Constitution Debate Live Updates: TMC MP Mahua Moitra's reference to judge Loya's death sparks uproar in Lok Sabha, Rijiju warns of action

NDA candidates elected unopposed in Andhra Rajya Sabha by-elections

Three candidates for the Rajya Sabha bye-elections from Andhra Pradesh-S Satish Babu and B Mastan Rao Yadav from TDP, and R Krishnaiah from BJP-were elected unopposed on Friday.

The press release from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer stated, "The 2024 Rajya Sabha by-elections to fill three casual vacancies from Andhra Pradesh are uncontested, and the following candidates have been declared elected," listing the names of Babu, Yadav, and Krishnaiah.

As only three NDA candidates filed nominations, their election to the Rajya Sabha was expected to be a foregone conclusion after the scrutiny of nominations and other formalities.

These candidates secured victory in the by-election one week ahead of the scheduled election date of December 20, as there were no opponents.

The TDP-led NDA alliance holds a dominant majority of 164 seats in the southern state's Assembly, with TDP, BJP, and Janasena forming the ruling alliance.

TDP has 135 Assembly seats, followed by Janasena with 21 and BJP with 8.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, TDP had no representation in the Council of States for almost a year, as it refrained from contesting the Rajya Sabha elections earlier in 2024 due to a lack of sufficient MLAs. This situation has now changed.

Reservation would have ended in country if BJP wasn't there: Jagdambika Pal in LS

BJP MP Jagdambika Pal on Friday said the SC/ST reservation in the country would have been discontinued if his party was not in power at the Centre.

Participating in a two-day debate in Lok Sabha on the "Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India", the Domariyaganj MP attacked opposition members for allegedly not fulfilling their Constitutional responsibility of attending the Parliament session but visiting Hathras and Sambhal.

"The SC-ST reservation was extended till 2030 by the BJP Government. If BJP govt was not there, reservation would have been discontinued in the country. We are protecting the laws of the country. They talk about backward classes during elections, who gave them the constitutional status? Our government," he said.

"They are talking about Constitution but are they fulfilling their Constitutional responsibility? When the Parliament session is going on, they are going to Hathras or Sambhal and not attending House daily," added Pal.

EX-BJD MP Sujeet Kumar elected to Rajya Sabha as BJP candidate unopposed

BJP candidate Sujeet Kumar was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Odisha on Friday, officials said. Kumar was a BJD MP but quit the party and gave up his membership of the Rajya Sabha in September to join the BJP, forcing the by-election in the seat. The BJP nominated him for the by-election, which he won unopposed.

"I will work with full dedication for the people of Kalahandi district and the state. I have the experience in Rajya Sabha," he told reporters after being handed the certificate of election at the Odisha assembly.

In July, Kumar's colleague Mamata Mohanta had done the same by giving up her Rajya Sabha membership as a BJD MP to join the BJP, and then return to the House after forcing a by-election.

With the election of Kumar, BJP's strength in Rajya Sabha from Odisha increased to three. The third MP is Railway, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The opposition BJD holds the other seven Rajya Sabha seats from the state.

'Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should not have used word 'coward' in her LS speech,' says BJP MP Manoj Tiwari

Reacting to the Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's address in the Lok Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari on Friday said that all leadersof his party listened to her and that the Congress leaders must also learn to do the same. He further added that Priyanka Gandhi should not have not used the word coward during her maiden address in the Lok Sabha.

"The most important thing was that we listened to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's speech very carefully. All our MPs respected her a lot...The Congress must also learn to listen when our party leaders speak... There was nothing special in what she said... She (Priyanka Gandhi) perhaps unknowingly said a lot of bad things about the government of Himachal Pradesh...She said that the people of the country remove cowards, which is correct because the people of the country have removed Congress...." said Manoj Tiwari.

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge lauded Priyanka Gandhi on her first speech in the Parliament saying that she presented the facts before the government about how the constitution is being "misused" and lack of women's protection.

"Excellent speech. Very good. She put all the facts before the Government - how the Constitution is being misused and they are not protecting women and the people of this country...We are very happy about her performance," Kharge said.

I think it is the BJP's own guilty conscience that is causing it to react in that way, says TMC MP Mahua Moitra

"What I've said... It was an absolute test of how the BJP government and the ruling party have destroyed the Constitution by a thousand cuts, and I explained in great detail using every test of electoral accountability which the political executive has failed, and I didn't say anything if you have listen to my speech. I think it is the BJP's own guilty conscience that is causing it to react in that way," said TMC MP Mahua Moitra.

Ayushman Bharat making strides in bringing millions under health cover, says study: Parliament told

A government study carried out in some states observed that the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme since its implementation has been instrumental in increasing access to health care and in reducing out-of-pocket expenditures among beneficiaries, the Lok Sabha was told on Friday. A baseline study was commissioned by the government in 2019-2020 to understand the impact of Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) across the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

The study covered a sample of 72,636 individuals, Minister of State for Health Pratap Rao Jadhav said in a written reply.

It revealed that beneficiaries were satisfied with the quality of medical services received under AB-PMJAY, Rao said.

The study also recommended strategies to increase awareness of the scheme, addressing barriers in accessing healthcare, replicating experiences from other settings like dedicated staff to guide beneficiaries, and establishing communication channels to allow people to voice their concerns.

The beneficiary base of the scheme has been continuously progressing from 10.74 crore Socio-economic caste census/Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana families to 12 crore poor and vulnerable families in January 2022, the study said.

This base has been further expanded with the inclusion of 37 lakh Accredited Social Health Activist/Anganwadi Workers/Anganwadi Helpers and their families in February 2024.

Politicians shouldn't have Constitution in hand but in heart: LJP MP Shambhavi in Lok Sabha

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) MP Shambhavi on Friday attacked the Congress in Lok Sabha, asserting that politicians should not have Constitution in their hand but they should have it in their heart. Everybody witnessed how the Constitution was attacked during the Emergency, she also said.

Participating in the two-day debate in Lok Sabha on 'Discussion on the Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India', the Samastipur MP said the NDA government has strengthened the Constitution.

"The Constitution should not be in the hands of a leader. It should be in their heart. It is not only articles or principles but it also a sacred text, the trust of common man," she said.

The MP said the Constitution is the hope for the citizens who feel they are independent, strong and safe, she said.

"You talk about the Constitution and Centre-state relations but let me tell you, during Indira Gandhi's tenure, President's rule was imposed 35 times in 11 years. Our government has kept the Constitution's principles firm and has strengthened them. We all saw the way the Constitution was attacked during the Emergency," she added.

'No one above Constitution of India,' says CPI MP Sandosh on no-confidence motion against Dhankhar

Days after Congress-led opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar on Friday said that there is nothing wrong with the notice of impeachment and that nobody in the country is above the Constitution of the country.

"...We have every right to file a notice in accordance with the constitutional provisions. So we have given a notice for impeachment. What is wrong in it?... Whether you are an ordinary man, Parliament member, Minister, President or Vice President, no one is above the Constitution of India..." the CPI MP told ANI.

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, taking a shot at Dhankar, highlighted the importance of the chairman's role by comparing it to an umpire and suggested "not take anyone's side."

"The Chairman is an umpire and he should not take anyone's side. When the Leader of the House JP Nadda speaks, he gets 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, we keep our hands up for a chance to speak and our mics are turned off," Kharge said.

VP doesn't let Opposition speak and insults Dalits: Congress' Jairam Ramesh slams Jagdeep Dhankhar

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of undermining the Opposition and failing to uphold the dignity of the Rajya Sabha.

Speaking about the no-confidence motion filed against Dhankhar, Ramesh said, "Our no-confidence motion is against the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He doesn't let the Opposition speak and insults Dalits. The Chairman is supposed to run the House, not provide a running commentary. He can't demand respect; he must command respect. This is a one-sided democracy." Ramesh's comments reflect growing discontent within the opposition over what they perceive as Dhankhar's biased handling of parliamentary proceedings.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil criticised the ruling party for the recent chaos in the Rajya Sabha. Speaking to ANI, Gohil said, "Previously, this Parliament was attacked by terrorists, but today the dignity of democracy and Parliament is being attacked from within, and the ruling party is responsible for this. The most senior leader, Kharge sir, has been abused."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also took aim at Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, emphasising the importance of the Chairman's impartiality by comparing the role to that of an umpire and urging neutrality. Speaking to ANI after a heated exchange with Dhankhar in the House on Friday, Kharge highlighted inequalities in the time allotted for opposition and ruling party leaders to speak. "The Chairman is an umpire and should not take sides. When the Leader of the House, JP Nadda, speaks, he gets 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, we keep raising our hands for a chance to speak, and our mics are turned off," Kharge said.

Mahua's reference to judge Loya's death sparks uproar in Lok Sabha, Rijiju warns of action

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra's reference to the death of judge B H Loya "long before his time" created uproar in Lok Sabha on Friday as Union minister Kiren Rijiju accused her of raising a matter settled by the Supreme Court, and warned of "appropriate parliamentary action". Participating in a debate on 75 years of the Indian Constitution,

Moitra made a passing, but contentious, remarks on Loya's death as she attacked the ruling BJP for allegedly targeting institutions and opposition leaders to silence critical voices.

The House was adjourned briefly twice due to the uproar over the matter.

BJP member Nishikant Dubey first raised the issue after her speech was over. He also objected to her criticism of former chief justice of India D Y Chandrachud, who recently retired, for a host of reasons, including receiving Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence during the Ganapati festival.

Dubey accused Moitra of making insinuation about Loya's death.

Rijiju said the case is settled and the TMC MP's remarks were very serious. There is no question of any link or interference, he added.

The Supreme Court, while hearing some pleas, had ruled out any foul play in the death of Loya, saying he had died of natural causes.

His death in 2014 had created a major row following a media report alleging foul play, as he was hearing a politically sensitive case. After looking into the matter, the apex court had said there was no merit in PILs alleging foul play.

Rijiju, also the parliamentary affairs minister said, "We will take appropriate parliamentary action. You cannot escape. You are setting a very wrong precedent."

Speaker Om Birla said he will look into the records.

TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee declared winner uncontested in RS bypoll

Trinamool Congress candidate for the Rajya Sabha by-elections, Ritabrata Banerjee, was declared winner uncontested on Friday. Banerjee was handed the certificate as winner by a West Bengal Assembly secretariat official on Friday.

State Parliamentary Minister Sovandeb Chatterjee told PTI, "Ritabrata Banerjee was declared winner and there was no contestant from any other party."

The TMC, in a post on X, congratulated Banerjee on being elected as a member of the Upper House of Parliament. The TMC also shared an image of the certificate with the post.

"His dedication to public service will further strengthen the nation's legislative framework," the TMC said in the post.

Banerjee was accompanied by TMC chief whip Nirmal Ghosh and senior minister Aroop Biswas while receiving the certificate in the assembly.

Banerjee had filed his nomination papers in the West Bengal Assembly on December 9 as the TMC candidate.

'It was commendable, praiseworthy': TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha lauds Priyanka Gandhi's maiden address

TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha on Friday lauded the maiden address of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Lok Sabha, saying that the way she presented her speech was commendable and praiseworthy.

Praising Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sinha said, "I appreciate her."

"...It was commendable and praiseworthy. She presented it (speech) with maturity and depth of the subject...I appreciate her," he said.

Earlier today, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also lauded Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's maiden speech in the Lok Sabha and said that her speech was better than his.

"Wonderful speech. Better than my maiden speech, let's put it like that," Rahul Gandhi said.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi called Priyanka Gandhi's speech "Excellent."

Constitution Debate Live Updates: Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 6.15 pm

The Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 6.15 pm amid uproar over Mahua Moitra's remark during Constitution debate.

Former NCW chief Rekha Sharma elected unopposed in Rajya Sabha bypolls

Former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma, was elected unopposed in the Rajya Sabha by-election from Haryana on Friday.
Sharma collected her certificate from the returning officer in Chandigarh today.

Speaking to ANI, Sharma asserted that she will work for the empowerment of women.

"...My priority is to raise the voices of people. A candidate is sent to Rajya Sabha so that they raise the voices of people. I have come from the Women's Commission; I have worked for 9 years. So, I will do whatever it is needed for their empowerment," the newly elected Rajya Sabha MP said.

Earlier, on Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced Sharma's name for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Haryana.

On Tuesday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had congratulated Sharma Sharma on her nomination from Haryana.

Constitution Debate Live Updates: Lok Sabha adjourned for half-an-hour

The Lok Sabha proceedings have been adjourned for 30 minutes following an uproar between BJP and opposition members over remarks by TMC leader Mahua Moitra.

After abrogation of Article 370, free speech of people of J&K have been hampered, says Mahua Moitra

Mahua Moitra in her Lok Sabha address attacked the BJP government over the abrogation of Article 370 in the Jammu and Kashmir and said that the free speech of J&K people have been hampered.

Agencies like ED and CBI have turned into extortionist departments of the government, says Mahua Moitra

"Agencies like ED and CBI have turned into extortionist departments of the government," Mahua Moitra attacks the Central government in Lok Sabha.

PM has not understood 'Bharat ka Samvidhan' is not 'Sangh ka Vidhan': Priyanka Gandhi

17:01 PTI -New Delhi, Dec 13 (PTI) It seems Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not understood that it is 'Bharat ka Samvidhan' not 'Sangh ka Vidhan', Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Friday while launching a blistering attack against the BJP in her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha. Had it not been for the Lok Sabha poll results, the ruling party would have started changing the Constitution, the newly elected Wayanad MP claimed during a debate on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha.
She described the Constitution as a 'suraksha kavach' (protective shield) of justice, unity and freedom of expression and one the the BJP-led government has made every effort to break in the past 10 years.

In her 32-minute speech in Hindi, Priyanka Gandhi was combative yet restrained, never raising her voice, as she raised the opposition's key planks. These included the BJP's alleged attempts to change the Constitution, "growing monopoly" of the Adani Group, atrocities on women, incidents of violence in Sambhal and Manipur, and the demand for a nationwide caste census.

The Congress leader even took on Union minister Rajnath Singh, saying those in the ruling party mostly talk about the past but should tell the country what they are doing now.

"What is your responsibility? Or does all the responsibility lie with Jawaharlal Nehru ji?" she asked in a swipe at the BJP over its repeated criticism of India's first prime minister.

"Our Constitution laid the foundation of economic justice, distributing land to farmers, the poor and the needy.... Whose name is often used by them (BJP) to save themselves, he (Jawaharlal Nehru) created many PSUs and institutions such as HAL, BHEL, SAIL, GAIL, ONGC, NTPC, Railways, IIT, IIM," she said.

"His name can be erased from the books, but his role in the Independence struggle and nation building can never be erased from this country," the Congress general secretary said about her great grandfather.

Addressing criticism on the Emergency, she said the BJP should learn from it and apologise for its mistakes.

"My colleague in the ruling party recounted the past, this happened, that happened... what happened in 1975. You also learn from it, you also apologise for your mistakes," she said.

"You talk of political justice, you cause governments to fall on the strength of money... I will give another example, that of Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh. Was the Constitution not applicable to these states," she said.

Priyanka Gandhi also challenged the BJP to hold elections by using the ballot paper, saying it will expose the reality.

In a stinging critique of the prime minister, the Congress leader said, "There used to be a story that the king used to go among the people in disguise to listen to criticism. Today's king is also very fond of changing his disguise... But he neither has the courage to go among the public nor to listen to criticism."

Slamming the BJP over its alleged divisive politics, she said seeds of suspicion and hatred are being sown where the Constitution gave a protective shield of unity,

"The 'suraksha kavach' of unity is being broken. The prime minister touches his forehead to the Constitution but when there are cries for justice from Sambhal, Hathras and Manipur, there is not a wrinkle on his forehead," the Wayanad MP said.

"It seems Prime Minister Modi hasn't understood that 'Bharat ka Samvidhan' is not 'Sangh ka Vidhan'," Priyanka Gandhi said.

The government, she alleged, is working to weaken the reservation policy through lateral entry and privatisation.

"Had the Lok Sabha election results not come as they have, the government would have started work on changing the Constitution," Priyanka Gandhi said.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. The BJP won 240 seats on its own against the halfway mark of 272. The Congress won 99 seats, almost doubling his tally since 2019.

"The truth is that they are chanting 'Constitution, Constitution' because they realise the people of this country will keep the Constitution alive and protect it," she said.

According to her, people were demanding a caste-based census and even the ruling party was talking about it because of the election results.

"See the proof of Narendra Modi's seriousness for a caste census. When the entire opposition was talking about caste census in the elections... Narendra Modi was saying they will steal your buffalo and mangalsutra," Priyanka Gandhi said.

In an apparent reference to billionaire Gautam Adani, she said the country is seeing how the people of the country are being ignored to save one person.

"All the business, all the resources, all the wealth, all the opportunities are being handed over to one person. The country's ports, airports, roads, railways and government companies are being given to just one person.There was always faith in the minds of the people that if we have nothing then the Constitution will protect us. But today, this perception is being formed among the common people that the government is working only for the profits of Adani," she said.

Inequality, the Congress MP added, is increasing rapidly in the country with the poor becoming poorer and the rich richer.

"This government has also broken the shield of economic justice protection," Priyanka Gandhi said.

She alleged that an atmosphere of fear was prevailing in the country as was the case during British rule.

"While the people with Gandhiji's ideology sitting on this side were fighting for independence, the people with the ideology on that side were colluding with the British. But fear also has its own nature. Those who spread fear themselves become victims of fear. This is the law of nature," she said.

"Today, those who spread fear have themselves started living in fear. They are afraid of discussion, they are scared of criticism," she said.

Priyanka Gandhi said people in power talk about 75 years and pointed out that during those years, the people of the country openly criticised, fearlessly staged protests and demanded answers from the leaders.

"Today people are intimidated from speaking the truth. Be it a journalist or an opposition leader or a university professor everyone's mouth is shut. Opposition leaders are investigated by ED, CBI, IT and are sent to jail by making false allegations," she said.

"This government has spared no one. Their media machine spreads lies and makes accusations," she said.

Priyanka Gandhi also said the country has never stayed in the "hands of cowards for long". The country will rise, fight and demand justice, she concluded.

Constitution Debate Live Updates: Mahua Moitra attacks NDA on democracy

'Unlike Indira, government's attempt is indirect & creeping', Mahua Moitra attacked NDA on democracy while addressing the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Government denies sale of old railway bridges as scrap, says unserviceable released parts are disposed of

The government has denied in Parliament that it has decided to sell various old railway bridges as scrap and clarified that unserviceable released parts of the bridges, such as steel girders etc., are disposed of as scrap. In a written reply to questions from YSR Congress Party MP Parimal Nathwani in the Rajya Sabha that whether the government has decided to sell old bridges as scrap in various parts of the country, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently answered in the negative.

"The unserviceable released parts of the bridges, namely steel girders etc., are disposed of as scrap to realise the value for released material," he added.

'One nation, one election' can't be implemented in big country like India: Congress leader

The 'One nation, one election' idea was beyond imagination which cannot be implemented in a big country like India, Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said on Friday while accusing the BJP hiding its failures behind such issues. The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

"There will be a debate on it in the Parliament and all the parties will present their viewpoint. But, this is not a small country, this is a huge country which is democratic," he said.

"It seems beyond imagination that we can have all the elections at the same time in this country, whether it is the Parliament, assemblies, panchayats or municipalities," Mir told reporters in the south Kashmir district here.

'I said in my speech whatever I had to say', says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on her maiden address in Parliament

On her maiden address in Parliament, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "I said in my speech whatever I had to say."

Constitution Debate Live Updates: Mahua Moitra addresses BJP over 'bulldozer justice'

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Mahua Moitra on Friday attacked the BJP government for 'bulldozer justice'.

Parliament live: Nestle's added sugar per serving for baby products complies regulations, says JP Nadda

Added sugar per serving was found to be in compliance with the provisions under Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020 in baby product of Nestle, Union Health Minister J P Nadda told Lok Sabha on Friday. The Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations 2020 prescribes the standards for different categories of infant food and formulae, Nadda said responding to a question.
The limits specified for sugars in infant food products in the Regulations is at par with the global standards, namely Codex Alimentarius Commission, which takes into account the recommendation of World Health Organization (WHO) while setting food standards.

On the basis of media report, suo moto cognisance was taken by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) about a report by the Swiss NGO regarding added sugar in wheat-based baby product.

Inspections were conducted on April 29 and 30 at manufacturing sites engaged in production of the infant food product in the country.

Based on scrutiny of the product, added sugar per serving was found to be in compliance with the provisions under Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, Nadda said.

Parliament live: India wants to have good relations with Pakistan, free of terror, says S Jaishankar in Lok Sabha

India wants to have good relations with Pakistan that are free of terror but if it does not show it is changing its past behaviour, then there will be implications on bilateral ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The minister also said that trade relations had been disrupted due to certain decisions taken by Pakistan in 2019.
"I would like to inform the honourable member that in terms of improving ties with Pakistan, like any other neighbour, we would like to have good relations with Pakistan. But, like any other neighbour, we would also like to have relations free of terrorists," he said during Question Hour.

This has been the position of the government of India, Jaishankar said.

"We have made it very clear that it is for the Pakistani side to show that they are changing their behaviour of the past and if they don't, of course, there are implications on relations. So the ball is very much in Pakistan's court in this regard," he said.

Trade ties with Pakistan were snapped after the Centre abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

'We are all saddened by state of democracy in the country': DMK MP T Siva

DMK MP T Siva on Friday said that the state of democracy in the state was saddening.

Speaking to the media, Siva said "We are all saddened by the state of democracy in our country. At least we have got a chance to speak before you. Whatever happened in the Upper House today was not telecast properly... Whatever the members of the ruling party spoke was telecast. And on all other occasions, even when the Leader of the Opposition was speaking, he was not shown. Only the chair was shown.."

Further he said that the Leader of the Opposition was not being given respect according to his age and was not being heard.

"The Leader of the Opposition, who is equal to the Leader of the House, is not given the slightest respect according to his age. He is suffering, he is crying, he is shouting, but he is not being heard at all... The Leader of the Opposition is being insulted, the Opposition parties are not being given a chance to speak and the ruling party is free to say whatever it wants...All our shouting has gone in vain. The picture being shown outside that the Opposition is being given chances to speak.."

Uddhav takes jibe at BJP's 'Ek hai' slogan, says temples not safe in India, Bangladesh

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday sought to corner the BJP over Hindutva and said the party-led central government should inform Parliament what steps it is taking to protect Hindus in Bangladesh, where minorities have faced violent attacks.

Addressing a news conference in Mumbai, Thackeray slammed the BJP, saying its Hindutva is only for votes. The former CM referred to a notice issued by the Railways to demolish a Hanuman temple outside Dadar station and said a "fatwa" (edict) has been issued to bring down the 80-year-old shrine built by loaders.

Taking a dig at the BJP over its "Ek hai toh safe hai" (united, we are safe) slogan, widely used during campaigning for the last month's assembly polls, he said even temples are not safe under the regime of the national party.

'We condemn statements made against Mallikarjun Kharge': Congress MP Digvijaya Singh

Congress MP Digvijaya Singh on Friday condemned the statements made against the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. Singh alleged that opposition MPs are not even being allowed to speak in Parliament.

"...When the rules are not being followed by the Chair itself, what can we expect from the Chairman (of Rajya Sabha)? Opposition MPs are not being allowed to speak in Parliament. No action is being taken against the judge who spoke against the Constitution. The Chairman of Rajya Sabha has never taken a decision in the interest of farmers. We condemn the statements made against the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge," Singh said.

BJP disrespects Dalits and farmers,' Sanjay Singh criticises ruling party over parliament debate

AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Friday slammed the BJP, accusing them of consistently disrespecting Dalits and the opposition. He further criticized the BJP's treatment of farmers, mentioning the use of tear gas and physical violence.

Singh asserted that the BJP's attempts to divert attention from real issues won't be tolerated, emphasizing that India won't stand for the disrespect of Dalits.

"BJP has always disrespected the Dalits. BJP disrespected the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge who is a Dalit and has over 50 years of experience in politics. BJP disrespected the opposition and Dalits by disrespecting Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge...They did not allow Mallikarjun Kharge to speak in the parliament...BJP is talking about farmers who fired tear gas at the farmers and beat them with sticks...We will not allow BJP to divert attention from real issues...India will not tolerate the disrespect of Dalits..," he said.

PM should tell Parliament what steps India is taking to protect Hindus in Bangladesh: Uddhav

hiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should inform Parliament what steps the Indian government is taking to protect Hindus in Bangladesh. Addressing a news conference in Mumbai, Thackeray slammed the BJP, saying its Hindutva is only for votes. He said temples are being vandalised in Bangladesh, where minority Hindus have faced violent attacks in the last few months. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is safe in India, but what about Hindus in the neighbouring country? Thackeray asked.

Ahead of the debate on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday alleged that the inequality in the nation has increased because of the decisions of the ruling government and said secularism should be strengthened.

"It is the responsibility of everyone to protect the Constitution. The Constitution shows us (PDA parivaar) the way forward and safeguards us. It is the responsibility of 'PDA parivaar' to protect the constitution...Due to the decision of the government, the inequality in the nation has increased...Secularism should be strengthened," Akhilesh Yadav told reporters in the national capital.

The SP chief further said that the 'One Nation One Election' is a 'jugaad' of the BJP to win the elections.

SP Leader ST Hasan said that there is a huge conspiracy behind the One Nation One Election, adding that indirectly, only the centre would rule.

"It is not possible in our country. There is a huge conspiracy behind it... Indirectly, only the centre will rule...They are trying to change the Constitution. They are talking about a common civil court, saying One Nation One Constitution. Tomorrow you'll say One Nation One Culture, the day after tomorrow you will say One Nation One Religion... It is not possible to conduct all the elections together," Hasan said.

Efforts being made to reduce minorities, especially Muslims, to second-grade citizens: Akhilesh

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday alleged efforts are being made to reduce minorities, especially Muslims, to second-grade citizens. Participating in a debate in Lok Sabha on the 'Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India', Yadav said, "Whenever we get opportunity, we will conduct a caste census." Yadav said a caste survey will bridge the gap among castes.He also demanded the government give figures on per capita income of those below the poverty line. Yadav attacked the government over alleged Chinese transgressions, and claimed the country's borders are shrinking.

Constitution Debate Live: Akhilesh terms simultaneous polls 'impractical, undemocratic'

With the Union Cabinet approving a bill to implement 'one nation, one election', Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Thursday termed the idea of simultaneous polls "impractical and undemocratic". Describing the move as the "collective hijacking" of the electoral system, the Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj claimed that it was a "conspiracy of autocratic idea against democracy".
The ruling BJP took a major step on Thursday to implement its key plank of "one nation, one election" as the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

Two draft legislations, including one simple bill to amend provisions in laws dealing with three Union territories with legislative assemblies to align them with the Constitution amendment bill, were given the nod by the Cabinet.

In a post in Hindi on "X', Yadav said, "One nation, one election is not only impractical but also an undemocratic."

"Sometimes governments become unstable even in the middle of their term, then will the people there live without democratic representation? For this, the constitutionally elected government will have to be dissolved in the middle and it will be an insult to public opinion."

He also said the move for simultaneous election is a "big conspiracy of autocratic idea against democracy" that wants to "seize the whole country at once".

"Elections will become a 'dikhawati' (sham) process. The government which postpones elections in the name of rain and festivals, how can it claim to hold simultaneous elections?" the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister posed.

"'One nation, one election' is a deception, and the aim for a monopoly in an undemocratic manner is the root cause of it. This collective hijacking of the electoral system," he added.

Moving ahead with its 'one nation, one election' plan, the government in September accepted the recommendations of the high-level committee for holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies in a phased manner.

Citing recommendations of the high-level committee, sources said one of the proposed bills would seek to amend Article 82A by adding sub-clause (1) relating to the appointed date. It will also seek to insert sub-clause (2) to Article 82A relating to the end of terms of the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies together.

During the consultation process on the issue, 32 political parties supported the idea while 15 did not, according to former president Ram Nath Kovind, who headed the high-level committee that studied the proposal.

Constitution Debate Live: Kharge applauds Priyanka Gandhi's maiden Lok Sabha speech

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge praised Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, calling it an "excellent speech."

"Very good. She put all the facts before the government—how the Constitution is being misused and how they are not protecting women and the people of this country. We are very happy about her performance," Kharge said.

Constitution Debate Live: Sonia Gandhi hails Priyanka Gandhi's maiden Lok Sabha speech

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi described Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's maiden speech in the Lok Sabha as "excellent."

The brief remark by Sonia Gandhi underscores the party's appreciation for Priyanka Gandhi's debut, which has drawn praise for its maturity and focus on addressing key issues.

Constitution Debate Live: Robert Vadra praises Priyanka Gandhi's maiden Lok Sabha speech

Robert Vadra commended his wife, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, for her impactful maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, stating that she is "raising the voice of the people."

"The country should listen to people's voice. The way the government is running in the country is not right. Priyanka is raising the voice of the people of the country," Vadra said on X.

His remarks come as Priyanka Gandhi receives widespread praise for her debut speech.

Constitution Debate Live: Tharoor praises Priyanka Gandhi's maiden Parliament speech

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded Priyanka Gandhi's maiden speech in Parliament, calling it "an excellent" debut.

"She did not speak like a first-time Parliamentarian. She spoke with tremendous maturity, grace, and intelligence. I was very impressed. She also made all the important points," Tharoor said.

Referring to her response to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's speech criticising Congress's history, Tharoor added, "She very rightly pointed out—when will they talk about today?"

Constitution Debate Live: Whenever we get opportunity, we will conduct caste census, asserts Akhilesh Yadav

Constitution Debate Live: Akhilesh Yadav says 2/3 of the country's assets under control of just few families

"After 2014, the speed with which disparities have increased is unimaginable. Of the 140 crore people in the country, 82 crore are surviving on government ration. Those who tell the country that we are becoming the world's fastest-growing economy...I would like to tell that government that when 82 crore people are surviving on government ration and on the other hand, 2/3 of the country's assets are under the control of just a few families - if the government has courage...when the government releases its data from time to time, it should release this data too that what is the per capita income of those living below poverty line," Akhilesh Yadav said.

Constitution Debate Live: Efforts being made to reduce minorities to second-grade citizens, alleges Akhilesh Yadav in Parliament

Constitution Debate Live: Government should give figures on per capita income of those below poverty line, says Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav said the government should give figures on the per capita income of those below the poverty line as that data would reflect the true picture of the Indian economy and shed light on the income disparity between rich and poor.

Constitution Debate Live: 'I think it was excellent maiden speech,' says Congress MP Karti Chidambaram.

"I think it was excellent maiden speech. She clearly exhibited the ability to think on her feet and to respond to the interruption and barbs of the opposition. Most importantly, she was able to draw on the historical references of the Constitution and make it contemporaneous, references to the fact that the victims of various injustice in this country are the similar age of her children, also added a very good personal touch," said Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Priyanka Gandhi's speech in Lok Sabha during debate over Constitution.

Constitution Debate Live: Constitution is the true guardian of the rights of the oppressed, neglected, says Akhilesh Yadav in Parliament

"This Constitution is our armour, our security, it provides us strength from time to time. The Constitution is the true guardian of the rights of the oppressed, neglected, suppressed and deprived. This Constitution is a great help. For people like us and the weak in the country, especially for PDA, saving the Constitution is a matter of life and death," said SP MP Akhilesh Yadav while speaking in Lok Sabha during a discussion on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India.

Constitution Debate Live: 'His (Jawaharlal Nehru) role in building this nation can never be erased from this nation,' says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

"The one, whose name you sometimes hesitate in speaking out, while speaking fluently at other times to use it to save yourself - he set up HAL, BHEL, SAIL, GAIL, ONGC, NTPC, Railways, IIT, IIM, Oil Refineries and several PSUs. His name can be erased from books, can be erased from speeches. But his role in the freedom of this nation, in building this nation can never be erased from this nation," said Priyanka Gandhi.

Constitution Debate Live: 'The Caste Census is essential,' says Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi.

"Today, people of the country are demanding that there be a Caste Census. Colleague of the ruling side mentioned this, the mention is also being made only because of these results in the Lok Sabha elections. The Caste Census is essential so that we know the condition of everyone and policies can be made accordingly," said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's maiden speech in Lok Sabha: Top quotes

Newly elected MP from Waynad, Priyanka Gandhi on Friday gave her first address in Parliament during the debate on the Constitution. Priyanka Gandhi's maiden speech in the House largely revolved around Constitution, reservation and a push for a nationwide caste census.In the debate that marked the 75th anniversary of the Constitution's adoption, the first-time parliamentarian started off by invoking the father of Constitution Babasaheb Ambedkar to highlight his contribution.

Here are top quotes from Priyanka Gandhi's speech. Read more

Constitution Debate Live: 'The govt is trying to weaken the resevation through lateral entry and privatisation,' says Priyanka Gandhi.

"Through lateral entry and privatisation, this government is trying to weaken reservation. Had these not been the results of Lok Sabha elections, they would have also started working on changing the Constitution. The truth is that they are repeatedly speaking about Constitution because in these elections they have come to know that the people of this country will keep the Constitution of this country safe. Winning while almost losing these elections, they have realised that the discussions about changing the Constitution won't work in this country," said Priyanka Gandhi.

Constitution Debate Live: 'The ruling party have made all possible attempts to break their protective shield (Constitution),' says Priyanka Gandhi in Lok Sabha.

"In the struggle of crores of Indians, in their strength to battle the toughest situations, and in their hope of justice from the country, the flame of our Constitution is burning. I have understood that our Constitution is a protective shield that keeps the countrymen safe, it's a shield of justice, unity and freedom of expression. What's saddening is that my friends from the ruling party, who talk big, have made all possible attempts to break their protective shield," said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Constitution Debate Live: 'Our Constitution is 'suraksha kavach' (protective shield). Such a 'suraksha kavach' that keeps the citizens safe,' Priyanka Gandhi in LS

"Our Constitution is 'suraksha kavach' (protective shield). Such a 'suraksha kavach' that keeps the citizens safe - it is a 'kavach' of justice, of unity, of Right to Express. It is sad that in 10 years, colleagues of the ruling side who make tall claims have made all attempts to break down this 'kavach'. Constitution promises social, economic and political justice. These promises are a safety armour and work to break this has begun. Through lateral entry and privatisation, this government is trying to weaken reservation" said Priyanka Gandhi in her maiden speech in Lok Sabha.

Constitution Debate Live: Priyanka Gandhi speaks on Sambhal incident in Lok Sabha

"A few people from the bereaved families of Sambhal had come to meet us. There were two children among them - Adnan and Uzair. One of them was my son's age and the other was younger, 17 years of age. Their father was a tailor. The tailor had just one dream - that he would get his children educated, one son would become a doctor and the other too would be successful. The Police shot their father dead. The 17-year-old Adnan told me that he would grow up to be a doctor and realise his father's dream. This dream and hope was instilled in his heart by the Constitution of India," said Priyanka Gandhi.