Parliament Winter Session Highlights: 'Public sector banks not dependent on govt funding,' says FM Sitharaman

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Members are requested not to hold protests or demonstrations in front of the Gates of Parliament,' Lok Sabha Secretariat says

Members are requested not to hold protests or demonstrations in front of the Gates of Parliament House as such actions cause serious hindrance to the movement of Members to the Parliament Chambers during sittings of the Houses. Keeping building gates free from any blockage is also essential for ensuring safety and security of Members in the Parliament House: Lok Sabha Secretariat

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Parliamentary panel pitches for action plan to effectively combat Pak-backed terrorism

A Parliamentary panel, in its report presented in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, urged the government to establish a concrete strategy for addressing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, emphasising that terrorist incidents in India can only be reduced by eliminating all terror networks and sanctuaries.

The committee on external affairs recommended that India should initiate unified international efforts to eliminate terrorist infrastructure in adjacent nations. The panel emphasised the necessity for continued diplomatic initiatives to highlight Pakistan's involvement with various terrorist organisations at international platforms.

The panel additionally recommended reinforcing India's territorial boundaries and maritime routes to prevent terrorist infiltration into the nation. The parliamentary committee operates under the leadership of senior Congress member Shashi Tharoor.

"The committee also desire that the government should make regular assessment on whether the situation is conducive for resumption of high-level interaction with the Pakistan government and take steps accordingly," the report stated.

The document highlighted that India's terrorism challenges predominantly originate from across the border. "Terrorist outfits are provided safe havens, material support, finance and other logistics by Pakistan's ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) to carry out terrorist activities in India," the report indicated. (PTI)

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Aviation minister Naidu moves bill to replace 90-yr old Aircraft Act

The Upper House of Parliament deliberated on legislation on Tuesday aimed at modernising the 90-year-old Aircraft Act to enhance business operations and draw investments in aviation. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, received approval from the Lok Sabha during Parliament's previous session in August.

Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu introduced the bill for discussion and approval, noting that it followed recommendations from The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to revise the primary legislation.

During discussions, Congress representatives Syed Naseer Hussain and Pramod Tiwari attempted to discuss the Adani matter and requested an inquiry into corruption allegations, but the Chair did not permit this.

Naidu emphasised aviation's crucial role in economic development and its need for expansion.

He reported that airport numbers had risen from 74 in 2014 to 157 nationwide, whilst the aircraft fleet had expanded from 400 to 813 during the same period.

"In the earlier Act, only the world maintenance was mentioned. There was no definition. Now we adding design and manufacturing also. We are also defining all these three terms (in the new law). We have brought the appeal system," he stated.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: LS passes Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill allowing 4 nominees in bank accounts

The Lok Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on Tuesday, introducing provisions for bank account holders to nominate up to four beneficiaries. The bill also proposes to revise the definition of 'substantial interest' for directorships, with a potential increase from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crore, updating a limit established nearly sixty years ago.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who presented the Bill, secured its approval through a voice vote. During the debate, she clarified that account holders would receive both successive and simultaneous nomination options, whilst locker holders would be limited to successive nominations only.

Sitharaman emphasised that since 2014, both the Government and RBI have maintained strict vigilance to ensure banking stability. She stated, "The intention is to keep our banks safe, stable, healthy, and after 10 years you are seeing the outcome."

The legislation seeks to extend the tenure of directors in cooperative banks from eight to ten years, excluding the chairman and whole-time director, aligning with the Constitution (Ninety-Seventh Amendment) Act, 2011.

Additionally, the bill proposes to permit directors of Central Cooperative Banks to hold board positions in State Cooperative Banks.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Lok Sabha passes Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla also announced that the House was adjourned till 11am on December 4.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: FM Sitharaman says, 'Tell me one prime minister who has taken Tamil to the UN, PM Modi'

"Tell me one prime minister who has taken Tamil to the UN...Narendra Modi. Tell me one PM who quotes Tamil repeatedly...because he respects that language. Tell me one PM with whom DMK has been in alliance with, where the PM quoted Tamil," finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Total bank branches of scheduled commercial banks have increased by 3792 in a year to reach 1655001 in Sept 2024. Out of this 85,116 branches are of public sector banks,' says FM Sitharaman

"Since 2014 we have been extremely cautious, so that banks remain stable. The intension is to keep our banks safe, stable, healthy, and after 10 years you are seeing the outcome," the finance minister said.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Very happy that India and its banking system is where it is today,' says FM Sitharaman

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "I am very happy that India and its banking system is where it is today. I would appeal to all members to look at the world around, where are their banking systems? Many countries have lost their banks, many of them have collapsed and we would think in countries where the regulatory mechanisms are very sound, in such countries too banks have failed miserably ... I must credit the RBI and the ministry of finance, since 2014 we have been extremely cautious and ensured that banks remain stable."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11.00am on December 4

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: INDIA bloc MPs hold protest over Adani issue on Parliament premises

Several INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest at Parliament on Tuesday, demanding an investigation into the Adani matter through a joint parliamentary committee. Representatives from various parties, including the Congress, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), DMK and Left parties, voiced their concerns and called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accountability.

The demonstration at Parliament's Makar Dwar steps saw participation from prominent opposition figures, including Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, AAP's Sanjay Singh, RJD's Misa Bharti and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Arvind Sawant.

Gandhi shared on Facebook: "Protesting at Makar Dwar, Parliament complex, today, asking the real question: Who benefits from Adani's billions, Modi ji? The Prime Minister's silence speaks volumes."

The demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) investigation has intensified following US prosecutors' charges against Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani and other company officials for alleged bribery and fraud. The Congress, alongside other opposition parties, continues to press for this inquiry.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Rajya Sabha passes bill to boost investment in oil and gas exploration

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday approved legislation aimed at modifying current regulations governing oil and gas exploration and production. The bill seeks to separate petroleum operations from mining activities to enhance sector investments. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in August, received approval through voice vote.

During the bill's discussion, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that the petroleum sector requires substantial investment and extended time periods for returns.

Puri stated, "We need oil and gas sector 20 more years. We need to bring this legislation here to provide a win-win confidence not only to our own operators but also to foreign investors so that they can come and do business here with view to benefit everyone."

The minister noted that the bill introduces new provisions including policy stability, dispute resolution mechanisms, and infrastructure sharing arrangements, particularly beneficial for smaller operators.

Addressing members' queries about helium, he clarified that mineral oils are naturally occurring hydrocarbons, whereas helium is not classified as a hydrocarbon.
Opposition members requested the bill's referral to a standing committee for detailed examination.

Puri additionally remarked: "We want to ensure that investors will have more confidence to come here unlike the dull period between 2006 and 2014. There will be one lease, one licence. If there is dispute then for dispute management there will be predictability and stability."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Amid global challenges, government ensured smooth fertilizer supply to farmers at affordable prices

The Indian government has effectively sustained fertilizer accessibility at reasonable prices for the farming community, despite challenges arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as stated by Union minister of state for chemicals and fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, in her address to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The accomplishment was realised through dedicated subsidy packages and strategic policy initiatives. Additional support packages were implemented beyond the standard Nutrient-Based Subsidy rates during Rabi 2021-22, Kharif 2022, Rabi 2022-23, and both Kharif and Rabi 2024.

These governmental actions have successfully maintained stable prices whilst managing market fluctuations amidst international tensions.
Regarding urea, agricultural workers receive benefits through an officially established Maximum Retail Price of Rs242 for each 45 kg package (not including neem coating charges and applicable taxes), independent of manufacturing expenses.

The administration compensates for the gap between production expenses and the Maximum Retail Price by offering subsidies to producers and importers.

The Nutrient-Based Subsidy Policy, operational since April 1, 2010, determines subsidies for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers yearly or twice yearly, considering their nutritional components--nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S).

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Kiren Rijiju, L Murugan, and Arjun Ram Meghwal called on Vice-President and chairman, Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar at Parliament House

Congress MP Manickam Tagore dismissed suggestions about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's becoming the chief of the INDIA bloc, describing it as "a good joke."

The discussion arose following Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad's statements supporting Mamata Banerjee's potential leadership of the opposition alliance, citing her consistent electoral success against the BJP.

"Mamata Banerjee has a perfect record. Whenever Narendra Modi has faced defeat, it has always been in West Bengal. 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. Every time he comes to Bengal intending to insult, his vote count increases, and she, a very senior leader, continues to clearly express her views," Azad had said.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Over 530 plaints registered under F&B category in consumer commissions in last 2 years

During the past two years, 533 complaints have been lodged in consumer commissions under the food & beverages (F&B) category, according to a government statement on Tuesday. BL Verma, minister of state for consumer affairs, food and public distribution, informed the Rajya Sabha that FSSAI was founded in 2008. Its primary objectives include establishing scientific standards for food items and regulating their production, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure safe food for human consumption.

The Food Safety and Standards Act contains explicit provisions for legal action regarding substandard food, misbranded food, and unsafe food.

"Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) through its regional offices and State/ Union Territories conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products including milk, milk products and baby food.

"In cases where food samples are found to be non-conforming, penal action is taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations," the minister said.

The FSSAI has deployed mobile food testing laboratories, designated as Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs).

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'I urge you to remove Gaurav Gogoi's complete statement because it was beyond the Bill,' says FM Sitharaman

"Since the point derived from (Rule) 94, is to confine yourself to the bill, I think quoting former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's remarks on Indira Gandhi should not be kept on record, since it is contentious and there is no proof (he said it)," the FM said.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'While speaking about the legislation he crossed all the limits,' KC Venugopal hits back at Sambit Patra

"Indira Gandhi was assassinated she fought against Pakistan, and won the war. Atal Bihari Vajpayee called Indira Gandhi 'Durga'," KC Venugopal said.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Our recommendation is that increase penalties for companies that who don't follow shareholding disclosure norms,' says Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi

Gaurav Gogoi was speaking during the discussion on the Banking Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was tabled by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Let us not reduce this House to 'tamasha', says Kiren Rijiju

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju was condemning the remarks made by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi who alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is favouring "one business man". Rijiju said that the discussions should be focused on the bill that has been tabled.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Have received 42 notices, highest so far, in last quarter of sensitive adoption of Indian Constitution,' says Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar

"Honourable members, what a paradox! We were talking about dignity of this House, I have received 42 notices, the highest so far, in the last quarter of the sensitive adoption of Indian Constitution. These notices are under Rule 267. One of the notices remarkably is in public domain, whereas by bulletin and otherwise, we have mandated that there can be no advanced publicity..." said Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar earlier today.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Harming decorum of democracy', says Trinamool's Samik Bhattacharya decries INDIA Bloc Parliament protest

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday accused the Congress of harming the decorum of democracy after INDIA Bloc leader protested over the Adani matter, at the Parliament premises.

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest at the Parliament premises over the Adani matter. Notably, TMC did not participate in the protest.

Speaking to ANI, the TMC MP said, "Mamata Banerjee wanted Mallikarjun Kharge to be the face of this alliance. She had given a proposal for him to be the PM of the country. The same Mallikarjun Kharge's clarion call does not include TMC now. This is all a drama now. They are harming the decorum of democracy."

Bhattacharya also hit out at the Congress saying Wherever Congress goes to people, the public rejects them there.

"You can see the condition of the alliance. Sometimes TMC is missing, and sometimes AAP is missing. Wherever Congress goes to people, public rejects them there. Congress now has just one place - Parliament Gate or not allowing the House to function. That is the agenda of Congress," he said.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: The House is cognizant of the fact that China is in Illegal occupation of 38,000 km² of Indian territory in Aksai Chin ..., says S Jaishankar

In the Lok Sabha, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "I rise to apprise the House of some recent developments in the India-China border areas and their implications for our overall bilateral relations. The House is aware that our ties have been abnormal since 2020 when peace and tranquillity in the border areas were disturbed as a result of Chinese actions. Recent developments that reflect our continuous diplomatic engagement since then have set our ties in the direction of some improvement. The House is cognizant of the fact that China is in Illegal occupation of 38,000 km² of Indian territory in Aksai Chin as a result of the 1962 conflicts and the event that preceded it. Furthermore, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 km² of Indian territory to China in 1963, which has been under its occupation since 1948. India and China have held talks for multiple decades to resolve the boundary issue. While there is a Line of Actual Control, it does not have a common understanding in some areas. We remain committed to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement. Members would recall that the amassing of a large number of troops by China along the LAC in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 resulted in face-offs with our forces at a number of points. The situation also led to the disruption of patrolling activities. It is to the credit of our armed forces that despite logistical challenges and the then prevailing Covid situation, they were able to counter-deploy rapidly and effectively."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Amassing of troops by China in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 resulted in face-offs at number of points, says Jaishankar

EAM S Jaishankar on Tuesday said in Lok Sabha that "amassing of troops by China in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 resulted in face-offs at number of points."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: S Jaishankar on India-China ties in Lok Sabha

EAM S Jaishankar further said that "recent developments that reflect continuous diplomatic engagements have set Indo-China ties in direction of some improvement."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Both sides should strictly observe LAC, says EAM

EAM S Jaishankar in Lok Sabha while addressing India-China ties on Tuesday said that both sides should strictly observe LAC.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: India-China ties abnormal since 2020, says Jaishankar

EAM S Jaishankar in Lok Sabha said, "India-China ties abnormal since 2020 when peace, tranquillity in border areas were disturbed due to Chinese actions."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Action by China led to Galwan clash, says S Jaishankar in Lok Sabha

EAM S Jaishankar on Tuesday addressed the India-China thaw in Lok Sabha and said that "action by China led to Galwan clash."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: EAM S Jaishankar speaks on India-China relation in Lok Sabha

EAM Jaishankar on Tuesday addressed Lok Sabha on China ties.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav blames UP government for Sambhal violence, alleges 'conspiracy'

Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ram Gopal Yadav on Tuesday raised Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal incident in the Rajya Sabha and alleged that a planned conspiracy was being hatched to create unrest in the country.

"The issue of Sambhal is being raised every day. Five people have been killed and 20 others were injured but no FIR has been registered yet. Had this not been a pre-planned conspiracy, the same happened in Budaun, Ajmer Sharif and Janupur. There is a conspiracy to set the entire country on fire," he told reporters.

The Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav raised the issue related to violence in Sambhal in the House during Zero Hour.

"We applied for permission to conduct a survey at Sambal, a 500-year-old mosque. Within two hours, the survey was carried out peacefully. On December 24, at 6 am police were deployed in the area around the mosque, and locals were unaware of the reason for the deployment. After some time, the DM, SSP, and the lawyer who filed the application, along with drummers, accompanied the police and entered the mosque..."

"The crowd suspected that they were going to vandalize the mosque. SDM opened the water tank and when water started flowing out, people suspected that something was going wrong in it, and then there was unrest. The police opened fire, five people were killed, 20 people were injured, cases were filed against hundreds of people and many are in jail. Those who were caught were beaten badly," he said.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Govt should make statement in Parliament, says Mayawati on attacks on minorities in Bangladesh

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Tuesday expressed concern over attacks on the Hindu community in neighbouring Bangladesh and demanded that the government make a statement on the issue in Parliament. Reportedly, there have been more than 200 attacks on Hindus in 50 districts of Bangladesh since the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5.

Hindus constitute about 8 per cent of the 170 million population of Bangladesh.

"After the coup in Bangladesh, the violence and atrocities being committed by the new government, especially on Hindu minorities, and the deteriorating situation there due to this are very sad and worrying. There is a lot of anger among the people of India regarding this," Mayawati said in a post on X in Hindi.

"The government should make a statement in Parliament on this and also take appropriate steps," she said.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: If adjournments continue, House will be convened on Sunday as well, says LS Speaker Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday warned the members that if the business of the House is disrupted further due to adjournments, then he will have to convene the proceedings over the weekends to make up for the loss of time. The government and opposition parties reached an agreement on Monday to break a week-long impasse in Parliament with the dates announced for a discussion on the Constitution, to mark its 75th year of adoption, in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

The Lower House will take up the discussion on the Constitution on December 13 and 14, and the Upper House on December 16 and 17.

"The House will convene on Saturday, December 14 at 11 am. If you continue with adjournments, then for the number of days it has been adjourned, you will have to attend the proceedings on Saturday and Sunday as well," Birla said soon after the Question Hour.

He also remarked that he has not permitted intimation of any adjournment notices today.

Lok Sabha proceedings were washed out last week due to protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2.05 and 2 pm respectively

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on Tuesday till 2.05 and 2 pm respectively.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: This Govt does not believe in the Constitution, says Akhilesh Yadav on Sambhal issue

On the Sambhal issue, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav said "...The incident that took place in Sambhal is a well-planned conspiracy...By-elections were supposed to be held in Uttar Pradesh on 13th November but it was postponed to 20th November...This Govt does not believe in the Constitution. A petition was filed against Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. An order for a survey of the mosque was passed even before listening to the other side. On 19th November, the survey was conducted and the report was to be given to the Court... On 24th November, another survey was conducted, during which people gathered to know the reason for the survey. Circle Officer abused the people gathered there and lathi charge was done. After this, police opened fire with their govt and private weapons, during which dozens were injured and 5 innocent were killed...A murder case should be filed against police and administration and they should be suspended so that people can get justice and such an incident is not repeated in future..."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav attacks UP CM Adityanath over Sambhal incident

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed the Sambhal incident in Lok Sabha on Tuesday and launched an attack on Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. He said that Sambhal riots were a pre-planned conspiracy. He further alleged that the BJP is disrupting harmony in the Sambhal district.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Adani issue

On INDIA Alliance's protest at Parliament premises over Adani matter, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said, "There has to be an investigation. The allegations are made in another country but the allegations pertain to acts which have happened here. So, isn't it incumbent upon us to verify the veracity of those allegations? This has far-reaching consequences...Those allegations might be false but only an investigation can prove it one way or the other..."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Parliament is for constructive business, for constructive politics, says BJP MP Arun Govil over opposition's protest

On INDIA Alliance's protest over Adani matter, BJP MP Arun Govil said, "...Yesterday, they said that an agreement has been made (for smooth functioning of Parliament). Now, they are doing this. Why are they doing this, only they know...Parliament is for constructive business, for constructive politics..."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: We want this matter to be discussed, says Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq on Sambhal incident

"Akhilesh Yadav has been saying from the beginning that discussion on Sambhal is needed. The violence that took place in Sambhal was part of a conspiracy, and it cannot be condemned enough... We want this matter to be discussed," said Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: It's a whole set of issues to do with the Modi Govt's policies, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

On INDIA Alliance's protest at Parliament premises, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "It's a whole set of issues to do with the Modi Govt's policies... To be very honest, itis a sort of clear signal to the ruling party that many of their policies have found very strong opposition throughout the country. While we are going to cooperate in the House from this morning, nonetheless there was one, sort of salvo to be fired as a form of protest before going out to debate and participate in the Parliamentary processes. Essentially, we are marking the end of the protest for the last 6 days in Parliament."

Parliament Winter Session Live updates: Parliament deadlock continues, opposition walks out of Lok Sabha

Shortly after proceedings began in Lok Sabha, the opposition staged a walkout amid uproar.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Proceedings begin in both houses

Proceedings in both houses begin amid protests by opposition MPs outside Parliament building.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Priyanka, Rahul, Akhilesh and several others protest over Adani issue

Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and several other MPs of the INDIA bloc are protesting outside the Parliament building over the Adani issue.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha demanding discussion on Manipur issue

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the situation in Manipur.

"I move an adjournment motion to discuss Manipur's grave and deteriorating situation. This conflict, which has been raging for over 18 months, has spiralled into a humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread violence, displacement, and economic devastation," Gogoi said in the notice.

Gogoi highlighted the failure of the state government to contain the violence and restore peace in Manipur.

"The state government has failed to contain the violence and restore peace. The state is now divided along ethnic lines, with both communities armed and engaged in a cycle of violence. The porous border with Myanmar has become a hub for illegal arms trade and drug trafficking, further exacerbating the situation," he said.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Today we decided to cooperate with the Parliament session, says Congress leader K Suresh

Congress MP K Suresh said, "Today we decided to cooperate with the Parliament session. The first week - all four days house did not function. Then yesterday also the house did not function. The speaker initiated the discussion from government representatives and opposition party leaders. Then we arrived at some conclusion... We are continuing our voice outside the Parliament..."

On the Bangladesh issue, he says, "Whatever going there in Bangladesh is very unfortunate. Minority protection is very very important as far as Bangladesh is concerned. The opposition parties expressed our concern about the Bangladesh ISKCON priest and today the house is functioning normally then this issue will also be raised..."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Since the day session started, Samajwadi Party has been trying to discuss the issue, says SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sambhal incident

"Since the day session started, Samajwadi Party has been trying to discuss the issue of Sambhal, it is because of the behaviour of the officials, they are acting arbitrarily, they are acting as a BJP worker, it was also so during the by-polls, such kind of behaviour was not seen from the administration ever. Sambhal incident was a well-thought strategy of the BJP to engage people in such issues. Samajwadi Party cannot accept this. There should be a discussion on Sambhal incident. The situation has deteriorated in Uttar Pradesh. It will hamper the harmony, brotherhood in the country," said Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: We want to raise in the House, all important issues within and outside India, says Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi

On Bangladesh issue, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, "We want to raise in the House, all important issues within and outside India. Our party has made statements on all those issues at different times. We have expressed our concern over this issue."

He added, "Parliament would have functioned from day 1 itself, had the Govt accepted the Opposition's suggestion. On the first day itself, the Opposition had suggested that there be a two-day discussion on Constitution, in the House. But for some reason, they didn't listen to us and for 5 days Parliament's time was wasted...They will have to clarify, why did they mislead the House."

'Hopefully govt will allow...': Jairam Ramesh after Centre agrees to hold Constitution discussion

As the BJP-led union government agreed to hold a special 2 day discussion on the Constitution, Congress general secretary (Communications) and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said on Monday that he "hopes" the government will allow the functioning of both the houses from tomorrow.

"Hopefully now the Modi Govt. will allow both Houses to function from tomorrow," read the post by Jairam Ramesh on X.

Both Houses of Parliament have been facing continuous adjournments, with no substantial business being passed, as the opposition demands various discussions, while the government alleges that the opposition is misusing the rules of the House and not allowing it to function.

The Congress leader highlighted that the opposition had been asking for a special discussion on the Constitution since November 26, the day Constitution Day is celebrated. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, had written letters to the Speaker and the Chairman, respectively, to hold a discussion.

"LOP Lok Sabha had written to the Speaker on Nov 26th requesting for a special two-day discussion on the Constitution. The LOP-Rajya Sabha had also written a similar letter to the Chairman on that day," Ramesh said in the post.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress MP Manickam Tagore gives Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha

Congress MP Manickam Tagore gave Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha, over request for immediate emergency relief fund allocation for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry due to Cyclone Fengal.

After a week wasted, government and opposition agree to run Parliament smoothly

After a week marked by disruptions and no legislative business on Monday, Parliament has finally seen a breakthrough, with the govt and the opposition agreeing to discuss the Constitution, celebrating 75 years of its adoption. The discussions are scheduled for Dec 13 and 14 in Lok Sabha, and Dec 16 and 17 in Rajya Sabha. Read more

INDIA Alliance Floor leaders to meet tomorrow ahead of Winter Session

Floor leaders of the INDIA Alliance will meet at 10 am tomorrow at the office of Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament. The meeting aims to finalise the strategy for the Winter Session's proceedings on the Floor of the House.