Parliament Session 2024 Highlights: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow

On the President's remarks on the Emergency, Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi says, "Emergency was a black day. It is important to remember that day as the Congress tore to shreds the Constitution, and today they roam around carrying copies of the Constitution. The people should understand that there is no danger to the Constitution, if there is any danger to it, then it is from those (Congress) who were there in 1975."

In the Parliament, President Draupadi Murmu said that the govt has started granting citizenship to refugees under CAA law and she wished for a better future for such persons.

President Draupadi Murmu, addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, said that the technology is developing with time and some people can use this against humanity. India has expressed the same concern on the global stage and advocated for the global framework.

President Murmu gave her first reaction on the paper leak row and said, "My government is committed to conduct a fair probe and ensure that those guilty of paper leak of a few exams recently get strict punishment. We have seen incidents of paper leak earlier in various states, there is a need to rise up from party politics and take countrywide strong steps. The Parliament has also made a strong law against anomalies in exams."

"As a 'Vishwa Bandhu', India has taken initiative to solve many global problems," President Murmu said in Parliament." Today, India is known not for increasing the world's challenges but for providing solutions," she added. From nutrition to sustainable agriculture, India has presented many solutions, she said.

She says people have faith only in ‘my govt’ and have reposed faith for the third time. The mandate is good work of the last 10 years. President said her govt will accelerate reforms and is aiming to become 3rd largest economy of the world.

Addressing the session, President Murmu said that NDA Govt has provided Rs 3.20 lakh crores to the farmers of the country under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Since the beginning of the new term of my government, an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crores has been transferred to the farmers. The government has also made a record increase in the MSP for Kharif crops.

"Today's India is changing its agriculture system keeping in mind its current needs. Nowadays, the demand for organic products is increasing rapidly in the world. Indian farmers have the full capacity to meet this demand. Therefore, the government is integrating the supply chain of natural farming and related products...On India's initiative, the whole world has celebrated International Millet Day in the year 2023. You have seen that recently the whole world has also celebrated International Yoga Day..." she added

"I congratulate all the newly-elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha. You all have come here by winning the trust of country's voters. Very few get this opportunity to serve the nation and the people. I have full faith that you would fulfill your duties with a feeling of nation first," says President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint session of the Parliament.

"In the upcoming session, the government will introduce its first budget for their term. This budget will be an impressive document of the far-reaching policies and futuristic vision of the government. In this budget, along with major economic and social decisions, many historical steps are also to be seen," says President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint session of Parliament

Addressing the joint session, the President said that the women have participated in voting in large numbers and also recalled the Jammu and Kashmir's voter turnout. She said, "A very pleasant picture of this election has also emerged from Jammu and Kashmir. Many decades old voting records have been broken in the Kashmir valley."

"On behalf of crores of countrymen, I would like to express gratitude Election Commission of India. This was the biggest election in the world...Decades-long records of voting have been broken in J&K. For the past 4 decades, Kashmir witnessed low voting amid shutdowns and strikes. India's enemies propagated it as the opinion of Kashmir, on international forums. But this time, Kashmir valley gave a befitting reply to all such forces...," President Murmu said during joint session of Parliament.

Parliament Murmu is all set to address the joint sitting of the Parliament. Before leaving for the Parliament, ceremonial procession took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah arrived at the Parliament. President Droupadi Murmu will address the joint session of both Houses of Parliament.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced that they will boycott President Droupadi Murmu's address to joint sitting of Parliament after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal sent to three day CBI remand.

This will be the first presidential address since the BJP won the third Lok Sabha election this year.

Following the President's address, a motion of thanks will be moved in both Houses of Parliament, which will be discussed by the members.

AAP leader Sandeep Pathak said that the President and the Constitution are supreme and when dictatorship is done in the name of justice, it is important to raise voices.

President Droupadi Murmu will be addressing the joint sitting of Parliament today, which will be her first presidential address since the NDA won the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Following the President's address, a motion of thanks will be moved in both Houses of Parliament, which will be discussed by the members.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha began on Monday and the Rajya Sabha session will start from today.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami On Wednesday traveled to New Delhi for a series of meetings with high-ranking officials. His first stop was to congratulate Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on his re-election to the position. Dhami praised Birla's performance over the past five years, stating, "I congratulate Om Birla as he has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In the last 5 years, he has conducted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha brilliantly and provided the opportunity to both, the ruling party and the opposition leaders to speak in Parliament. This new Parliament, which has been formed under the leadership of PM Modi, is a big achievement. It will set new records, strengthen the resolve of Viksit Bharat and there will be a healthy debate inside the Parliament..."

The chief minister also met with Union Minister JP Nadda, who recently assumed the roles of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha. Dhami congratulated Nadda on his new responsibilities and discussed various matters related to Uttarakhand, including the state's economic condition, needs, and development.

In addition to his meetings with Birla and Nadda, chief Minister Dhami held discussions with Arvind Panagariya, the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission. During his meeting with Nadda, Dhami presented the Union Minister with local products from the House of Himalayas brand, showcasing the state's unique offerings.

The Congress-led opposition refrained from demanding a division of votes during the election of the Speaker, asserting that their decision was motivated by a desire for bipartisanship. However, this shift in strategy left some speculating that it was influenced by the Trinamool Congress's hesitance on the matter.

Key members of the INDIA bloc, including SP, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP-SP, put forth motions nominating K Suresh for the prestigious position. Notably absent from this initiative was the TMC. When the motion in support of Om Birla, proposed by the government, was presented for voting, the opposition allowed the election to proceed through a voice vote, opting not to pursue a formal voting process.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Wednesday said that the recent Lok Sabha election results demonstrate that India is not a 'Hindu Rashtra'. Sen, who arrived in Kolkata from the US in the evening, also expressed dissatisfaction with the "continuation" of imprisoning people "without trial" even under the new government.

Sen told a Bengali news channel at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, "That India is not a 'Hindu Rashtra' only has been reflected in the election results."
He further commented, "We always hope to see a change after every election. Some of what happened earlier (during the BJP-led central government) like putting people behind bars without trial, and widening the gap between the rich and poor, are still continuing. That must stop."

The renowned economist emphasized the importance of being politically open-minded, particularly given India's status as a secular nation with a secular Constitution. "I do not think the idea of turning India into a 'Hindu Rashtra' is appropriate," the 90-year-old Sen remarked.

He also observed that the new Union cabinet is "a copy of the earlier one," with ministers retaining similar portfolios despite a minor reshuffle, and the politically powerful remaining powerful.

Sen recounted his childhood experiences during British rule in India, when people were imprisoned without trial. He expressed disappointment that this practice persists, stating, "When I was young, many of my uncles and cousins were put in jail without trial. We had hoped that India would be free from this. Congress is also to blame for the fact that this did not stop. They didn't change it... But, this is more in practice under the present government."

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his support for Rahul Gandhi stating that he has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha to "tackle the BJP"."I wanted Rahul Gandhi to be The leader of the opposition to tackle BJP. I also urged the same with Rahul Gandhi and in the working committee meeting. I congratulate him on becoming the LoP," Siddaramaiah said on WednesdayCongress on Tuesday declared that Rahul Gandhi, party's MP from Raebareli will be Leader of the Opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha, ending the 10-year spell of no LoP in the Lower House since 2014."Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has been appointed as the LoP in the Lok Sabha.." Venugopal said while addressing the media here in the national capital.Notably, Lok Sabha did not have a Leader of the Opposition in the last 10 years because no political party, other than the ruling party, was able to secure the minimum Lok Sabha seats required to nominate a Leader of the Opposition.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recognised Rahul Gandhi as the leader of opposition on Wednesday, a day after the Congress communicated its decision to name him for the position to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.In a notification issued on Wednesday, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, had officially been recognised as the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha with effect from June 9.This is the first time after a gap of 10 years that there will be a leader of opposition in the Lower House, as the Congress or other opposition parties did not have the 10 per cent members required to claim the post in the 16th and the 17th Lok Sabha.The Congress MP from Rai Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi has been recognised as the leader of opposition under Section 2 of the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), addressed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, referring to him as the "chief justice" of democratic justice. Yadav emphasized that the House should operate according to Birla's directions and not in any other manner.During his speech in the House, Yadav congratulated Birla on his re-election as the Speaker of Lok Sabha. He expressed the belief shared by all members that Birla, in his role as the presiding officer, will provide equal opportunities and respect to every party."Impartiality is the great responsibility of the high office," he said.Yadav expressed his hope that actions such as suspending MPs would be avoided, as they diminish the dignity of the House.We will stand by all your just decisions and expect that it will not just be the opposition under restraint.Yadav, who is a first-time member of the new House, mentioned that he had previously thought the Speaker's chair was positioned at a significant height. In the House he had left, the Chair was indeed very high, Yadav noted.He observed that while the stones behind the Speaker's Chair have been well-set, some gaps are still visible and have been filled with cement.The Samajwadi Party, led by Yadav, has secured 37 seats in the new Lok Sabha, making it the second-largest opposition party after the Congress.

Aaditya Thackeray, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed his support for Rahul Gandhi's appointment as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Thackeray believes that Gandhi's new role will provide a platform for the voices of the unheard.
Thackeray stated, "Best wishes to @RahulGandhi ji for taking up the role of the Leader of Opposition, in the Lok Sabha. The people of this country have voted against dictatorship and against divisive politics of hate, and this role becomes important as Rahul ji will be a voice for those unheard."
The Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, is a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which also includes the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). Thackeray emphasized the alliance's commitment to protecting democratic values and upholding the Constitution.
He further stated, "As the Opposition, to the regime, we promise to fulfil our duty to protect our democratic values, uphold the Constitution and more importantly, voice every last person in the Parliament. This duty, we will also fulfil as the Government, very soon, as the INDIA alliance."
The recognition of Rahul Gandhi as the leader of the opposition by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday came a day after the Congress communicated its decision to the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Thackeray expressed confidence that the INDI alliance, currently serving as an effective opposition, will soon transition to forming the government.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot expressed his belief that Rahul Gandhi's election as the Leader of Opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha will invigorate not only the Congress party but also the entire Opposition INDIA bloc. Pilot emphasized Gandhi's consistent efforts to challenge the government, advocate for transparency, and be a voice for the people, both inside and outside of Parliament. He stated, "With Rahul Gandhi being elected the Leader of Opposition, not just the Congress but among the party workers and the entire Opposition INDIA bloc is filled with energy. Rahul Gandhi has always challenged this government and fought for transparency. He has strived to be the voice of people, whether in Parliament or outside. The hopes of the Opposition have increased as he has been elected as Leader of Opposition."
Pilot further highlighted that Gandhi's election as Leader of Opposition will provide hope to the numerous individuals who supported the INDIA bloc in the recent Lok Sabha election to uphold democracy and safeguard the Constitution. He expressed confidence that Gandhi will vigorously fight for truth in Parliament, strengthening the Congress party and the values it represents, such as love, peace, fraternity, and the protection of the Constitution.
Regarding the post of Deputy Speaker, which is traditionally held by the Opposition, Pilot pointed out that when the UPA government was in power, the position was consistently allocated to the Opposition. He stated, "The tradition is that if the Speaker is chosen without an election, then the Deputy Speaker is allotted to the Opposition. When the UPA government was in power, the post of Deputy Speaker was always held by the Opposition."
Commenting on the newly formed NDA government at the Centre, Pilot noted that while the Congress party's seat count has doubled since the 2019 elections, the BJP's strength has diminished by nearly 65 seats. He emphasized that the current government is a coalition, with no single party holding an absolute majority.

Shortly after his election as the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla ignited a controversy by reading out a resolution that denounced the imposition of Emergency as an assault on the Constitution by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi. This action sparked intense protests from Congress members in the House.
Birla reminded the House that on June 26, 1975, the nation awoke to the harsh realities of Emergency, during which the Congress government imprisoned opposition leaders, imposed numerous restrictions on the media, and curtailed the judiciary's autonomy. "As we enter the 50th year of the Emergency, this 18th Lok Sabha reiterates its commitment to uphold, protect and preserve the Constitution built by Babasaheb Ambedkar," he said, as opposition members, primarily from the Congress, stood up and raised slogans against the mention of Emergency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the Speaker's reference to Emergency in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing its significance for the youth, as the period served as a "fitting example of what happens when the Constitution is trampled over, public opinion is stifled and institutions are destroyed". "The happenings during the Emergency exemplified what a dictatorship looks like," Modi remarked.
As Congress members protested against the mention of Emergency in the Lok Sabha, BJP MPs assembled in large numbers on the steps of the Parliament building to demonstrate against the suspension of civil liberties 49 years ago. "India has always promoted democratic values ??and the spirit of discussion and debate. Democratic values ??have always been protected, they have always been encouraged. Such an India was subjected to dictatorship by Indira Gandhi, India's democratic values ??were crushed and freedom of expression was stifled," Birla stated in the resolution.

Om Birla was re-elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Rahul Gandhi, along with other opposition MPs, extended their congratulations. The opposition expressed hope that they would be given the opportunity to voice the concerns of the people in the House and that incidents like the suspension of MPs would not occur again.
Despite the opposition nominating K Suresh as their candidate for the Speaker's post, Birla was declared elected through a voice vote. Gandhi personally congratulated Birla on the floor of the House and accompanied him to the Chair alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Gandhi emphasized the importance of the House functioning effectively and frequently, highlighting the significance of cooperation based on trust. He challenged the government's assertion that the previous Lok Sabha achieved high productivity, arguing that silencing the opposition to run the House is an undemocratic approach.
"I'd like to congratulate you for your successful election... I congratulate you on behalf of the entire INDIA alliance," Gandhi said, acknowledging that while the government holds political power, the opposition also represents the voice of the Indian people.
The opposition, Gandhi pointed out, now represents a significantly larger portion of the Indian population compared to the previous term. He stressed the crucial role of the opposition in being heard and representing the people's voice in the House.
"I am confident that you will allow us to represent our voice, allow us to speak, to represent voice of people of India," Gandhi stated, emphasizing that the measure of the House's efficiency should not be based on silencing the opposition but rather on allowing the diverse voices of India to be heard.

The opposition was creating a ruckus, on the topic of emergency. The Congress party wants to looks like they care for 'nyay' but they are the who did wrong to the constitution.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi taking over the responsibility of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha is in the interest of the nation.He said that he had also suggested that Rahul Gandhi should accept the post of LoP in the Lok Sabha.“The executive committee and I have insisted that Rahul Gandhi is the appropriate choice to confront the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi taking on this responsibility is in the interest of the nation,” the Chief Minister said.On the hike in milk price, the chief minister said that milk prices have not been increased.“Milk production last year was 90 lakh litres while now it stands at more than 99 lakh litres per day. We have to purchase milk from farmers and sell it. In every milk packet, 50 ml is added and the price has been increased proportionately. We are marketing additional milk sold by farmers, and the rate is fixed accordingly,” he stressed.

On Resolution against Emergency, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "It has been a rather dramatic start to the session because you had all Opposition leaders standing up and saying that they hope that the Speaker would conduct the House in a manner that is fair to all Opposition parties and that would take everyone's point of view into account and give everyone's voice and opportunity to be heard. What we saw was the Speaker, unfortunately, raising a matter that had not been discussed in the House and in a manner that came across as confrontational which was not the right note on which to start the session. But we will have to see how things proceed. As far as we are concerned, the attitude of Opposition parties was well expressed by Rahul Gandhi as Leader of Opposition when he said that we want people's voice to be heard in this House and that is what we are here for. This was not the right way to do. The Speaker could well have benefitted from actually allowing this kind of discussion to take place and then come up with a conclusion rather than imposing the conclusion on the House immediately."

"June 26 is a day when Indira Gandhi shredded democracy and murdered it. Emergency was imposed in the country and people's rights were snatched away. There was nothing like freedom in the country. The day was made captive once again but the youth, farmers, workers and women launched a movement and fought the second fight for liberty and reinstated democracy once again...What Indira Gandhi did was murder of democracy. The more it is criticised, the less it is," Union minister Nityanand Rai told news agency ANI.

"I am telling you formally, we didn't ask for division of votes...We didn't ask for it because we found it appropriate that there be a consensus on the first day, that there be an atmosphere of consensus on the first day. This was a constructive step from our end. We could have asked for division (of votes)," said Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on election of Lok Sabha Speaker that took place today.

"I am glad that the Honourable Speaker strongly condemned the Emergency, highlighted the excesses committed during that time and also mentioned the manner in which democracy was strangled. It was also a wonderful gesture to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered during those days," PM Modi said backing Om Birla's remark.

"The Emergency was imposed 50 years ago but it is important for today's youth to know about it because it remains a fitting example of what happens when the Constitution is trampled over, public opinion is stifled and institutions are destroyed. The happenings during the Emergency exemplified what a dictatorship looks like," he added.

"This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. Along with this, we appreciate the determination of all those people who opposed the Emergency, fought and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India. 25th June 1975 will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India," said Speaker Om Birla.

On this day, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in the country and attacked the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. India is known all over the world as the mother of democracy. Democratic values ​​and debate have always been supported in India. Democratic values ​​have always been protected, they have always been encouraged. Dictatorship was imposed on such an India by Indira Gandhi. The democratic values ​​of India were crushed and freedom of expression was strangled," he added.

Lok Sabha adjourned to meet again on Thursday, June 27.

Newly-elected Speaker Om Birla said the way of protest in the Lok Sabha should be within the decorum of the Lower House.

"I tried in the first stint to give chances to every member to speak. I'll give everyone the chance to keep their view. But I'll hope the House is run by the cooperation", says Om Birla.

"I want to congratulate Om Birla for his second term but it would be noted in history that there was a candidate against him... I want to remind the BJP that they would have to work according to the Constitution," said Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi.

"I would like to congratulate Om Birla for becoming Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. After sitting on this constitutional chair, he will play his role fairly. Now, he doesn't belong to any party. He is custodian of the entire Lok Sabha," said RJD leader Mritunjay Tiwari on Om Birla being elected as Lok Sabha Speaker. (ANI)