday in Delhi, Rijiju stated, “A total of 42 leaders from 30 political parties were present in the meeting. There are many topics. Everyone has asked for discussion on some topics but we want that there should be a good discussion in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The government is ready to discuss any topic. Our only request is that the House should run well and there should be no ruckus. Every member wants to participate in the discussion but the House should run well. To run the winter session well, everyone’s cooperation is needed and everyone’s participation is necessary.”

The meeting, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was attended by key leaders, including Congress MPs Jairam Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari, and K Suresh, as well as JD(U) MP Upendra Kushwaha. Representatives from other parties, such as PV Midhun Reddy (YSRCP), V Vijaysai Reddy (YSRCP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Vaiko (MDMK), Ramgopal Yadav (SP), and Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), also participated.

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Lok Sabha Adjourned Sine Die, Passing Key Bills Including CEC Appointment and Press Act Replacement

December 21, 2023, 4:59 pm

Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die a day ahead of the scheduled close of the winter session of Parliament after passing some key bills. The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 were among the bills passed on Thursday.

The winter session, which began on December 4, witnessed a security breach incident on December 13 when two individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber. The session also saw the suspension of 100 opposition MPs, with most of them suspended for the remainder of the winter session due to “misconduct.” The opposition members had demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah over the security breach incident.

In addition to these developments, the Lok Sabha passed three significant bills on Wednesday, aiming to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted that these bills mark the first time changes have been made in the laws governing the nearly 150-year-old criminal justice system.

The winter session of Parliament was originally scheduled to conclude on December 22. The session has been marked by crucial legislative discussions, security concerns, and disciplinary actions against certain members of the opposition.

Parliament Security Breach Case: Winter Session Sees Adjournment of Both Houses Till 12 Noon

December 19, 2023, 12:11 pm

Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till noon on Tuesday following a commotion created by Opposition MPs. The disruptions centered around the recent Parliament security breach incident and the suspension of 78 MPs on Monday, marking the largest-ever action in the history of the Indian Parliament. In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla appealed to members to allow the Question Hour to proceed smoothly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the House’s dignity. However, the Opposition MPs continued their protests, ignoring the Speaker’s call. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi claimed that Opposition members brought morphed photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi into the House, condemning the act.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 1230 hours as Opposition MPs continue to protest over issues of suspension of 92 MPs and Parliament security breach incident https://t.co/bPf5CUyVCk

— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023

Meanwhile, suspended MPs from the INDIA bloc parties staged protests on Parliament premises, joined by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The protests come a day after the suspension of 78 MPs—33 from Lok Sabha and 45 from Rajya Sabha—for the remainder of the Winter Session. The suspensions were a result of disruptions over the Opposition’s demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach. The unprecedented move, combined with earlier suspensions, brought the total number of lawmakers suspended for the ongoing session to 92. While 34 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for the rest of the Winter Session, 11 others had their ‘misconduct’ cases referred to the Privileges Committee. The ongoing Winter Session is scheduled to conclude on December 22, raising concerns about the functioning of Parliament amid heightened tensions between ruling and opposition parties.

Winter Session: After passage of landmark J-K Bills in RS, more significant businesses scheduled for today

December 12, 2023, 10:33 am

As the Parliament reconvenes for the ongoing Winter Session, the Upper House has more business scheduled for Tuesday. This comes after the Rajya Sabha passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023, in response to the Supreme Court’s upholding of the revocation of Article 370 from the extant state.

Both Houses are scheduled to take up important businesses on the ninth day of the Winter Session, as Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is to move the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passage to regulate the appointment, conditions of service and term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, and the procedure for transaction of business by the Election Commission.

Meghwal will also introduce the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023, for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday in order to amend and repeal a few laws. The Lok Sabha had already approved the bill. In addition, the Two Hundred and Fifty-Second Report (in Hindi and English) of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation on the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 is scheduled to be presented in the House by Rajya Sabha Members Laxmikant Bajpayee, Vivek Tankha, and Jayant Chaudhary.

Fellow Upper House members Satish Chandra Dubey and Fauzia Khan are to lay on the table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Thirty-Fourth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (2023-2024) on Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the Twenty Eighth Report of the Committee on “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)” pertaining to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Food and Public Distribution).

“Speakers have to follow the precedent”: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla

December 8, 2023, 4:00 pm

The Lok Sabha witnessed unprecedented chaos and fiery debates today as the ‘Cash for Query’ scandal involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra took centre stage. Speaker Om Birla found himself in the eye of the storm as opposition members vehemently protested the decision to expel Moitra, citing concerns over procedural fairness and violations of constitutional principles.

In a charged session, Speaker Om Birla sought to address the escalating tensions by emphasizing the continuity of traditions set by previous Speakers, notably Somnath Chatterjee and Pranab Mukherjee. However, this attempt to invoke precedent failed to quell the mounting unrest among opposition MPs.

Kalyan Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress MP, passionately argued for Mahua Moitra’s right to a fair trial, asserting that a fair hearing should include the opportunity for the accused to present their side. He raised concerns over the reliance on an affidavit without the affiant being called as a witness, contending that the principles of natural justice and constitutional rights were being violated.

Banerjee stressed the significance of Mahua Moitra’s right to cross-examine those making accusations against her, describing it as a fundamental element of a fair hearing. He accused the Ethics Committee of violating Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, and claimed that Moitra’s constitutional rights were being compromised.

The Ethics Committee’s report recommending Moitra’s expulsion faced strong opposition, with accusations of a hurried and biased inquiry. Opposition members demanded more time to study the extensive report, arguing that a decision of such gravity required careful consideration.

As the uproar continued, the Lok Sabha appeared to be a battleground for conflicting interpretations of parliamentary ethics and constitutional safeguards. The unfolding events cast a shadow over the institution’s ability to uphold fairness, transparency, and the principles of natural justice in dealing with allegations of unethical conduct by its members. The political firestorm surrounding the ‘Cash for Query’ controversy is likely to reverberate in the corridors of power, prompting broader debates about parliamentary accountability and due process.

Amit Shah Arrives at Parliament, Set to Introduce J-K Reservation and Reorganisation Amendment Bills

December 5, 2023, 12:51 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is preparing to present two key bills in the Lok Sabha today, amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act of 2004 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019. The bills seek to revise reservation criteria and increase the number of legislative assembly seats in the region.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to revise reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized groups in jobs and educational institutions. Notable features include the inclusion of backward classes living in designated villages and areas near the Line of Control, as well as the creation of a commission to recommend inclusions and exclusions from underprivileged categories.

Simultaneously, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, proposes to modify the 2019 Act, increasing the total number of assembly seats from 83 to 90. The amendment reserves seven seats for Scheduled Castes, nine for Scheduled Tribes, and permits the Lieutenant Governor to nominate members from the Kashmiri migrant community and displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

These bills represent a monumental shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, catering to marginalized communities and displaced groups, thus shaping a more inclusive and representative legislative framework in the region.

INDIA Bloc Leaders Plan Agenda for Second Day of Parliament Session

December 5, 2023, 12:27 pm

In a high-stakes meeting ahead of the winter session’s second day, the INDIA bloc Parliamentary leaders convened at the office of the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. A significant gathering spearheaded by Congress President Kharge included AAP MP Raghav Chadha, who saw the revocation of his Rajya Sabha suspension, along with several other prominent leaders.

Amidst this, Congress MP Manish Tewari moved an Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on the death penalty for eight former Indian Navy personnel in Qatar. Tewari expressed his concern, highlighting the lack of government response for over 14 months on this pressing matter.

The Central government is gearing up to introduce the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to present both Bills, aiming to amend the existing Acts about Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the initial day of the Winter Session witnessed the passage of two bills in the Lok Sabha. Notably, the Rajya Sabha opted to lift the suspension of AAP MP Raghav Chadha. Additionally, standing committee reports on critical bills were tabled, setting the stage for their passage during this session.

In a recent development, Rajya Sabha approved the bill for the repeal of the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, amidst opposition’s concerns over privacy. The bill, passed through a voice vote, outlines the services and liabilities of India Post, emphasizing the necessity of government-prescribed rules and charges.

Simultaneously, Lok Sabha passed the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aligned with the government’s agenda to repeal obsolete laws. The move incorporates crucial provisions from the Legal Practitioners Act, 1879, into the Advocates Act, 1961, streamlining legislative enactments in the statute book.

Congress Sets Agenda: Parliamentary Strategy Group Meeting Today for Winter Session Plans

December 4, 2023, 12:33 pm

The Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group is set to convene on Monday at 5 p.m., led by Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, to outline the roadmap for the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.

Simultaneously, opposition leaders agreed to address the alleged breach related to the Ethics Committee report’s pre-publication leak to the media in an all-party meeting of the INDIA bloc, deliberating on the possible ramifications of this disclosure.

Amidst the preparation for the Winter Session’s commencement, TMC MP Mahua Moitra previously highlighted a breach of Parliamentary rules after media reports cited findings from the Ethics Committee, stating concerns about the violation of procedural norms.

The upcoming Winter Session is expected to be contentious, particularly because the Ethics Committee is scheduled to present its findings on the cash-for-question allegations involving Mahua Moitra. Opposition parties have maintained their opposition to certain government bills on the session’s agenda, most notably the bill governing appointments to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners.

To ensure a smooth session, the government held an all-party meeting on Saturday, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, to streamline discussions across party lines during the 15 sittings scheduled between December 4 and December 22.

With 21 bills on the government’s agenda, including proposals to replace key legislative acts like the IPC, the Indian Evidence Act, and the CrPC, Congress members affirmed their intent to prioritize issues affecting the public. They demanded discussions on the Ethics Committee’s report concerning allegations against TMC MP Mahua Moitra.

The upcoming session stands poised for robust debates and deliberations, with the Congress-led Strategy Group strategizing their approach and multiple parties aligning their agendas to ensure comprehensive discussions while addressing the contentious issues at hand.

All-party meeting held ahead of Winter Session of Parliament

December 2, 2023, 12:56 pm

With the upcoming Winter Session scheduled to begin on December 4, a crucial gathering of floor leaders from both houses of Parliament and different political factions occurred on Saturday. The session, presided over by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, was attended by a number of key leaders.

The Winter Session, which is scheduled to last until December 22, drew early attention as leaders convened at the Parliament Library building for deliberations, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji were among the opposition representatives, indicating broad participation across party lines.

The meeting, a day ahead of the much-awaited announcement of assembly election results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana (scheduled for December 3), is expected to have repercussions on the parliamentary session. Various exit polls have speculated diverse outcomes for the contesting parties, heightening the session’s anticipation.

Expressing optimism, Mahua Maji of JMM stated, “We are hopeful that our government will be formed in many states.” Meanwhile, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari highlighted the unreliability of exit polls, emphasizing their reliance on feedback from grassroots workers and asserting the likelihood of forming majority governments in the aforementioned states and an alliance in Mizoram.

The session is poised to address crucial bills, including those aimed at replacing the IPC, CrPC, and the Evidence Act. Additionally, the Ethics Committee’s report on the ‘cash-for-query’ allegations involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra is slated for presentation on the inaugural day of the Winter Session in Lok Sabha.

Centre Calls All-Party Meet on Dec 2 Ahead of Parliament’s Winter Session

November 27, 2023, 11:21 am

Winter Session: In preparation for the impending Winter Session of Parliament set to commence on December 4, the government has announced an all-party meeting scheduled for December 2. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi will represent the government at this gathering.

Traditionally held a day before the session starts, this all-party meeting has been rescheduled a day earlier due to the vote count for five states slated for December 3, where elections are currently underway. The Winter Session will subsequently launch following the declaration of results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, and Telangana.

Anticipations run high, as the outcome of these polls is expected to resonate significantly within the parliamentary session. Additionally, the session may deliberate on crucial bills aimed at replacing the IPC, CrPC, and the Evidence Act.

The agenda for the session includes discussions about the Ethics Committee’s report on “cash for query” allegations involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. The committee has recommended her expulsion, which has heightened interest in this aspect of the session’s discussions.

While the government works to advance its legislative agenda, opposition parties are preparing to voice their concerns and advocate for debate on issues that are important to them. The upcoming session will be an important platform for both the government and the opposition to assert their positions and address important national issues.

UP Assembly: Winter session to begin on November 28

November 11, 2023, 5:32 pm

The winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly will commence on November 28, according to an order from the Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

“Rajyapal (Governor), Uttar Pradesh has called Uttar Pradesh Eighteenth Vidhan Sabha to meet at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, the 28th November 2023 in the Vidhan Sabha Mandap, Vidhan Bhawan, Lucknow for its third session of the year,” the letter stated.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday that on the occasion of Holi in March, the state government will once again provide free gas cylinders. For this, beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana need to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar.

On the occasion of Dhanteras, the Chief Minister inaugurated the distribution campaign for free refills of cooking gas cylinders under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for 1.75 crore eligible families in the state from Lok Bhavan on Friday. Notably, the state government will spend Rs 2,312 crore on this campaign.

CM Yogi asserted, “Our government is fulfilling another announcement made in the ‘Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra’ during the Assembly elections-2022. Before 2014, people were not able to get gas connections. Even if a connection was available, they had to stand in long lines for cylinders.”

Bihar Assembly Adjourned Till 2 PM Amid Opposition’s Demand for Nitish’s Resignation

November 8, 2023, 1:16 pm

CM Nitish Kumar’s Bold Remark: The Bihar Assembly was abruptly adjourned until 2 p.m. after the start of its proceedings, as the opposition BJP persisted in demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over comments he made the previous day about women.

At the assembly’s 11 a.m. session, Leader of the Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha claimed that Kumar had become mentally unfit to govern the state and should resign. The chief minister, present in the House, stood to offer an explanation, expressing regret for his remarks. He emphasised that he has always supported women’s education and saw a direct correlation between women’s education levels and the fertility rate, explaining the context of his comments.

The chief minister, who was present in the House, rose to offer his explanation and said, “I have expressed my regret while talking to journalists outside the House. I am ready to do so again. If my words have caused any hurt, I condemn myself (main apni ninda karta hoon)”.

However, the opposition members remained resolute, storming the well of the House and demanding the chief minister’s resignation. The Speaker reminded the opposition members that they have no right to demand the resignation of the chief minister, who enjoys the confidence of the people. He also assured that any unparliamentary remarks in the chief minister’s speech would be expunged if found.

As the ruckus persisted, the Speaker adjourned the House until lunch.

Women’s wings of Left parties supporting the ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan government in the state criticised the chief minister’s remarks. AIDWA, affiliated with CPI (M), and AIPWA, linked to CPI (ML) Liberation, demanded an apology from the chief minister and described his language and body language as vulgar and indicative of patriarchy. They also criticised female members of the House for not raising objections during the session, suggesting their sole concern was their own political careers.

Bihar Assembly in Disarray Over CM Nitish’s Birth Control Comments

November 8, 2023, 12:24 pm

Chaos erupted at the Bihar Assembly during the ongoing Winter Session on Wednesday as Opposition members rushed to the well, raising slogans against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar due to his objectionable remarks on birth control made the day before.

“I apologize and take back my words,” the Bihar CM told reporters after BJP legislators prevented his entry into the legislative assembly.

On Tuesday, during a debate on caste census in the Winter Session of the Assembly, the Bihar Chief Minister sparked controversy by stating that women should be educated to avoid sexual intercourse leading to pregnancy. He emphasized the need for girls’ education to address the issue of population growth in the state.

Kumar, in his address to the Assembly, claimed that the fertility rate in the state, previously at 4.3%, had dropped to 2.9% according to a report from last year.

“I would like to apologize to those whom I may have offended with my words,” Nitish Kumar told reporters on Wednesday.

His remarks incited strong criticism from the BJP, as well as the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), who demanded an unconditional apology.

In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla condemned Kumar’s statement, calling it “despicable, disgusting, atrocious, obnoxious, and anti-women.” He expressed concerns about the impact of such remarks and behaviour within the state.

Union Minister of State Nityanand Rai also expressed strong disapproval, stating that Nitish Kumar had lost his “mental stability” and should apologize and withdraw from politics.

Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav defended Nitish Kumar, asserting that his remarks were about sex education and should not be misinterpreted as offensive. He clarified that the Chief Minister was discussing practical ways to address the issue of population growth and that this should be considered as a matter of sex education.

Haryana Assembly Winter Session underway, CM pays tribute to Sahibzaadas

December 26, 2022, 2:18 pm

Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar paid tribute to the Sahibzaadas on the occasion of the ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, as the three-day Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha got underway on Monday.

Covid protocols will be strictly followed in the assembly as there is a surge in Covid cases across the country. Instructions of wearing masks and following social distancing have been issued. CM Khattar said, “It’s a proud day for all of us. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to celebrate today as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ as a mark of respect for the sacrifice of the Sahibzaadas of Guru Gobind Singh. Both the younger Sahibzaadas sacrificed their lives for the sake of our country and religion.”

The MLAs have sent 311 starred and 171 unstarred questions so far. At present, 60 questions have been selected for three days during the draw organized under the Chairmanship of the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha.

Apart from this, three bills and two private resolutions have also been received. Twenty-six calling attention motions have been sent by the MLAs on different issues.

Parliament Winter Session to conclude on 23 December

December 20, 2022, 2:49 pm

A week ahead of the original schedule the Winter session of Parliament is likely to end on 23 December. In the meeting of the Lok Sabha Business Advisory Council (BAC) decided to adjourn the session of the Parliament on 23 December. Earlier in December the Winter Session of the Parliament began and was slated til 29 December.

Parliament winter session to end on 23 December

December 19, 2022, 1:17 pm

On behalf of the opposition, a proposal was sent to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to end the session before time and there is the possibility that the winter session may end on 23 December.