Parliament LATEST Updates: Opposition parties on Thursday launched a vociferous attack on the Centre over its handling of the farmers’ agitation, callings its dialogues with the protestors “monologues”, even as the ruling BJP defended the new laws asserting that its government is committed to the welfare of peasants and increase their incomes. Attacking the government, Opposition parties said trenches have been dug, barbed wires put up and spikes installed at the sites of farmers’ protests, whereas bridges should have been built to win over them. The BJP highlighted the farm welfare measures and tore into the shifting of goalposts by the Opposition. Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, Congress MP Deepinder Singh Hooda said the government has no right to question the patriotism of farmers “as they are the ones who have made the country self-sufficient in food”. Speaking during the Zero Hour taken up by the Lok Sabha, Manoj Tiwari complained about schools run by AAP government in Delhi and said that the schools are grossly inadequate to educate all children in the area. He said that many students are failing exam because teachers are either not available or are unable to give attention to children in overflowing schools. “I don’t want to leave the important matter of education on the Delhi government so kindly open a Navodaya Vidyalay in the region,” Tiwari said. Lok Sabha has resumed proceedings amid sloganeering from Opposition who are flashing pamphlets in support of farmers. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, who is in the Chair, has requested the protesting members to use the Zero Hour to raise important issues. A parliamentary panel has raised concerns over building a national database of crime scene DNA profiles, saying it will include virtually everyone as DNA is left at such spots before and after the incident by several people Lok Sabha had to be adjourned as soon as it reconvened at 7 pm amid Opposition protests. The Budget Session has been a near washout in the Lower House for the past three days. within two minutes of reconvening at 6 pm. The House will now meet again at 7 pm Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 6 pm. The House had just started the debate on the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 Speaker adjourned the House barely after three questions had been asked during the Question Hour. Opposition members raised slogans against the Modi government in the Well of the House. A day after the Lok Sabha proceedings were washed out over the Opposition’s demand to have a dedicated discussion on farm issues, the Opposition has again placed a request for an adjournment motion to discuss the same. The Rajya Sabha, meanwhile, witnessed a fiery debate on farm laws The Trinamool MP referred to the death of a farmer during the tractor march in Delhi on Republic Day and said there should be a ‘proper inquiry’ so the truth could come out. Reacting sharply to the treatment meted out the farmers protesting at Delhi borders, Congress leader and Haryana MP Deepinder Hooda asked the Centre to shed its hard stance and withdraw the farm Bills. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, says that the NDA government has never differentiated between BJP and non-BJP ruled states. ‘Our mantra is minimum government maximum governance. We don’t discriminate between States ruled by us and others,’ he added. The AAP leader in Rajya Sabha said BJP party workers stormed the Red Fort and disrespected the national flag on Republic Day. Stating that protests and agitations are the lifeblood of democracy, he contested the government statement of 11 rounds of dialogue have concluded with agitating farmers, saying its ministers ‘believe in monologue and not dialogue’. The former Karnataka chief minister also condemned Centre’s decision to put up ‘concrete walls’ at protest sites. The Congress leader also mentioned Sudha Bharadwaj, who was been jailed for over three years. “She was a Harvard professor and now she is languishing in jail for supporting Dalits in Bhima Koregaon,” he added. Speaking on farmers’ issues in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, BJP’s Jyotiraditya Scindia in Rajya Sabha reiterated the party’s stand that the three farm bills were brought for the benefit of farmers. Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha Thursday slammed the government for its reaction towards the farmers’ protests. “The media starts talking of the ‘Pakistani angle and Khalistani angle’ with regard to farmers’ protest. This is not right.” Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy introduced Bill in Rajya Sabha to replace Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 (J&K Cadre merger with AGMUT). The Centre and the opposition parties have agreed to conduct a discussion on the farm laws in Parliament. The discussion will take place for 15 hours in the Rajya Sabha, after the Motion of Thanks on Friday. The Lok Sabha proceedings were washed out for the second consecutive day on Wednesday after the House was repeatedly adjourned due to protests by Opposition members who were demanding a separate discussion on the farm laws issue. The House reassembled four times but was unable to conduct business as the members of the Congress, DMK, AAP and the SAD trooped into the Well and shouted slogans against the farm laws, ignoring repeated appeals by Speaker Om Birla to maintain order. As the proceedings started at 4 pm, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tried to raise the issue of farmers’ agitation against the agri laws, saying the matter is harming the image of the country. “We are concerned,” he said. Several Opposition members entered the Well, protesting against the farm laws. Chowdhury later demanded a separate discussion on the Presidential address and the farmers’ issue. During the day Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said he had discussions with the leaders of Opposition parties and they had agreed to start the discussion on the motion thanking the President for his address. “Now, they have made a U-turn and that is also like an insult to the President,” Joshi said. Speaker Om Birla reminded the MPs that the whole nation is watching their conduct. He said the people have sent them to the House to raise matters related to the common man and not to chant slogans and disrupt proceedings. Urging the members to return to their seats, Birla said they should maintain the dignity of the House or else he will have to take disciplinary action. He said the Question Hour is important and it should go on. However, repeated assurances by the Speaker that the members will be given adequate opportunity to put forward their views, did not cut ice with the protesting opposition members. Amid the din, the House was first adjourned till 4.30 pm, followed by adjournments till 5 pm, 7 pm and later till 9 pm. Birla urged Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann and others to go to their seats if they want a discussion. But the opposition members did not pay heed to his requests, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings again till 5 pm. Similar scenes were witnessed when the proceedings resumed, with many slogan-shouting opposition members entering the Well again. After various documents were tabled, the Speaker requested the agitating members to return to their seats as he wanted to start the Zero Hour, saying it is important to talk about the problems faced by the people in the members’ constituencies. However, the sloganeering continued. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal was also in the Well, holding a poster against the farm laws. As soon as the house assembled at 9 pm, members from Opposition parties again entered the Well and continued raising slogans forcing the speaker to adjourn the House for the day. There were more than 20 members, including from the Congress, DMK, AAP and the SAD, protesting in the Well. Several farmer unions have been staging protests at various border points of Delhi since late November demanding the repeal of the farm laws.
Parliament Updates: Oppn corners Centre over farmers' protests, says govt should stop 'monologues'
Attacking the govt, Opposition parties said trenches have been dug, barbed wires put up and spikes installed at the sites of farmers’ protests, whereas bridges should have been built to win over them read more
 "Parliament Updates: Oppn corners Centre over farmers' protests, says govt should stop 'monologues'")
IUML leader resigns from LS, to spearhead party campaign in Kerala polls
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader P K Kunhalikutty has resigned from Lok Sabha and will be leading his party’s campaign in the Assembly elections in Kerala, likely to be held in April-May. The IUML is a key ally of the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state.
Kunhalikutty, who represented Malappuram constituency in Kerala, handed over his resignation letter to Speaker Om Birla at his chamber on Wednesday. “I have resigned under the directions of the party (IUML) and the UDF,” Kunhalikutty told reporters in Delhi after submitting his resignation.
Lok Sabha adjourned 4 times today
Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted for the third consecutive day on Thursday as protests by Opposition members demanding a separate discussion on the three contentious farm laws created uproar, leading to repeated adjournments of the House.
As the House assembled after the third adjournment at 7 PM, the opposition members shouted slogans against the agri laws. Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, appealed to the members to go back to their seats so that the House can function normally.
However, the House was adjourned for the fourth time till 8.30 PM as members did not yield to the request of the Chair.
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day
In Parliament today, Opposition corners BJP over farmers’ protest
Opposition parties on Thursday launched a vociferous attack on the Centre over its handling of the farmers’ agitation, callings its dialogues with the protestors “monologues”, even as the ruling BJP defended the new laws asserting that its government is committed to the welfare of peasants and increase their incomes.
Attacking the government, Opposition parties said trenches have been dug, barbed wires put up and spikes installed at the sites of farmers’ protests, whereas bridges should have been built to win over them. The BJP highlighted the farm welfare measures and tore into the shifting of goalposts by the Opposition.
Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, Congress MP Deepinder Singh Hooda said the government has no right to question the patriotism of farmers “as they are the ones who have made the country self-sufficient in food”.
BJD MP says Gandhiji’s portrait should be displayed on Odisha railway stations
Speaking during the Zero Hour taken up by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, BJD MP Bhratruhari Mahtab said that Mahatma Gandhi was given a rousing reception in Cuttack during the non-cooperation movement. “He gave details of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Odisha and requested central government to arrange a laser show. Also, he empasiesd that Gandhiji’s portrait be displayed in the five railway stations he passed through in Odisha,” The Hindu reported.
Parliament LATEST Updates
Manoj Tiwari of BJP demands Navoday Vidyalay in North East Delhi
Complaining about schools run by AAP government, Tiwari said that the schools are grossly inadequate to educate all children in the area. He said that many students are failing exam because teachers are either not available or are unable to give attention to children in overflowing schools.
“I don’t want to leave the important matter of education on the Delhi government so kindly open a Navodaya Vidyalay in the region,” Tiwari said.
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BJP MP Nishikant Dubey wants President’s rule in Jharkhand
Nishikant Dubey (BJP) demands President’s rule in Jharkhand due to rise in crimes against women. Vishnu Dayal Sharma (BJP) asks for railways crossings that have been shut down to be opened in his constituency in Jharkhand.
Parliament LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha takes up Zero Hour as Opposition raises slogans, placards in Well
Lok Sabha has resumed proceedings amid sloganeering from Opposition who are flashing pamphlets in support of farmers. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, who is in the Chair, has requested the protesting members to use the Zero Hour to raise important issues.
Parliament LATEST Updates
Standing Committee raises concerns over creating national DNA database as proposed under new bill
A parliamentary panel has raised concerns over building a national database of crime scene DNA profiles as proposed under a new bill, saying it will include virtually everyone as DNA is left at such spots before and after the incident by several people who may have nothing to do with the case. The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill, 2019, seeks to establish a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data banks to store and maintain the DNA profiles in accordance with the provisions relating to the use and access to information, its retention and expunction.
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Road construction touches record 30 km per day: Nitin Gadkari
Road construction has touched record 30 km per day, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Lok Sabha on Thursday. While responding to queries raised by members during Question Hour, the Road Transport and Highways Minister also said Bharatmala Pariyojana is an important project that will change the face of the country.
“Today the information which I have received is that our construction record comes to 29.6 km, means 30 km per day…and this is for the first time, the highest record was achieved by NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) in the history of the country,” he said.
In five years, the total road construction will match the likes of the US and the European nations. The government envisages building 34,800 km of highways at a cost of about Rs 5.35 lakh crore under the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojna.
Parliament LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha adjourned for the fourth time over protests on farm laws
Lok Sabha resumes proceedings for the fourth time but had to be adjourned within minutes of reconvening. The Budget Session has been a near washout in the Lower House for the past three days.
Parliament LATEST Updates
Govt to give Rs 1 lakh cr additional income to farmers
The government will provide Rs 1 lakh crore additional income to farmers that will be generated by converting waste into energy, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Rajya Sabha on Thursday. He said the heap of waste at Ghazipur will also be cleaned soon to create energy.
“We have started the Gobar Dhan scheme. Cow dung, agriculture waste, city waste, forest waste, the carbon in biomass, everything will be converted into energy. In a few days, the heap of waste at Ghazipur will be cleaned up. The energy that we will make from that we are going to give additional income of Rs 1 lakh crore in the accounts of farmers. Income of farmers will double from that,” Pradhan said while speaking during a discussion on Motion of Thanks to the President’s address.
He said the government has come up with a scheme to procure ethanol worth Rs 20,000 crore which will help increase farmer’s income.
Parliament LATEST Updates
PK Kunhalikutty resigns from Lok Sabha
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader P K Kunhalikutty has resigned from Lok Sabha, ahead of assembly elections in Kerala. He represented Malappuram constituency in Kerala in the House.
“Speaker Om Birla has accepted the resignation of Kunhalikutty, an MP from Kerala, with effect from February 3,” said Meenakshi Lekhi, who was presiding the House, on Thursday. Though Lekhi did not give any reason for his resignation, there is speculation Kunhalikutty might contest the upcoming elections in Kerala.
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UK Parliament to consider debate on farmers issue as e-petition attracts thousands of signatures
The UK Parliament’s Petitions Committee will consider a Westminster Hall debate in the House of Commons complex on the issue of farmers protests and press freedom in India after an online petition attracted over 110,000 signatures.
While the name of Boris Johnson appears in his capacity as a west London Conservative Party member of Parliament, Downing Street had categorically denied that the UK Prime Minister had signed the petition.
The House of Commons further clarified on Thursday that while it is possible to view signatures on its petitions website by individual parliamentary constituencies, and the data also gives the name of the constituency MP, the data does not show whether individual MPs have signed it.
Parliament LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha adjourned within two minutes of reconvening
Lok Sabha had to be adjourned within two minutes of reconvening at 6 pm. The House will now meet again at 7 pm
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 introduced in Lok Sabha, which will replace an Ordinance already in force. The Ordinance was promulgated on November 4, 2020. It seeks to amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The Act contains provisions to deal with domestic and international arbitration and defines the law for conducting conciliation proceedings.
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Travesty of truth: Chidambaram slams MEA assertion that farm laws passed after full debate
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday contested the assertion in a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement that the new farm laws were passed in Parliament after a full debate and discussion, terming it as a travesty of the truth.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the MEA had slammed the remarks made by American singer Rihanna and other celebrities and activists on farmer protests, saying the facts on the issue must be ascertained before rushing to comment on it. The MEA had asserted that the farm laws were passed by Parliament after a full debate and discussion.
Referring to the statement, Chidambaram tweeted, “MEA’s statement reads ‘The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector’.” “That is a travesty of the truth,” he said
The record of the Rajya Sabha and the video record will show that there was not a full discussion, microphones of some MPs were muted, and a “call for division (that is a vote) was summarily rejected”, the former Union minister said in a series of tweets.
Lok Sabha adjourned twice today due to Opposition protests
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the second time on Thursday till 6 pm amid uproar by opposition members over the three new farm laws. As soon as the House re-convened at 5 pm, members of the Opposition started raising slogans against the government and the agri laws.
Some ministers and members laid papers on the table of the House, and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Arbitration and Conciliation Amendment Bill, 2021.
Meenakshi Lekhi, who was in the Chair, asked the members to return to their seats, but they continued with their protest. She adjourned the House till 6 pm.
Earlier in the day, Speaker Om Birla had adjourned the House for about 40 minutes till 5 pm due to protest by the opposition members.
Parliament LATEST Updates
Lok Sabha adjourned till 6 pm
Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 6 pm. The House had just started the debate on the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021
Parliament LATEST Updates
Stop monologue, start dialogue: Opposition tells Centre on farm crisis
Opposition parties on Thursday tore into the government’s handling of the farmer protest against three contentious farm reform laws, saying ministers believe in monologue and trenches have been dug, barbed wires put up and spikes installed when bridges should have been built to win over farmers.
Opening the second day of discussion on a motion thanking the President for his address to the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session, Manoj Kumar Jha of the RJD said the government has lost the patience to hear and any criticism is painted as anti-national.
“With folded hands, I request you to please understand the pain of farmers. In harsh winter you stopped water supply and toilet facilities, dug trenches, put barbed wires, and installed spikes,” he said. “Such aggressive approach wasn’t even heard of towards the neighbouring nations who came inside (the Indian territory).”
Parliament LATEST Updates
Speaker Om Birla conducts Question Hour in LS amid slogans of ‘Modi govt down, down!"
Parliament LATEST Updates
What’s on agenda in Lok Sabha today?
Several ministers are expected to submit reports and lay papers on the table, including written responses to questions asked in the Question Hour. The Standing Committees on Railways, Urban development, Science and Technology, Climate change etc will also table their reports.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is set to introduce The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021, an Ordinance for which was promulgated when the House was not in Session. The Lok Sabha is also still due to pass the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.
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No annual report from Lokpal laid in Parliament: govt
Anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal, which came into being in 2019, is required to present to president and Parliament an annual report on the work done by it but no such report has been laid in the two Houses, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. On 23 March, 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as chairperson of Lokpal, the top body to inquire and investigate allegations of corruption against public functionaries.
Lokpal is an independent statutory body established under Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. In terms of Section 48 of the said Act, the Lokpal is required to present annually to the President a report on the work done by it, which is caused to be laid in both the Houses of the Parliament, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a written reply. No such report has been laid, he said.
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Opposition gives adjournment notice in LS ahead of session
Congress MP and party’s chief Whip in Lok Sabha, Manickam Tagore has given an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to hold a discussion on “farm laws”. Congress’ Manish Tewari has given another notice with a similar context. The Lok Sabha has seen a washout session so far, apart from Day 1 when the Budget was presented, as members have been demanding an adjournment of the regular business of House for the sole purpose of a dedicated discussion on farm issues.
The government, meanwhile, has been insisting on persuing the tradition of passing motion of thanks to president’s address first.
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‘Whichever party you stay in, blessings with you’: Digvijaya Singh to Jyotiraditya Scindia
Amid the debate in Rajya Sabha on farmers’ issues, an exchange between BJP leader Jyotraditya Scindia and his former Congress colleague Digvijaya Singh made for an amusing interlude on Thursday.
Scindia, speaking in the Parliament for the first time since he jumped ship last year from the BJP to the Congress – his party of 19 years, targeted the “double standards” of the Congress-led UPA government on the farm laws at the centre of a massive farmers’ agitation.
Citing the Congress’ 2019 manifesto, Scindia said: “Those who earlier said they support (farm reform laws) have changed track.”
Speaking right after Mr Scindia, Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh began by taking a swipe at him.
“Scindia-ji I congratulate you. The way you earlier used to present the UPA’s point of view forcefully in the house, today you have done an excellent job of expressing the BJP’s view. Wah Maharaj-ji wah!” said Singh. Scindia smiled and retorted: “It is all thanks to your blessings.”
To which, Singh returned: “My blessings were always with you. And will always be with you, no matter which party you join.”
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Derek O’Brien demands repeal of farm laws, offers draft bill to do so
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien on Thursday pressed the government to repeal the three controversial farm laws and offered a ‘Repealing Bill 2021’ drafted by him for the purpose.
Participating in a discussion on the motion of thanks on the president’s address in the Rajya Sabha, the Trinamool MP also referred to the death of a farmer during the tractor parade in Delhi on Republic Day and said there should be a “proper inquiry” so the truth could come out.
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Centre ill-treating farmers, says Deepinder Hooda
Reacting sharply to the treatment meted out to the farmers protesting at Delhi borders, Congress MP Deepinder Hooda said “barricades are placed and farmers are being illtreated”.
“Farmers are wrongly blamed for the violence that ensued during the tractors march on 26 January. Internet has been suspended in Delhi borders and parts of Haryana. They are being denied basic amenities,” he said.
Parliament LATEST Updates
No annual report from Lokpal laid in Parliament: Centre
Anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal, which came into being in 2019, is required to present to president and Parliament an annual report on the work done by it but no such report has been laid in the two Houses, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.
On 23 March, 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as chairperson of Lokpal, the top body to inquire and investigate allegations of corruption against public functionaries.
#ParliamentQuestion
— Maadhyam (@_maadhyam_) February 4, 2021
Govt was asked about details of complaints heard, disposed, prosecutions by #Lokpal etc.
Govt responded - Under #Lokpal Act, 2013, annual report of #Lokpal is to be presented to #President & laid in #Parliament, but no such report has been laid so far. pic.twitter.com/tGfXXCkfBj
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No self reliance without farmers: Hooda
Deepinder Hooda, Congress MP from Haryana, asked the government to “shed its hard stance and withdraw the farm Bills”. “I have a list of 184 farmers who died. Their brothers and sons are deployed at China border and elsewhere. I want to lay this on the table of the House,” said Hooda.
“You are talking about being self reliant, we were importing foodgrains. Our farmers made us self reliant,” he said.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 9 am tomorrow
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NDA govt doesn’t discriminate between BJP-ruled states and others: Dharmendra Pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that the NDA government has never differentiated between BJP and non-BJP ruled states.
“In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his priority was the poor, the young, women and backward in the country. Our mantra is minimum government maximum governance,” he said, citing data of beneficiaries of several schemes under the BJP government
“BJP govt has prioritized the welfare of the poor. It took 34 years to bring a new education policy for this country,” he added.
Minister of Petrol, @dpradhanbjp :
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) February 4, 2021
Govt has prioritized welfare of the poor; Cites data:
-42 crore #Jandhan accounts opened
-Toilets constructed for 107 crore people
-4 crore #electricity connections
-29 crore LPG connections
-Aim to provide Tap water & internet in all villages pic.twitter.com/fmLagfyPiW
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Deep Sidhu is a BJP man, responsible for violence during tractor rally, says Sanjay Singh
AAP’s Sanjay Singh in Rajya Sabha said BJP party workers stormed the Red Fort and disrespected the national flag on Republic Day.
“On seven routes farmers marched peacefully on 26 January, those who stormed Red Fort and disrespected triciolour belong to BJP. Deep Sidhu is a BJP man. He has met Narendra Modi. They can stoop to any level for their politics. The internet has also been shut down there,” he said.
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Eleven rounds of talks between Centre, farmers failed: Sanjay Singh
“For past 76 days, farmers are protesting, and they have been called terrorists and Khalistanis. A BJP MLA said that they are not farmers, they are terrorists and should be shot, and if Delhi Police cannot do it then I will hit them with shoe. Is this the language for annadatas?” said AAP leader Sanjay Singh.
He further went to say that 11 round of talks between Centre and the farm union leaders have failed.
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Centre has lost patience to hear criticism: Manoj Kumar Jha
Opening the second day of discussion on a motion thanking the President for his address to the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session, Manoj Kumar Jha of the RJD said the government has lost the patience to hear and any criticism is painted as anti-national.
“With folded hands, I request you to please understand the pain of farmers. In harsh winter you stopped water supply and toilet facilities, dug trenches, put barbed wires, and installed spikes,” he said.
“Such aggressive approach wasn’t even heard of towards the neighbouring nations who came inside (the Indian territory), Jha said.
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Modi govt failed on all fronts: Derek O’Brien
Speaking on how the government has undermined federalism, Derek O’Brien said that cess (which is not shared with states) have been increased and MPLAD funds have been suspended under the guise of pandemic.
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Condemn violence on R-Day, but farmers not responsible for it: Deve Gowda
“We condemn actions of certain miscreants on Republic Day, but farmers are not responsible for it. They should not be punished,” said Karnataka MP Deve Gowda.
The former Karnataka chief minister also condemned Centre’s decision to put up “concrete walls” at protest sites.
“Centre’s decision to put concrete walls at protest site won’t help. Government must end the matter peacefully,” he said.
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Who said Abki baar Trump Sarkar: Derek O’Brien on Centre’s reaction to ‘international interference’
Responding to MEA’s backlash against international personalities’ supporting the farmers’ movement, Derek O Brien said: “Today we very touchy about remarks coming from outside on farmer’s agitation. But who said this Abki baar Trump sarkar. And now we are talking about international interference”
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PM Modi, Amit Shah must investigate death of farmer during tractor rally: Derek O’Brien
Talking about the death of the farmer during the tractors rally on 26 January, TMC leader Derek O Brien said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi Home Minister Amit Shah should investigate the incident and provide a report.
He further said: “If something similar to the incident in Delhi had happened in West Bengal or Maharashtra, what would have the reaction been?.”
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Thankful for small freedoms in these times: Derek O’Brien
In these times, we should be thankful for small freedoms like being allowed to speak without the mike being muted, or the television feeds being censored or MPs not being escorted out by marshals, said Derek O Brien of TMC, from West Bengal.
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Suppression of dissent under Modi govt is deplorable: Digvijay Singh
Taking a swipe at the Narendra Modi government over the contentious farm laws, Congress leader Digvijay Singh said that the way dissent is being suppressed is “deplorable”
“The farm Bills are anti-farmers,” said Singh.
“The hoisting of cases against farmers, journalists, activists and such need to stop. We respect the mandate you have, but the way in which dissent (which is the backbone of a democracy) is being suppressed in our country is deplorable,” he said.
He also mentioned Sudha Bharadwaj, who was been jailed for over 3 years. “She was a Harvard professor and now she is languishing in jail for supporting Dalits in Bhima Koregaon,” he added.
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Budget set for COVID-19 vaccine is low: Digvijay Singh
Addressing vaccine hesitancy, Digvijay Singh criticised the budget set aside for coronavirus vaccination as low and points out that the permit is only for emergency use.
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Digvijay Singh talks about impact of coronavirus lockdown on migrant workers
Congress’ Digvijay Singh spoke about the effect of coronavirus lockdown on migrant workers, including pregnant women and children who had to walk for kilometres to get home.
“In Singapore, they gave 8 days notice before lockdown. But in a country as vast as India, just four hours? PM Modi misused the federal structure in this decision,” he said.
He also said that the gap between Modi government’s promises and implementation of those promises are huge.
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Supporters of agri reforms have changed track, says Scindia citing Congress’ 2019 manifesto
Speaking on farmers’ issues in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, BJP’s Jyotiraditya Scindia in Rajya Sabha reiterated the party’s stand that the three farm bills were brought for the benefit of farmers.
“We have broken the shackles to ensure that farmers can independently sell their produce anywhere in the country,” said Scindia.
Citing the Congress’ 2019 manifesto, he said: “Those who earlier said they support (farm reform laws) have changed track.”
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AP govt should consider demands of Amravati farmers: Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar
TDP’s Kumar Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar said the government should be “magnanimous” in considering the farmers demands. He further said Andhra Pradesh government should consider the demands of the Amravati farmers who have been protesting for 415 days.
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India has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of coronavirus, says Scindia
Jyotiraditya Scindia in Rajya Sabha said 2020 was a challenging year for the whole world. “But after a year, looking at the falling COVID-19 cases there is a new sense of energy. India has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of coronavirus.”
He added that India’s recovery rate from COVID-19 is high compared to the rest of the world.
He goes on to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and government for their timely action that contributed to this, and cites the example of emergency to counter allegations that the lockdown was not implemented in an intelligent manner.
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Congress MP gives adjournment motion notice in LS over farms issue
Congress MP Manish Tewari has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over farm laws issue on Thursday.
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Indian democracy won’t be weakened by anyone’s tweet: Manoj Jha
Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha Thursday slammed the government for its reaction towards the farmers’ protests. “The media starts talking of the ‘Pakistani angle and Khalistani angle’ with regard to farmers’ protest. This is not right.”
Citing a portion of the President’s Address on the importance of democracy, Jha added that whatever we have seen recently has been against the Constitution.
“Our democracy is strong, it will not be weakened by anyone’s tweet,” he said, a day after the MEA’s response to tweets by Rihanna and Greta Thunberg on farmers’ protests.
Parliament LATEST Updates
Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 introduced in RS
Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy introduced Bill in Rajya Sabha to replace Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 (J&K Cadre merger with AGMUT).
Parliament LATEST Updates
Jairam Ramesh urges more members be allowed in RS
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday requested that more members be allowed in the Rajya Sabha to create an atmosphere of debate. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said the matter will be discussed later.
Currently, members are spread across Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha halls due to COVID-19 protocol.
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Proceedings of Rajya Sabha begin
Proceedings commence in the Upper House on day five of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament.
Delhi: Proceedings of Rajya Sabha begin. #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/cxjbsbeYVy
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2021
Parliament LATEST Updates
Rajya Sabha to resume proceedings shortly
Proceedings in Rajya Sabha will commence at 9 am on Wednesday. The Centre and the opposition parties have agreed to conduct a discussion on the farm laws in Parliament. The discussion will take place for 15 hours in the Rajya Sabha, after the Motion of Thanks on Friday
RECAP: RS resolves deadlock to debate farm issues
Several Opposition parties including the Congress and the DMK on Wednesday asked the government to withdraw the three contentious farm laws without making it a prestige issue and not to treat the agitating farmers as “enemies”.
Participating in the discussion on the Motion on Thanks to President’s Address to the joint sitting of Parliament, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress member Ghulam Nabi Azad suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself should make the announcement on repeal of the laws. Modi was present in the House at the time.
Declaring that disrespect to the national flag cannot be tolerated, he also condemned the violence at the Red Fort during the farmers’ tractor rally on Republic Day.
“I urge the government to withdraw these three bills,” he said, and added that the government should set up a committee to find out the whereabouts of people “who have gone missing” during the farmers’ protest. The senior Congress leader cited several examples, including one during his own party’s rule in 1988, of the government giving in to the demands of farmers.
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RECAP: Lok Sabha fails to function over repeated Opposition protests
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned five times on Wednesday as the protesting Opposition members demanded a separate discussion on the farm laws issue. As soon as the House met at 4 pm, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tried to raise the issue of farmers’ agitation, saying that the matter is maligning the image of the country.
“We are concerned,” he said.
Urging members to return to their seats, Speaker Om Birla said they should maintain the dignity of the House or else he will have to take disciplinary actions against those who violate norms. He said the Question Hour is important and it should go on. But Opposition members refused to relent, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 4.30 pm.
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