Parliament's Monsoon Session highlights: Govt avoids legislative scrutiny by passing key bills in guise of money bill

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2.30 pm

BJP blames West Bengal government for Darjeeling situation

पश्चिम बंगाल सरकार की नीति के कारण दार्जलिंग में अशांति फैली हैः अनंत कुमार, संसदीय कार्य मंत्री pic.twitter.com/fOYcNgKWfU

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) July 21, 2017

Darjeeling unrest raised in Zero Hour in Lok Sabha

 CPM leader Mohammad Salim said that the West bengal food grain minister has threatened to stop the supply of food grains in the Hills of West Bengal, after the pro-Gorkhaland protesters declined to relent and call-off the bandh. 

The CPM leader said that this was unconstitutional and against the right to food.

Committee report on the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights tabled in Rajya Sabha

Committee report on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 tabled in Rajya Sabha

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 21, 2017

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh briefs Rajya Sabha on performance of agriculture schemes

Govt is promoting many schemes on family planning: MoS Anupriya Patel

परिवार नियोजन कार्यक्म में हिस्सा लेने वाले युवाओं को बढ़ावा देने की कई योजनाएंः अनुप्रिया पटेल, स्वास्थ्य और परिवार कल्याण राज्यमंत्री pic.twitter.com/v15kwfMg9q

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) July 21, 2017

I am being threatened despite remarks being expunged from records: Naresh Agrawal

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Naresh Agrawal told the chair that his remark linking alcohol to Hindu gods was expunged from the records in Rajya Sabha and he also took back those comments. “However, despite that, BJP Yuva Morcha leaders are threatening me, they vandalised my residence, and media houses are rampantly reporting on those remarks, quoting them out of contest,” Agrawal said. 

He said that this amounted to flouting the privileges enjoyed by a Member of Parliament.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm

Ruckus in Rajya Sabha over Naresh Agrawal’s remarks on Hindu deities

Question Hour underway in Lok Sabha

Opposition accuses govt of using finance bill route to pass key bills

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the government is passing key policy related bills to pass off as finance bills to avoid scrutiny in the Upper House. 

Anand Sharma said that the government was inclined to undermine the authority of the House. He said that even the Election Commission has taken strong objections to the BJP-led Centre passing Representation of People’s Act as a money bill.

Day 5: House proceedings in Parliament begin

Parliament adjourned for the day

Rajya Sabha has adjourned for the day, following Arun Jaitley’s speech on communal violence and mob lynchings.

Kerala political killings only since LDF govt took charge: Arun Jaitley

Talking about the issue of political killings in Kerala, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said Congress’ government under Oomen Chandy ruled the state for five years, but not a single such instance was reported. “Why are there cases coming up only after LDF government took charge?” he asked.

Nehru govt banned cow slaughter first: Jaitley

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley says cow slaughter ban was brought in by Jawaharlal Nehru’s government. “Law prohibiting cow slaughter was passed during Jawaharlal Nehru’s rule. The law had Ambedkar’s assent. So how can Congress blame BJP government of Narendra Modi for this?” he asked the Rajya Sabha.

Jaitley says action taken against accused in every instance of mob lynching

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley says, “Regarding every event, whichever state it took place in, the home minister took stock of the situation. In every instance, action was taken against the culprits who are all in jail today. They have been chargesheeted and will face trial.”

13 Left workers killed since last year, why isn’t anybody talking about it, asks Kerala CPM

Referring to accusations made by BJP leaders that CPM workers are targetting them and killing their activists, Ragesh said members of both parties have been targeted. “After the Left govt took charge in Kerala, 13 CPM workers were also killed in Kerala. But why aren’t the BJP leaders talking about this?” he asked.

BJP spitting venom, targetting Kerala with a communal agenda: CPM

After BJP leaders raised raised allegations of political killings against Left parties, CPM leader KK Ragesh said BJP is targeting Kerala with a divisive agenda. “They are spitting venom. A madrassa worker Mohd Riyaz, was killed only because he was a Muslim. An eight-year-old child was killed. The CPM is trying to preserve the secular fabric of the state, which is why they are being targeted,” Ragesh said.

Watch: TKS Elangovan’s speech in Rajya Sabha on gau rakshaks

Sh. T K S Elangovan's Speech: https://t.co/eYDiZImNdt via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 20, 2017

Where are the gau rakshaks when cows die of hunger, asks Congress

“People who claim to be gau rakshaks never actually take care of the cows. There are cows dying of hunger and negligence in Haryana and Rajasthan, but nobody even gives them food,” said Kumari Selja, Congress MP from Haryana.

Dalits have to pick up dead cows’ carcasses, but are lynched when they do

Congress leader Kumari Selja from Haryana says, “Atrocities against Dalits have increased under NDA rule, in different states. Manual scavenging is still being practised, though it’s against the law. They also have to pick up carcasses of dead cows, so they can be sent to leather and tanning units. The Dalits have been told to both pick up the dead cows, and when they do, you also have them beaten, like it happened in Una.”

Watch: Rajeev Chandrashekhar’s speech on mob lynchings and mob violence

Sh. Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s Speech: https://t.co/G2HgEQ4fuV via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 20, 2017

Watch: KTS Tulsi’s speech on communal violence

Sh. K. T. S. Tulsi’s Speech: https://t.co/58Vh6OwDfd via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 20, 2017

Those speaking of intolerance are hypocritical, says Rajeev Chandrashekhar

Left leaders speak about ‘intolerance’ but what about political workers and families hacked in Kerala? Since the Left government came to power, 15 people were killed. It seems to suggest that some violent crimes are OK but some others aren’t.

Congress, TMC stage walk-out from Parliament

Congress and TMC stage walkout from Rajya Sabha over the comments made by HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar during a debate on lynchings.

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

Prakash Javadekar’s speech on ‘selective amnesia’

Sh. Prakash Javadekar’s Speech: https://t.co/S6LMR2CZUW via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 20, 2017

86 percent of those killed in communal riots are Muslims, says KTS Tulsi

Muslims constitute 86 percent of people who have been killed in communal riots. We cannot have an “ostrich-like” approach. We need to accept the facts. A mob is like a raging fire. Those feeding the frenzy are equally responsible.  In most of these instances, the police hasn’t registered a case. Even when they do, the victims are blamed, or their families are blamed.

Congress stages walkout from Rajya Sabha

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad takes exception to Prakash Javadekar’s speech, says no party has had as much of an effort in nation building as the Congress. Party stages walkout from Rajya Sabha following the speech.

Condemn Godhra, 1984 riots before talking about lynchings under NDA rule

Union minister Prakash Javadekar tells Rajya Sabha, “We need to condemn issues of cow vigilantes taking matters into their own hands, but we can’t have selective amnesia. In 1984, Sikhs were lynched in large numbers, which can even today be considered one of the worst riots in independent India. In 2001, at Godhra, thousands burnt devotees on their way back from Ayodhya. So if we are condemning lynchings, we must condemn all lynchings through history.”

#Watch: Kapil Sibal fires salvo on govt over cow vigilantism, blames Modi of double speak

Sh. Kapil Sibal’s Speech: https://t.co/SsQztUcTpp via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 20, 2017

JD(U)’s Sharad Yadav makes impassioned appeal to act against mob lynching

Sharad Yadav told the House that he can give umpteen examples where individuals were living under fear of lynching and communal harmony has come under strain. He questioned that why this issue arose for the first time in over 60 years in such a big way only after BJP came to power. 

“You have destroyed leather industry, snatched whatever means of livelihood the poor had, and forced the prices of cattle stock to fall… please don’t rake up unnecessary issues and use your mandate to do good work,” Yadav told the treasury benches.

#Watch: Sushma Swaraj’s speech on India-China standoff  

India well equipped to handle China’s interference: Swarajhttps://t.co/e3bmp6BVNM

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 20, 2017

Sibal parallels cow vigilantes to Salwa Judum, calls them ‘fake Hindus’

Kapil Sibal said that cow vigilantes were just like Salwa Judum who made their own laws and then brought people to ‘justice’ on their own. He said that such people insult Hinduism and are fake Hindu.

BJP can’t distance itself from cow vigilantism: Sibal

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Sibal said that on one hand “BJP says that don’t drag us in this issue as law and order is a state subject… while VHP, Bajrang Dal, who are your own people, are openly encouraging such things.” 

“Do you dare to openly condemn VHP, Bajrang Dal and term them anti-social organisation… but that’s where you f=get your electoral support from,” Sibal said.

Kapil Sibal names and blames VHP, Bajrang Dal for mob lynching; Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi wants comments expunged

Kapil Sibal said that while the BJP was trying to distance itself from cow vigilantism, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal are openly “encouraging and recruiting” vigilantes and “religious militants”.  

After Sibal concluded his remark, BJP’s Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stood up and said that the rules said that organisations/ individuals who can’t defend themselves in the House shouldn’t be named. He asked that such names should be expunged from records.

Kapil Sibal blames Modi for creating environment for mob lynching

“Whatever is happening in India has nothing to do with vigilantes, it has everything to do with the prime minister,” Sibal said. He said that the prime minister was creating an environmnet where such elements felt encouraged to carry out their agenda and disturb the peace and tranquility of the nation.

Sibal invokes Modi’s old speeches on cow vigilantism, accuses Modi of double speak

Kapil Sibal invoked Narendra Modi’s old speeches claiming that the prime minister’s latest statements amounted to double speak. He said that Modi had on repeated occasion glorified cow worship and violence, stirring emotions of people. “Cows are being killed for money, how can you take this lying,” Sibal quoted Modi as saying. 

He said that on one hand he gloriefies extremism and on the other hand he talks of Mahatma Gandhi, “this is paramount to misleading the people… Modi is indulging in double speak.”

Kapil Sibal takes govt to task over cow vigilantism

Kapil Sibal, in a strong worded condemnation for cow vigilantism, said that the issue was much more far reaching than the government was ready to accept. He said that the prime minister has issued three statements in three years, but there has been no action on the ground to support his words.

SAD’s Naresh Gujral condemns mob lynching, says tough action and tolernce is the only way forward

Shiromani Akali Dal’s Naresh Gujral said that such incidents were not only condemnable but against the spirit of India. He said that apart from prime minister’s strong words strict action was also necessary.

Rajya Sabha debates on mob lynchings, cow vigilantism

Rajya Sabha accepts Mayawati’s resignation: CNN-News 18

#BREAKING -- Mayawati's resignation from Rajya Sabha accepted pic.twitter.com/NMpXpc1q2B

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

#InPictures: Tamil Nadu farmers beat themselves with chappals in protest

As Opposition protests forced a near washout in the Lok Sabha today, Tamil Nadu farmers who have gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand farm loan waivers amid other things, paraded with human skulls and beat themselves with slippers as a sign of protest.

Delhi: Tamil Nadu farmers demanding loan waiver beat themselves with chappals & parade carrying skulls in protest pic.twitter.com/GpwHnHX1wn

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

Airlines can’t impose flying ban on anyone: RS Dy Chairman

Airlines have no authority to impose flying ban on anybody, including parliamentarians, and the law of the land should take its course, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said on Thursday.

The remarks came after SP member Naresh Agrawal raised the issue of recent flying ban imposed by major domestic airlines, including state-owned Air India

Sushma Swaraj statement on India-China standoff not enough, full-fledged debate needed: Congress

Full fledged discussion needed on India-China standoff. Statement not enough: Ghulam Nabi Azad pic.twitter.com/IkIAj4CHLl

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

China tried to unilaterally change status quo in Doka La: Sushma Swaraj

If China unilaterally changes status-quo of tri-junction point between China-India & Bhutan then it poses a challenge to our security: EAM

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

India never interfered in Bhutan, China row; Sikkim standoff to protect Indian interest : Swaraj

Sushma Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha that Sikkim standoff is only about ‘just demands’ from the Indian side. She said that both Bhutan and India are sovereign nations and are working to resolve their respective border disputes with China. The minister, however, added that the current standoff was a result of Chinese action that directly threatened Indian interests.

“The tri-junction is a shared border between India, China and Bhutan but China was unilaterally trying to build a pucca road and unilaterally alter the status-quo in the region,” she said.

Sushma Swaraj clarifies govt stand on South China Sea

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said that India’s stand on South China has been very clear. She said that India maintains that free and uninterrupted passage for commercial vessels should be maintained in the region and any dispuets should be solved with Indian norms and mutual cooperation.

Sushma Swaraj says India not threatened in IOR, denies Chinese encirclement

Responding to a question on India-China relations, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said, “It’s wrong to say that China is encircling India in Indian Ocean Region. India is vigilant of its security interests, and no one can encircle it.”

Parliamentary panel likely to finalise report on note ban

The parliamentary panel on finance is likely to finalise its report on demonetisation of high value currency notes on Thursday, Rajya Sabha TV reported.

“Sources also added that the panel has finalised its report on bad loans and challenges in the banking sector for presentation to Parliament,” the news report said.

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid unabated opposition protests over agrarian crisis and the farmers’ plight.

PTI

Modi govt first to propogate self-reliance in defence production: Sushma Swaraj

Congress says no mention of H1-B in Trump-Modi statement; Sushma Swaraj defends PM

Without using the word H1B visa there was extensive discussion on its spirit, b/w Pres Trump & PM: EAM Sushma Swaraj in RS pic.twitter.com/zysGebnKfz

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

Naresh Agarwal wants govt intervention against airlines for ‘grounding MPs

Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal said that of late there have been news reports focusing on only one side of the story about MPs allegedly misbehaving with airlines staff. Addressing the chair, he said that the action of airlines against MPs in such cases compromises their privileges. 

To this, the Dy Chairman said that the MPs are citizens too and in case of a crime/ violations committed by them, the law of the land should prevail. He, however, said that the airlines have no jurisdiction to punish anyone, therefor the combined action of all airlines against MPs should be looked into by the government.

Three bills listed for passage in Rajya Sabha today

3 Bills in RS listed:Motor Vehicle (A)Bill,Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims)Bill and Collection of Statistics (A)Bill

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 20, 2017

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla slams govt on implementation of GST

All parties raising GST issue, all traders protesting against GST; problem in implementation: Rajeev Shukla in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/00uWeODtDS

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

Naresh Agarwal raises issue of vulgar, misleading advertisements on TV

“There are many vulgar advertisements on TVs these days, which are also very misleading… I also tried a fairness cream hoping that I may become fairer but nothing happened,” Agarwal said.  

He said that the government should constitute a censor board to reign in such adverts.

GST impact on textile traders echoes in Rajya Sabha

The BJP government was asked to reassess the impact of GST on the handloom and textile sector. West Bengal MPs Ritabrata Banerjee, Sukhendu Shekhar Rai and Ahmed Patel along with several other MPs pointed out that the imposition of GST has created a problem for small textile traders, who were earlier exempt from taxes will now have to file GST papers 36 times in a year. The textile traders have been striking for some time to flag the difficulties being faced by them. 

The MPs requested that the matter should be listed for a full-fledged discussion.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raises cow vigilantism in Rajya Sabha

https://t.co/HMnLugJ3BM

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 20, 2017

Congress MP Sanjai Singh slams govt over delay in rescue ops in floods in Northeast states

Congress MP from Assam, Sanjay Singh said that even after days of the state reeling under floods nd scores of death, the rescue efforts remain far from satisfactory. He said that the floods are a recurring issue, still the government failed to promulgate an advanced contingency plan, which has resulted in massive loss of life and property in the Northeastern states.

Digvijay Singh rakes up farmer crisis again, requests further discussion

Congress MP Digvijay Singh, in the Zero Hour of the Rajya Sabha said that the farmer crisis was not eliciting enough empathy from the government. he pointed out that the BJP had promised higher MSP for farm produce during elections but three years on, it has failed to fulfill its promise.

BSP RS MP Satish Misra seeks to correct record, says Mayawati did not speak out of turn

Seeking to correct the records of the Rajya Sabha, BSP MP Satish Misra read out the records of the House Proceedings. Misra said that Mayawati was interrupted 62 times during her brief speech. He pointed out that the Deputy Speaker PJ Kurien himself had said that the matter is being taken under Rule 269 and not Zero Hour. 

This was in contrast with the clarification issued by Kurien on Wednesday, who had said that it was a procedurial matter. “I was not taking a 267 (suspension rule).”

Kurien, responding to this, asked the MP to let the matter rest, adding that he inisits that there was no notice given by Mayawati before speaking, however, he conceded that the notice was given by Misra.

A recap from Wednesday

Proceedings in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were disrupted multiple times on Wednesday, after MPs protested the agrarian crisis, cow vigilantism and Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal’s comments linking Hindu gods with brands of alcohol.

A slugfest also emerged between BJP and Congress over a dossier prepared by the research department of the All-India Congress Committee. It was leaked on Wednesday morning and lists several issues to corner the government during the ongoing Monsoon Session. The ‘key issues to raise in Parliament’ section puts “mob violence and lynching — from Akhlaq to Junaid” top-most on the agenda. The Congress did raise the lynching issue extensively on Wednesday. However, proceedings began with the agrarian distress.

Ahead of the Parliament Session today, rains lash New Delhi

Heavy rain lashes Delhi: #Visuals from Parliament pic.twitter.com/OOTRmx7meI

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

US designated Hizb-ul-Mujahideen's Syed Salahuddin as Specially Designated Global Terrorist on India's suggestion:Govt's written reply in LS

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2017

Special Mentions| July 19, 2017: https://t.co/1QVokKlvg3 via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 19, 2017

Employees who secured job on #FakeCasteCertificates will be sacked from govt service, Union min Jitendra Singh #LokSabha, #MonsoonSession

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 19, 2017

PM Modi's radio address #MannKiBaat generated revenue of about Rs 10 cr for @AkashvaniAIR in last 2 fiscals, govt tells #LokSabha pic.twitter.com/7fNIgZEbCl

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 19, 2017

Rajya Sabha adjourns until 11am on Thursday

Kurien clears Mayawati issue

After BSP leader Satish Mishra accused PJ Kurien of discriminating against Mayawati, the deputy chairman sought to set the record straight.

“Yesterday, there was no notice from Kumari Mayawati. What happened is, when I commented, I found Kumari standing. I thought I should give her three minutes. I said three minutes. I bypassed LOP (Leader of Opposittion) and allowed Kumari,” he said.

“I have lot of respect for her. On Tuesday, it was a procedurial matter. I was not taking a 267 (suspension rule). It was a communication gap,” he said.

Kurien also conveyed that he would want Mayawati to take back her resignation to which other members also agreed.

BSP raises Saharanpur issue in RS

BSP leader Satish Mishra questions why Mayawati was stopped from making her speech on atrocities against Dalits on Tuesday.

He says the Centre’s mentality related to Dalits is not hidden. “The kind of situation in country, Uttar Pradesh, it shows where their ego has reached,” he says.

Sh. Derek O'Brien’s Speech: https://t.co/CR6m7wp9jk via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 19, 2017

Trinamool’s Derek O’Brien speaks during a Short Duration Discussion on crimes against the marginalised in #RajyaSabha

— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 19, 2017

Sh. Sitaram Yechury's Speech: https://t.co/3AF5wORX2v via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 19, 2017

Sitaram Yechury demands ban on vigilantism of all sorts

Yechury refers lynching cases of Mohammed Akhlaq, Pehlu Khan. “Is this what my country is coming to, sir?” he asks.

The CPM leader also spoke against anti-Romeo sqauds. “These private armys are taking law into their own hands. They will have to be banned. Because that is the only way you can stop these private armies. We immediately ask for these vigilantism groups, by central order,” he says.

Naresh Agrawal criticises anti-Romeo campaign in Rajya Sabha

The SP leaders slams Uttar Pradesh government for increasing number of crimes against women in the state. Agrawal also seeks apology from the state government over the the anti-Romeo drive.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 4 pm

Sh. Naresh Agrawal’s Speech - 01: https://t.co/hGaDQ062rn via @YouTube

— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) July 19, 2017

Sitaram Yechury urges calm in Rajya Sabha

As Rajya Sabha members stop the functioning of the Upper House to demand an apology from Agarwal, Sitaram Yechury appealed to them to maintain calm and let the proceedings continue.

The statement made by Naresh Agarwal is derogatory: PJ Kurien

After examining the clip of Naresh Agarwal’s statement, PJ Kurien said that per se, it was derogatory and hurt the sentiments of a community. Agarwal took his comments back after Kurien condemned it.

हर साल दो करोड़ नए रोजगार का वायदा था, पिछले तीन साल में कितने रोजगार के मौके बनेः पी के बीजू
भारतीय सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान बिल पर चर्चा pic.twitter.com/yi5cwtYbx2

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) July 19, 2017

Rajya Sabha adjourned for 10 minutes following ruckus over Naresh Agarwal’s statement

Jisne is tarah ke crime kiye hain kya board laga rakha tha main gau rakshak hun, kaha tha kya main gau raksha ka thekedaar hun?: MA Naqvi pic.twitter.com/A1wLTZZqx5

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2017

Naresh Agarwal linked all Hindu gods with alcohol brands: Arun Jaitely

You would have been liable to prosecution had you spoken this outside the House, Arun Jaitely tells Naresh Aggarwal. Rajya Sabha members attacks Agarwal over his comments linking Hindu gods with alcohol brands and demand an apology from him.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi says they were not allowed to raise farmers’ issues in Lok Sabha

Today in Lok Sabha we wanted to speak on farmers issues,even PM was present, but we were not allowed to speak: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/7BDm2unGHy

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2017

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi urges Rajya Sabha members to not give the color of communalism to crime

Naqvi urged the Rajya Sabha members to not convert crime into communalism. It will only help those who want their to be seen from a religious light, he said. Naqvi further said that despite inheriting a nation paralysed with corruption, they have changed it so the entire world is saluting India now.

In a message to the Opposition, he said that by raising such incidents and converting them into huge issues, they will not be able to hamper the Modi government’s agenda. We all have to fight together towards defeating and isolating the people behind these incident, he said.

Desh ki ekta akhandta ke liye har vipaksh ka neta jaan dene ke liye taiyaar hai, aap vote ki rajneeti bas band kariye: GN Azad,Congress

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2017

Opposition suspects there is an understanding with the government in lynchings: Azad

“In the past, it was an individual who was involved in the lynching cases. However, today a member of the ruling party is definitely involved in all the cases. It is a fight for humanity. It is not a fight among religions or between Dalits and upper classes.”

“I suspect and the entire Opposition suspects that the lynchings are happening after an understanding with the government. I agree that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a statement against lynchings but I still feel that lynchings continue unabated because of the government’s approval. This is just for political harvesting,” Azad said.

Ayub Pandith’s lynching was shameful: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Azad said in the Rajya Sabha that the way DSP Ayub Pandith was lynched in Srinagar on 22 June was shameful. It is as shameful as the other cases of lynching, which are against humanity, he added.

Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad raises issue of mob lynchings in different states #RajyaSabha #Monsoonsession pic.twitter.com/Pn4c0CSiuj

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2017

Ghulam Nabi Azad says Jharkhand has become epicentre of lynching

While reading out a list of lynching cases in the country, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that we have to fight against these atrocities and this hatred. He said he is not pointing towards a particular party. There have been many cases of lynching reported in Jharkhand, he added.

Rajya Sabha begins discussion on lynching

लोक सभा में भारतीय सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान (सरकार और जनता की भागीदारी) विधेयक, 2017 पर चर्चा शुरू pic.twitter.com/rCVvU4v9HH

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) July 19, 2017

China conspiring with Pakistan to attack India: Mulayam Singh

Mulayam Singh Yadav said that China was ready to attack India in collaboration with Pakistan and asked the government to reverse its stand on the Tibet issue and support its independence.

He also asked the government to inform Parliament what it has done to meet any likely challenge from the neighbouring country. “India is today facing a big danger from China. I have been cautioning the central government for years. China has joined hands with Pakistan. It has made full preparation to attack India,” he said.

PTI

China is ready to attack India: Mulayam Singh in Lok Sabha

Humen khabar di gyi h Atom bomb Pak ki zameen mein China ne gaad diya hai. China puri taiyyari kar chuka hai Hindustan pe hamle ki: MS Yadav pic.twitter.com/iqn0L5IuHO

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2017

Opposition targets government over farmers’ crisis in Rajya Sabha

Opposition members in Rajya Sabha strongly raised the issue of agrarian crisis in the country, saying farmers were being forced to do distress sale of crops in the face of cheaper zero-duty imports.

Raising the issue, Sharad Yadav of JD(U) claimed that 15-20 farmers were committing suicide every day. He said pulses production has been raised by 33 percent but the government has lowered the import duty on it to zero, resulting in cheaper shipments into the country.

PTI

Raju Shetti raises farmer crisis in Lok Sabha, questions govt apathy towards agrarian crisis

Farmers’ leader and Member of Parliament, Raju Shetti slammed ally BJP for going back on its poll promises. Raising the issue of the death of six farmers in Madhya Pradesh in June, he said that the government apathy towards farmers’ plight is shocking. He reminded the BJP of his support during the election and reiterated his demand for farm loan waivers for all farmers.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

सदन की कार्यवाही 2 बजे तक के लिए स्थगित pic.twitter.com/wXV6kyhMme

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) July 19, 2017

Mulayam Singh Yadav raises India, China standoff in Lok Sabha

आज चीन से हिन्दुस्तान को बहुत खतरा हैः मुलायम सिंह यादव, सपा pic.twitter.com/KCZpgvwr8w

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) July 19, 2017

Nurses’ salary lesser than coolies in Kerala: Medical sector employees’ plight discussed in Lok Sabh

PM Modi has condemned mob lynching, dragging BJP not right: MoS Home affairs tells Rajya Sabha

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PM stated cow vigilantes shouldn't take law in their hands, MHA issued advisory. Dragging BJP into this not right: MoS Home H. Ahir in RS pic.twitter.com/sHwy3cWmJe

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2017

BJP’s Anurag Singh Thakur raises Shimla school girl’s rape case in LS

Targetting the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government BJP’s Anurag Singh Thakur questioned the delay in justice over the rape of a class 10th student in Shimla. The MP said that while Nirbhaya’s (Jyoti Singh) rape created national outrage, why was it that a teenager’s brutal murder and rape in Himachal failed to arouse empathy in the state government.

Rajya Sabha adjourned amid uproar over cow vigilantism

Rajya Sabha adjourned for ten minutes over noisy protests by SP members over incidents of lynchings and cow vigilantes.

Why NCRB is not keeping track of cow-related violence, govt asked

The government was asked in the Upper House that why the National Crime Record Bureau was not keeping track of mob lynchings na dcow vigilntism related incidents when every other type of crime was being documented.

Rajya Sabha adjourned amid Opposition protests over cow vigilantism

Rajya Sabha debates cow vigilantism: Oppn asks why not bring new law

The Rajya Sabha debated on cow vigilantism as the Opposition asked government why a new law wasn’t being introduced on the isue. 

Congress’ Digvijay Singh asked that why the government was reluctant on formulating a new law when mob lynching has surfaced as a menace in the society. The government responded stating that the existing legislation is enough and the state governments have complete freedom to act on the matter.

Din over farm crisis continues as Lok Sabha reconvenes 

Congress leader requested Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to raise the issue of farmer’s crisis rtight away. However, the Speaker didn’t allow the debate on the grounds that the discussion was already listed for the same day. 

This prompted the Opposition leaders to stand up and create noise. The proceedings of Zero Hour continued amid the din.

Congress’ Pratap Singh Bajwa asks govt to clarify status of 40 youths abducted by IS in Iraq

Congress MP from Gurdaspur alleged that the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has been dilly-dallying on the status of the 40 Indian youths abducted by the terror organisation in Iraq. He said that the government has given conflicting responses on the floor of the House, requesting Swaraj to come clean on the issue and accept lapse if the youths have been killed.

CPI’s D Raja asks govt to clarify stand on language imposition

D Raja asked that media has reported that preservation of Tamil language was being shifted to Central university in Thiruvallur. He raised concerns that the move may compromise the autonomous nature of the Central Institute of Classical Tamil Studies. 

The Centre responding to this stated that no such move has been planned and added that the Centre’s policy on languages is clear. “We want to further the cause of all languages without imposing any language on any one.”

JD(U)’s Ali Anwar Ansari raises issue of manual scavenging 

Drawing the House’s attention towards the menace of manual scavenging, Ali Anwar Ansari said that the empathy of the House and the government has died. He claimed that despite legislations in place, the prctice contiinued unabated and has caused rampant loss of lives. He also said that the lack of proper equipment and humane working conditions has made the situation worse. 

He also said that four people have died in Ghitorni, Delhi and asked the government if they have taken any option.

Samajwadi Party’s Naresh Agrawal demands salary hike for MPs

SP's Naresh Agrawal demands salary hike, says our salary is lesser than our secretaries #RajyaSabha #Monsoonsession pic.twitter.com/kqyidjLgeS

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2017

Stalemate in Lok Sabha as Opposition insists on Adjournment Motion, Govt wants short duration debates

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned, within minutes after convening as the Opposition continued sloganeering despite Parliamentary Affairs minister’s repeated appeals and Speaker’s requests. The Opposition wanted an adjournment motion on the issue of farmer suicides, while a short discussion was already listed in the Lower House.

Sharad Yadav raises agrarian distress in Rajya Sabha

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JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav raised the issue of farmers’ crisis in the Upper Houe amid noise. Yadav said that the government has failed to help the farmers in getting the right prices for their produce.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 pm due to ruckus over farmer suicides

House proceedings begin

Congress’ Northeast MPs protest against govt ‘apathy towards flood situation

According to CNN-News18, Congress MPs from the Northeastern states staged protests in the Parliament complex, ahead of the Day 3 of Monsoon Session. The MPs were protesting against, what they termed as the government’s apathy towards the massive floods in the region. 

The Opposition MPs want a greater drought relief package for the Northeastern states. Over 80 people have been killed in the massive floods in the Northeastern states and lakhs are stranded.

GJM wants Gorkhaland issue raised in Parliament

Urging all pro-Gorkhaland parties in the Darjeeling hills to meet their allied national party MPs with the demand to raise the Gorkhaland issue in the current monsoon session of Parliament, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) said it had sent a seven-member delegation to Delhi.

“GJM, which is an alliance party of NDA, has sent its General Secretary Roshan Giri, study forum member Swaraj Thapa, central committee members R. Moktan and P.T. Ola, and Kurseong sub-division member Kishore Thapa,” GJM chief Bimal Gurung said in a press release.

PM Chairs BJP parliamentary panel meet ahead of vigilantism debate in RS

The BJP parliamentary panel met ahead of the Day 3 of the Monsoon Session. The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes ahead of key Cow vigilantism and farmer crisis debates listed for discussion in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively. 

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar said that we do hopes that whatever happens but both Houses should function. The BJP leader said that the government is ready to hold a constructive debate on any issue the Opposition may want to raise but the Houses must transact business

In Rajya Sabha, Opposition to raise mob lynching in Question Hour 

According to Rajya Sabha TV, the opening question in the Rajya Sabha is likely to strike off a fiery start as the Opposition has listed a question on increased incidents of mob lynching in the name of cow vigilantism.

After tumultuous Day 2, Oppn plans to corner govt with farmer crisis, Gorkhaland unrest

Wednesday will likely to see the aftershocks of of Tuesday’s chaos in both Houses, with Opposition parties alleging that the government is throttling alternative voices after Mayawati resigned from the Upper House. Moreover, the state of agriculture and farmers’ protests, one of the key issues in Opposition’s cache of weapons with which it plans to corner the Centre, is slated for discussion under Rule 193.

Both Houses adjourned till Tuesday

Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2017

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 3 pm
 

As Opposition protests continue, Rajya Sabha is adjourned till 3 pm, according to media reports.

‘Didn’t know BJP got mandate to massacre minorities, Dalits’

The Congress on Tuesday walked out of the Rajya Sabha after Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the BJP had got a mandate to rule, as BSP supremo Mayawati vociferously spoke against atrocities on Dalits and minorities in Uttar Pradesh and demanded a discussion on the issue.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad took objection to Naqvi’s remarks, saying the BJP had got a mandate to protect the poor, farmers, minorities and Dalits. 

“When Mayawati tried to talk, she was told that we have got the mandate. We did not know the BJP has got the mandate for massacre of minorities and Dalits. We are not with this government,” an angry Azad said, and walked out of the House.

Other Congress members followed their leader.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 11 am tomorrow

The Lok Sabha was on Tuesday adjourned soon after it met for the second time following uproar in the House over several issues, including farmers’ plight and cow slaughter.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till Wednesday 11 am after members raised slogans and created a ruckus over various issues.

Earlier, the House was adjourned soon after it met in morning, on the second day of the Monsoon Session.

IANS

BSP will lose its lone MP in Rajya Sabha if Mayawati quits 

Mayawati, who is the  only Member of Parliament from the Bahujan Samaj Party has threatened to quit the Rajya Sabha. If she indeed tenders her resignation, the BSP will lose presence in the Upper House. Mayawati’s term was due to end in a year.

I am not afraid to fight elections and come to Lok Sabha: Mayawati 

This is not the first time that I have come to the Rajya Sabha. I have fought elections and been a member of both houses and I have reached here because I raised the issues of my community. If I can’t raise the issues of my community in the House, I have no right to stay here… I am not afraid to resign and fight elections," Mayawati said.  

Laanat hai. Agar mai apne weaker sections ki baat sadan mein nahi rakh skti to mujhe house mein rehne ka adhikaar nahi hai: Mayawati pic.twitter.com/HrPFwBBYQc

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2017

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

Mayawati says minorities, Dalits targeted in BJP-ruled states 

Mayawati said that the BJP-ruled states have failed to reign in the atrocities against minorities and Dalits. Claiming that the atrocities in Uttar Pradesh are on the rise, Mayawati said that the government is not even allowing her party to help the people.

Speaking on today’s developments in Rajya Sabha, Mayawati said that she is well aware that there is a limit of 3 minutes in Zero Hour, but she was not speaking under the Zero Hour. She said that when she tried to keep her point, the Treasury benches stood up and disrupted her speech.

“The way in which my speech was iterrupted is shameful and unfortunate,” she said.

Mayawati to resign from Rajya Sabha

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#Mayawati to quit #RajyaSabha, says #Dalit atrocities on the rise in #BJP-ruled states

Follow #LIVE https://t.co/DGjHkYFgHg pic.twitter.com/T3vUo1xWGS

— Firstpost (@firstpost) July 18, 2017

Lok Sabha proceedings disrupted due to ruckus over farmers’ plight

#LokSabha adjourned till noon amid noisy #opposition protests over several issues, including #farmers' plight and #CowSlaughter pic.twitter.com/kl2nnIYsZ5

— ET Politics (@ETPolitics) July 18, 2017

Here is the list of bills listed for debate in Lok Sabha today

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 also listed in LS for passing today https://t.co/UIy0Tggowr

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) July 18, 2017

Both Houses adjourned till 12 pm amid ruckus 

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12:00 noon following ruckus by opposition leaders #ParlMonsoonSession

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 18, 2017

Sitaram Yechury backs Mayawati, says Oppn not being allowed to speak

Sitaram Yechury said that the government has not fulfilled its promises and is not willing to hear the Opposition’s voice. Deputy Chairman of the House, however, requested him to not speak out of turn and requested the Opposition to maintain calm as the government is ready for a debate.

Delhi : BSP's Mayawati walked out from Rajya Sabha after raising issue of atrocities against Dalits under central government pic.twitter.com/kfUb2b07GI

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2017

Govt promised we will be heard: Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha

Mayawati storms out of Rajya Sabha, threatens to resign as Member of Parliament

Mayawati, who was raising the issue of ‘atrocities against Dalits’ in the Rajya Sabha, lost her cool as the Dy Chairman of Rajya Sabha PJ Kurien asked her to cut her speech short. Kurien asked the BSP leader to form the Motion and cut short the lengthy explanation. However, Mayawati lost her cool and left the House, stating that she would rather resign from the House if she is not allowed to raise the concerns of her community.

TMC to raise increased incidents of mob lynching in Rajya Sabha

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Trinamool Congress gives notice in Rajya sabha on rise in mob lynching incidents.

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2017

Lok Sabha’s agenda for the day

pic.twitter.com/JjOfyshJfd

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) July 18, 2017

Rajya Sabha to debate 2 bills; Lok Sabha to deliberate on 5 bills

Two bills will be placed before the Rajya Sabha for deliberation and debate, including the amendments in the Motor Vehicles act 1988. The Lok Sabha is likely to debate on 5 bills, including the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Bill. 

The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Amendment) bill, 2017 will also be presented for debate.

BJP Protests DIG Roopa’s transfer outside Parliament 

The BJP is protesting the t ransfer of a whistleblower police officer in Bengaluru prison after she flagged the alleged favours meted out to AIADMK leader Sasikala who is currently lodged in the jail. DIG (Prisons) D Roopa was transferred to the traffic and road safety department days after she accused Karnataka DGP (Prisons) HN Sathyanarayana Rao of accepting bribes from the Jayalalithaa aide, in exchange of undue favours.

Govt liely to face fire on issue of farmer suicides

The BJP-led Centre will have to face a united Opposition on the issue of farmer suicides and agricultural woes as the Congress has notified an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha.  

Congress has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha on the issue of farmers' plight.

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2017

Opposition leaders meet to chalk out strategy ahead of Day 2 of monsoon session

CNN-News 18 reported that the Opposition leaders will meet before the proceedings start on the second day of the parlieament. A united Opposition is likely to target the government on several issues as West Bengal is still battling unrest, India and China are at loggerheads at the Sikkim border and increased incidents of cow vigilantism are drawing Opposition’s ire.

Day 2 of Monsoon Session to begin at 11 am

Day two of Monsoon Session will start at 11 am on Tuesday as a stormy session is expected ahead. The government is likely to face the Opposition’s onslaught on key issues like cow vigilantism, GST implementation and the India-China border standoff amid other issues.