Parliament session Day 6 updates: Highlights on July 1, 2024

Congress MP from Inner Manipur, Manipur, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam says that there was no mention of Manipur violence in the President’s address and says the Indian state is a “mute spectator” of the situation in the State.

He says nearly 60,000 people have become homeless and are languishing in relief camps due to the “civil-war like” situation in Manipur. He blames the Centre for neglecting Manipur. 

“If you have an iota of concern for this State, there would not have been a silence in this House or in the Presidential address,” he says. BJP’s Nishikant Dubey raises a point of order against the remarks.

Mr. Akoijam continues and says he will not speak about the issue only if the Prime Minister speaks about the issue.

The session concludes and the House is adjourned till 11a.m. on July 02, 2024.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore says the President’s address was disappointing and contained no mention about welfare measures taken for the people. He says that only 111 BJP members out of the 303 previously made it back to the House due to the clear mandate from people. Politics of hate and governance for Adani have been defeated, he says. He also says that the BJP has no absolute majority in the House and Modi has formed a coalition government and no one knows how long this government will last. He says the composition of the House has changed.

He alleges Modi government works only for the welfare of Adani and believes that is real Vikas but 80 crore people in the country still rely on ration shops. He says the government only runs for the rich and elite.

Mr. Tagore says those who betrayed the Tamils will never win. He says caste census and raising the cap on reservation for OBC, SC, ST from 50% to 75% are need for implementing true social justice. 

He says the BJP’s “friends” the BJD and the AIADMK won no seats and the YSRCP got only four seats after the elections, warning the JD(U), the Telugu Desam Party and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena will face the same fate.

The Lok Sabha session has been extended by two more hours. The 16-hour debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address in Lok Sabha commenced this morning, with the House set to sit till late night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to respond on July 2 evening to the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, PTI sources said.

The 16-hour debate in Lok Sabha commenced this morning, with the House set to sit till late Monday night.

The debate is likely to conclude on Tuesday evening, following which Mr. Modi would respond, the sources said.

The debate on the Motion of Thanks could not begin on Friday due to repeated disruptions caused by the Opposition over the NEET exam paper leak issue.

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said had B.R. Ambedkar not been there, India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru would have ended reservation.

Participating in the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Mr. Shinde said the Congress had faced defeat in three elections on the trot but has not lost its arrogance. Mr. Shinde also slammed the Congress for alleging that the NDA government was undermining the Constitution.

“Jawaharlal Nehru’s descendants are talking about reservations and Constitution. Had Ambedkar not been there, Nehru would have ended reservation,” Mr. Shinde, a three-term member from the Kalyan Lok Sabha seat, said.

PTI

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla named a panel of chairpersons to help him run the House proceedings.

Mr. Birla named Jagdambika Pal, P.C. Mohan, Sandhya Rai, Dilip Saikia, Selja, A. Raja, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Krishna Prasad and Avdhesh Prasad on the panel.

Members of the panel of chairpersons preside over the House proceedings when the Speaker is not in the Chair. They enjoy all powers vested in the Speaker.

PTI

Firebrand BJP MP Sambit Patra hit out at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s remarks that ruling party members are “not Hindus” as they promote division and violence, and asserted Hindus have never committed violence.

“Today, some people spoke against Sanatan Dharma. It pains me to see the way Hindu traditions are being criticised. I am a Hindu, and I am not violent. Hindus have never committed violence. Today, the DMK criticised Hindus and said they enslave women. Hindus worship women as goddesses, not enslave them,” the first-time MP said.

“We have double happiness: first, our government has been formed, and second, Rahul Gandhi has become the Leader of the Opposition...They (the opposition) are not unhappy that their government wasn’t formed; they are happy because we didn’t cross 400 seats.” Mr. Patra highlighted the achievements of the Modi government, and said that for the first time in Indian political history, discussions now revolve around the tangible benefits delivered to the people.

PTI

Home Minister Amit Shah urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek verification of several claims made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during his speech.

Intervening in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha after Mr. Gandhi’s “not Hindu” jibe at the BJP, Mr. Shah demanded he apologise to not only the House but to the country.

“He has categorically said that those who call themselves Hindus engage in violence. Crores of people in the country proudly call themselves Hindus. Are they all speaking about violence? Linking violence to any religion, that too by somebody holding a constitutional position... I believe he should apologise,” the Home Minister said.

PTI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s appeasement politics starts and ends with Hindu hate, and all the members of the Opposition alliance follow his language. Ms. Sitharaman said this in response to a statement by Mr. Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan slammed Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress leader started opposing the devotees of Lord Shiva in his attempt to oppose the government.

Mr. Paswan also accused the former Congress president of lowering the dignity of the post of the Leader of Opposition.

Asked about Mr. Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader said no follower of Lord Shiva will tolerate the way he waved the Hindu God’s picture in the Lok Sabha.

“The post of the Leader of Opposition has dignity. You cannot make statements like that,” Mr. Paswan said outside the House.

PTI

Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Kiren Rijiju accused Rahul Gandhi of denigrating the responsible position of the Leader of Opposition with his “extremely irresponsible” speech in the Lok Sabha.

They also accused Mr. Gandhi of inflicting “grave insult” on the Hindus by allegedly linking them with violence and spreading untruth. Mr. Rijiju said the ruling BJP has challenged many of the claims made by Mr. Gandhi in his speech in the Lok Sabha and has sought action from the Speaker.

He will have to substantiate or tender an apology, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, slamming his allegations on Agnipath scheme and compensation for the residents of Ayodhya during development projects there.

PTI

DMK leader A. Raja called for a caste-based census as he condemned the government’s policies and actions and emphasised the necessity of equality and inclusivity.

Speaking during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Mr. Raja underscored the importance of a caste-based census, arguing that true integration of Hindus can only be achieved by acknowledging and addressing caste disparities.

“We are all Hindus. I am a Hindu according to the law in the Constitution since I am not a Mohammadan, not a Christian, not a Buddhist, not a Parsi. The law says this is Hindu,” Mr. Raja explained.

PTI

Talking about a retrospective view about ongoing cases, the Chandigarh MP held the introduction could create confusion in India’s courts. Mr Tewari held the laws were passed after the suspension of 146 members in both houses combined. Thus, he held, “The law does not reflect the collective wisdom of members from both houses.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra hit out at the ruling party for suspending her in the last Lok Sabha session, saying they paid a very heavy price for throttling her voice which led to loss of 63 BJP MPs.

Read the full story here

Mr Tewari enumerated that any government is assessed on five essential parameters, namely: national security, economic development, institutional reforms, international affairs and diplomacy as well as communal harmony. The Chandigarh MP held the NDA-BJP combine had failed to deliver on all the parameters. 

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till July 2 at 11 a.m.

As the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of calling Hindus violent, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said her brother did not insult Hindus, but was talking about the saffron party and its leaders.

“He cannot insult Hindus. He said it very clearly. He talked about the BJP, he talked about BJP leaders,” Priyanka Gandhi said while leaving the Parliament building along with her mother Sonia Gandhi, after Rahul Gandhi’s maiden speech as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

PTI

Mr Raja held that Mughals came to the land and ruled from here. Comparing this to British rule flowing from England, he held that cannot be compared to Mughal rule. Emphasising the logic, “If you say Mughals are alien, part of our Indian society Aryans are also aliens,” he held. 

Mr Raja stated that the former Prime Minister had expressed regret, apologised - which was accepted and she returned to power. 

She stated that people of India would wait for the honour be restored. She concluded her speech voicing “Joi Somvidhaan”. 

NCP MP Praful Patel says that we have been able to keep democracy alive only because of the Constitution. 

He touches upon the issue of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha politicians being retained to help the P.V Narasimha Rao government, causing a chorus of protests in the House and demands by members to authenticate his statements. He also brings up the U.S India nuclear deal. 

Who is responsble for constitutional morality, who is responsible for running the government according to the constitution, he asks the Opposition. To save your governments you are prepared to compromise anything, pay bribes, get down to whatever level, he asserts, saying that many people have been giving lectures in the House. 

The Krishnanagar MP said while people would ask her about the expulsion and resultant “loss”, she gained “the freedom from fear”. 

“I will see the end of you. People of India are patient, they will wait patiently for this government to fall,” she stated. 

​

Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha speech: ‘You are not Hindus’ dig at BJP draws protests

Rahul Gandhi criticizes BJP in Lok Sabha, emphasizing non-violence and courage across all religions, sparking heated debate.

Referring to the recent incidents of train accidents, Ms Moitra said implementing Kavach security mechanism in entire India would cost Rs 63,000 crore. She reasoned this would be the same for putting in place a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. 

Responding to comparisons from the past, she held, “False equivalences cannot take place of body bags”. 

She told the house that the country has been “ashamed and disgusted” with the language used against the minorities during the election campaign. Ms Moitra further stated the opposition stood notwithstanding the alleged intimidation by investigative agencies. 

She held this was the reason BJP suffered politically in the general elections. 

The Krishanagar MP responding to the President’s address held that the speech did not mention Manipur. “We do not need you to act East, we need you to embrace East,” she said. 

Touching upon women empowerment, she held the reservation in parliament as a means of empowerment was “completely untruth”. She further accused the treasury of delaying the bill for their convenience.

Leader of the House suggests to Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar that remarks of AAP MP Sanjay Singh be expunged from the record. Mr. Singh says that any of his words which are not in order may be struck out. 

Mr. Singh says that Mr. Raut, himself and Mr. Kejriwal were released from jail and that the Court said there was no connection between Mr. Kejriwal and the money trial. Mr. Dhankhar highlights that the issue being discussed is sub judice.

Quoting Vajpayee, Mr. Singh urges the centre to do politics with a big mind. It is not right to target Opposition members, it is bad politics, he says. Who put the persons in jail, Chair Dhankhar asks, to which Mr. Singh says that it is the Centre’s enforcement agencies, by creating false charges. To which Chair says that it is the legal system. 

Mr. Singh continues his speech, cautioning that whatever party is in charge should not put Opposition members in jail, this will destroy the party. 

This election has given you a result to think about he says. The speech talks about a clear mandate, but the BJP only won 240 seats, he points out, stating that this is fewer than Modi’s ‘400 paar’ slogan. You should think about your shortcomings, he says to the BJP, asserting that arrogance is one of their weaknesses. 

Mr. Singh also highlights how much money was spent on infrastructure for Ayodhya, noting that there was water leakage in the Ram temple. Mr. Dhankhar said that he shoud check his assertions, and that he cannot make a speech in the House as he does outside. 

He also asks the party to not become Bharatiya Jaghada Party. 

Mr Gandhi further urged the treasury of listening to the students and farmers of the country. “The students of India will say we love the government because they allowed us to speak,” he held. The leader of opposition reiterated the opposition benches were not his enemies, but there to help their job easier provided they adhere to “basic principles we have stated”. He had separately stated that the treasury must allow listen to the opposition when they demand a debate on a certain issue. 

Mr Gandhi comparing the difference in Mr Birla’s shaking of hands with him and Mr Modi, held it pointed to the existence of fear. Mr Birla responded stating that his cultural values held elders must be respected. To this, Mr Gandhi held the speaker is the “last word”. 

Recalling his interactions from NEET students, he alleged the exam was designed for “rich students and not meritorious students”. He alleged the exam, recalling the interactions, was “not to help the poor students”. 

Mr Gandhi alleged this was one of the reasons why the BJP focused on imparting fear.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh rises to speak. He says that several untoward things happened during the elections. He highlights that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested before the elections, and that central agencies such as ED and CBI were used to target Opposition. 

He alleges that the liquor excise policy scam was done by the BJP taking Rs. 7 crore bribe from Sharath Reddy. You have done the work of taking bribes and corruption through electoral bonds, he asserts. 

House members erupt in protest following Mr. Singh’s remarks. 

Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav had earlier urged the speaker to exercise his right to prohibit the Leader of Opposition from raising issues of no relevance recurrently. The Dum Dum MP, referring to rules, that Mr Gandhi did not use “defamatory” or “treacherous” language. 

CPI MP Binoy Viswam says that the people are the powerful in the Constitution, not the Sengol he said. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva says that the DMK party was the worst sufferer of the Emergency era, but Mrs. Gandhi came to Chennai and expressed her regret for her actions. He says that this was a declared emergency, but what of the undeclared emergency going on in the BJP. He quesions that fact that several communities, including Tamils in Sri Lanka were left out of the CAA. 

Mr Gandhi also accused the government of turning professional exams into a commercial exam. Specifically referring to NEET, he said, “The exams seems to be designed for the rich. Even if you top the exam, s/he could be an excellent student but would not be able to attend a college if they do not have money.”

Mr Gandhi alleged the government did not support the Opposition’s plea to find an amicable solution on the “institutional failure”. 

Raising issues relating to minimum support price and loan waivers in light of the farmers’ protests, Mr Gandhi held that the government was not only ignorant of their plight but labelled them as terrorists. To this, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took exception for making an incorrect statement. 

On the MSP issues, Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan said MSP was indeed being given and asked Mr Gandhi to not put out incorrect statements. Responding to this, Mr Gandhi clarified that farmers were seeking legal guarantees on MSP. 

The leader of opposition, responding to treasury’s murmurs about what he was doing in Gujarat, held that he goes to the state often. He further held that opposition alliance would defeat the BJP in the state assembly elections. 

Mr Gandhi alleged the policies undertaken by the government were pursued only to benefit “Prime Minister Modi’s industrialist friends”. 

Mr Gandhi alleged that it seemed the Prime Minister and Home Minister were not concerned about the plight of Manipur because they did not consider it to be a part of the country. 

Mr Gandhi alleged like demonetisation, the ‘agniveer’ scheme was devised arbitrarily by the Prime Minister’s office. To this, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh elaborated that the scheme was associated with 158 organisations and thus was not discriminating on the basis of employment.

Mr Gandhi recalling his experience from the Bharat Jodho Yatra, held that the ‘Agniveer’ scheme was discriminating among soldiers. He held that the agniveers were neither accorded the status of martyr if they lost their lives in a war, nor are they accorded a pension. Responding to the allegations, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held Mr Gandhi’s remarks were factually incorrect. Mr Singh held that agniveers losing their lives in a war were given a compensation of Rs 1 crore. 

Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah raised a point of order and sought an apology from the LoP to agniveers and the entire country. 

Mr Gandhi continuing his speech stated that Ayodhya has sent across a message to the treasury. He pointed to residents of Ayodhya not being compensated for lands taken to built the Ayodhya airport. The Congress leader further stated that residents of the city were landed homeless for the surrounding infrastructure. 

“They became further unhappy when Mr Adani was called for the inauguration, but not the residents of Ayodhya”, he stated. 

YSRCP MP Meda Ragunandha Reddy makes maiden speech in Rajya Sabha, noting India’s achievements on a global stage, including its contributions as part of the G-20 grouping. 

The Women’s Reservation Bill was the probably the most historic and one of the biggest achievements of the NDA government, he says, calling it a milestone in Bharat’s journey towards gender parity. 

He also lists the landmark steps taken by ISRO and the moon mission, and requests the Prime Minister to recognise the important role of ISRO in the nation. 

He also touches upon violence against YSRCP members in Andhra Pradesh, to which Chair Harivansh reminds the member that law and order is a State subject. Mr. Reddy urges the central authorities to intervene and ensure justice and safety for all affected communities. 

He raises the issue of Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, saying that it has been assured by the highest authorities. YSRCP will continue to raise the demand for SCS for Andhra Pradesh, he says. 

Responding to the allegation, Speaker Om Birla held that he did not possess mic controls and would endow opportunity whenever a members seeks as per norms. He also raised concerns about the content of Mr Gandhi’s speech. 

The Leader of Opposition reiterated that he held immense respect for the speaker’s post, but stated his mic was muted the moment he uttered ‘Ayodhya’. 

Mr Yadav observed that Mr Gandhi did not address the chair in an appropriate fashion and comments were out of line. Mr Shah added that the Hindu religion is followed by millions in the country and Mr Gandhi should apologise for his remarks and calling them violent. He further asked Mr Gandhi to consult Islamic teachers about his assertions linking teachings of Islam to ‘Abhay Mudra’. 

Mr Shah sought the Leader of Opposition must all in all apologise for his remarks. 

Telecommunications Act was operationalised a few days ago, AITC MP Jawhar Sircar says, highlighting that this too was passed when several members were not in the House. 

Nobody stays in power for eternity, you will also suffer the consequences and mischief of this Act, he cautions. This is entirely aimed at criminalising and terrorising those who have stood up to this government in the recent past like Ravish Kumar, Kunal Kamra, and Dhruv Rathee, he says. 

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking exception on Mr Gandhi’s Hindu remarks, held that it was a cause of serious concern to call the entire Hindu community “violent”. Mr Gandhi protested that Mr Modi, BJP and RSS were not the entire Hindu community, clarifying that the remarks were made against them. 

Our safe criminal laws have been discarded without discussion when 144 MPs were absent, MP Jawhar Sircar asks

He says that section 150 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita brings in an “interesting provision”-- one who excites people or stokes feeling of hatred can be banned and arrested. Do we remember somebody who was stoking feelings and exciting people with mangalsutras, with one community being called jihadis and Sikhs as Khalistanis, he says, referring to certain remarks made during the election campaign. Will he come under this Act, I want a clarification from the Home Minister, he asks. 

You are stopping fasting as a political weapon, he asserts, further noting that Section 149 authorises the police to go and break up any form of political agitation. Please reconsider this law in a full house and then come to the bar, he says. 

Mr Gandhi presenting religious posters of Lord Shiva, Baba Guru Nanak and teachings of Islam, said beliefs that shaped the country hold the country espouses non-violence but does not espouse falling to fear. The Congress leader held the treasury promoting violence, were not Hindus at all. This led to loud protests by members of the treasury. 

Mr Gandhi commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous assertions, stating that it exhibited Prime Minister’s ignorance. He also took a dig at Mr Modi’s remarks about having a divine purpose. 

AITC MP Jawhar Sircar from West Bengal replies to the motion of thanks on the President’s speech. He says the government should achieve something instead of relying on publicity created by an ad agency. 

Saying that the government keeps talking about GDP, he highlights that per-capita GDP of India is 120th in the world, and that inequality has reached record levels. 

He says that West Bengal is suffering from an economic blockade from the Centre. 

Responding to treasury members stating they are still in opposition, Mr Gandhi held that he was “proud” to be in the opposition. He elaborated, “For us there is more than power, there is truth. You only is power.” 

He pointed to the significance of ‘Abhay Mudra’ in espousing not to be let down by fear.

Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar says that when a portion of the LoP’s speech is deleted, its dissemination and propogation would amount to contempt of the Parliament. He points out that the section of the speech by Mallikarjun Kharge was also tweeted by the party’s official handle. 

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, responding to loud sloganeering from the treasury benches, initiates his speech presenting a copy of the constitution with a remark holding that it was good to see BJP talking about ‘samvidhaan’ more often. Mr Gandhi initiated his address introducing that there “was a systematic attack on the constitution, full-scale assault on the idea of India and those who resisted the idea of BJP”. 

Mr Gandhi puts on view a picture of Lord Shiva to highlight the source of relentless exhibited by the opposition during what he defined the “period of resistance”. 

After the conclusion of LoP Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech, the House is adjourned for a break till 2:15 pm today

If there was a leader like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this situation would not arise, LoP Mallikarjun Kharge says, calling the remarks by the members “poisonous” and asserting that the government has built up on lies. He also quotes Mr. Vajpayee’s remarks pertaining to RSS.

The organisation has taken over posts of vice-chancellors and professors at universities as well as at NCERT and other educational organisations, Mr. Kharge says.

Chairman Dhankhar interrupts, says the comment will be expunged. “Is it a crime to be a member of any organisation?” he says.

The House erupts in protests. “RSS is an organisation that works for the country and is internationally renowned,” Mr. Dhankhar says.

The organisation’s ideology is dangerous for the country, LoP Kharge says.

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda responds, says that LoP Kharge’s comments are “irresponsible” and should be expunged. Mr. Dhankhar agrees.

Read more here

Highlighting achievements of the Centre, Ms. Swaraj said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government hold the distinction of fulfilling all promises made to Indian citizens. The first-time MP made the remarks during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Lok Sabha.

Mr. Kharge accuses Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar of not allowing an “authentic” discussion on the issue that affects thousands of students. 

“Your information is not authentic,” Mr. Dhankhar responds.

On the sixth day of the Parliament session, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 1 recalled the 1985 bombing of the Air India Kanishka aircraft as “one of the darkest days in the fight against terrorism”. Read more ​here​

“Bihar is the land that has given a new direction to the fight for social justice. I wish to declare from this soil that I will foil the plans of the INDIA bloc to rob the SCs, STs and OBC of their rights and divert those to Muslims. They may remain enslaved and perform ‘mujra’ to please their vote bank,” the Prime Minister had said while addressing a poll rally in Bihar in May. Read more here

The BJP MP congratulated Rahul Gandhi for being appointed the Leader of the Opposition. “This is important because Mr. Gandhi has all these years enjoyed power without responsibility. Now he has power and will have to take responsibility. Third term is not a test of PM Modi, but the last test of the Opposition... Absentee landlordism won’t work,” Mr. Thakur remarked. 

The Opposition erupts in protest.

Congress MPs, including P. Chidambaram, protest against Mr. Dhankhar’s statements.

LoP Kharge recalls statements from PM Modi’s speeches during election campaigning. The Prime Minister insulted the voters and Opposition parties like Congress, RJD, SP, TMC, and more, Mr. Kharge says.

House protests.

Members of the Opposition clashed with Anurag Thakur over the BJP MP’s remarks on the success of the previous NDA government regarding the construction of Ram Temple. When Dayanidhi Maran interrupted, the BJP MP raised Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments on ‘Sanatan Dharma.’

The Speaker intervened, asking the Opposition not to disrupt proceedings. 

On behalf of the House, I extend my congratulations to the team, the coach, the ground staff, the management, the BCCI and everyone connected with the team, Mr. Dhankhar said.

Read more here

He asks why the prime minister never visited Manipur which has been torn by ethnic violence for over a year now, even when he had the time to campaign extensively during the elections and also visit foreign countries.

When LoP raises an issue, the government is allowed to respond, says Mr. Rijiju. 

LoP Mallikarjun Kharge has alleged that the government placed statues of important historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi in areas that aren’t easily visible without any consultations, akin to an “authoritarian rule”.

Mr. Rijiju refutes, says that all statues are now placed at Prerna Sthal.

The Lok Sabha has begun discussion on President’s address. This came after LoP Rahul Gandhi urged the Speaker to allow one-day discussion on NEET row. The Speaker, however, asks the Opposition to submit a notice on the same. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that “Parliament proceedings should be carried out as per rules and traditions. “I request the Opposition that any discussion should be done only after the Motion of thanks on President’s address,” the Minister said.

As BJP MP Anurag Thakur initiated debate on President’s address, the Opposition walked out over the NEET issue.

Mr. Kharge says that the NDA government has attempted to reduce the importance of Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the history of the country.

Mr. Dhankhar is interrupted by Opposition MPs after the Chairman stops LoP Kharge to respond.

“BJP said they wanted to cross 400 seats...some party leaders also said they will change the Constitution too,” Mr. Kharge says. He alludes to the RSS President but follows up with a declaration that he “does not want to name him”. Mr. Dhankhar expresses his regret at the statement.

The House is debating on Motion of Thanks on President’s Address. 

“The President said that we should work together...but these statements seem to be limited to speeches only,” Mr. Kharge says.

The LoP also says that voting in rural areas was higher than richer, urban areas.

Mr. Dhankhar recalls that President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the joint session of both Houses, had mentioned that the government is committed to fair investigations.

“Such historical accomplishments inspire every citizen of our nation to dream big, work hard, and achieve imminence,” Mr. Dhankhar says. 

He also congratulates the South African team for their excellent performance.

All 329 people on board the flight were killed when a bomb in the aircraft exploded mid-air and it crashed near the west coast of Ireland. The aircraft had left from Montreal for London en route New Delhi. Of the 329 people, 22 were Indian citizens, while most other passengers were foreign nationals of Indian origin.

Read more here

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were stalled for a brief period amid Opposition uproar after Speaker Om Birla declined to admit notices moved by members of the Opposition. Addressing concerns over silencing of microphones of Opposition members in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Birla clarified that he no control over mics of members.

After a brief disruption, proceedings resumed as per revised list of business. Ministers laid papers on the table of the House followed by the House taking up motions for elections of committees. 

Mr. Dhankhar informs the House that the MP was administered the oath before proceedings began, in his chamber.

Speaker Om Birla congratulated members of the Indian cricket team on their T20 World Cup win, saying the country is proud of them.

Proceedings began on Monday morning with obituary reference to former member P.M. Subba. Speaker Om Birla also made obituary reference to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border in May.

Opposition MPs chant “Jai Samvidhan” (hail the Constitution) as the Chairman arrives.

Mr. Dhankhar extends birthday greetings to MPs Abdul Wahab, Sumitra Balmik, Elamaram Kareem, and V. Vijayasai Reddy.

The MP requested suspension of usual business to discuss the “failure of National Testing Agency” in Parliament.

The Congress said Parliament should pass a law to enable reservations to exceed the 50% cap, a day after NDA constituent Janata Dal (United) demanded that the quota increase in Bihar be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.

At a meeting of the JD(U) national executive here on Saturday, the party expressed concern over a recent Patna High Court verdict striking down the Bihar government’s decision to increase the quota for the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to 65% from 50%.

- PTI