Parliament Special Session Highlights — Congress Didn't Want To Provide Women With Reservations: Anurag Thakur
Parliament Special Session 2023 Highlights: The MPs bid adieu to the old building as they are set to meet in the new building today. Please follow this space for all the news on parliament's session.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "He (Kapil Sibal) was a minister then. He knew that Congress was pretending. It (Women's Reservation Bill) was brought up in 2008 when elections were due in 2009. Then, it was sent to the standing committee...They did not want to provide women with reservations in 2010 and neither do they want to give it in 2023..." (ANI)
"Unless you include women of backward classes, OBCs in quota within quota system, whatever you say is pointless. It is not yet clear if Women's Reservation Bill will be implemented in 2029 or 2034. This is a post-dated commitment by a government that has lost its trust (among people)," says RJD leader Manoj Jha on Women's Reservation Bill. (PTI)
On Women's Reservation Bill, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, " This is our bill only...along with this, for other backward classes also there should be a separate place in this bill, we (Congress) will put forward this demand". (ANI)
"I have always wanted that women must get their due position in the society. Those who are capable should also participate in forming India's policies. I liked the name (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) they have given to this bill instead of calling it reservation," says former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Majahan on Women's Reservation Bill. (PTI)
"As we move to a new Parliament, we remember the iconic Parliament that stands not just as a structure, but as a testament to our nation's rich democratic heritage for decades. Every brick echoes the debates, decisions, and dedication of those who shaped India. We will always be inspired by the great men and women who served here and contributed to national progress," PM Modi posted on X.
"It requires a tremendous amount of courage and courage of conviction. Every political party talked about it but none of them meant it...When it came to getting it implemented they'd back out for one or the other reason...The opposition also will have no option but to vote in support of it," says Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on the Women's Reservation Bill tabled in Lok Sabha. (ANI)
"To include women in policy-making, a revolutionary step was taken today when the first bill - Women's Reservation Bill - was introduced on the first day at the new Parliament building," says Union minister Anurag Thakur on Women's Reservation Bill being tabled in Lok Sabha. (PTI)
"AAP supports the Women's Reservation Bill in principle but the bill which was tabled today wasn't Women's Reservation Bill, it is a bill to fool women," says Delhi minister Atishi on Women's Reservation Bill being tabled in Lok Sabha.
On Women's Reservation Bill, Congress MP KC Venugopal says, "We only introduced and passed it in Rajya Sabha...It is well and good now the government is coming for a bill. But when we saw the bill there is something that has to be done more. We think that the reservation of SC/ST under the reservation of women is okay. But other OBC community people are also waiting for the reservation...This move is good, we are not criticizing it..." (ANI)
On Women's Reservation Bill, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal says, "They (BJP govt) want political advantage in 2024 and want to tell women that they did such a historic thing...they should have done this in 2014. What is so historic about this?...there will be a census and delimitation before the Women's Reservation Bill is implemented. What if census and delimitation don't happen? They're just showing dreams to women that they will get reservation in 2029...they can't think anything other than politics." (ANI)
On the Women's Reservation Bill, Congress MP Manish Tewari says, "The Bill which has been introduced is unfortunately a betrayal of the women's movement and their struggle for greater representation in policy making and in legislative affairs. Clause 334 A of the Bill says that the reservation will come into effect after the first census post the passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill and the delimitation which would follow. So essentially what it means is that under no circumstances will this reservation come into effect before 2029..." (ANI)
Union Minister Smriti Irani says, "Gandhi Family is only interested in empowering the women in their family. They are not interested in empowering the women in poor or Dalit women. It is unfortunate that Sonia Gandhi was absent today. Her son also left when the discussion on the bill was underway. it is even more unfortunate that when the Speaker asked who supported the bill, BJP and NDA supported it but the Congress party did not..." (ANI)
“All I want to say is that this (Women’s Reservation Bill) is an auspicious beginning that comes with terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are that this bill can’t be implemented in 2024, but will be implemented after the delimitation exercise. This means that they (Centre) have opened the doors but the entry will be allowed after 2029,” says Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi. (PTI)
On Women's Reservation Bill, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti says, "NDA government is about to complete 10 years. If they had done this earlier, women would have had a chance to participate in large numbers in the 2024 elections. But it is better late than never, it is a good thing... This will be an important step in the progress of the country..." (ANI)
Rajya Sabha proceedings adjourned for day; House to meet on Wednesday
On Mallikarjun Kharge's statement, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "We respect the leader of the opposition but to make a sweeping statement that all parties choose women who are not effective is absolutely unacceptable. We all have been empowered by our party, PM. President Droupadi Murmu is an empowered woman..."
Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge says, "Women from backward, ST don't get such opportunities which they are getting, this is what we are saying..."
In a prior statement, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge said: " Literacy rate of women from scheduled caste is less and that's why political parties have a habit of choosing weak women and they won't choose those who're educated and can fight".
On Women's Reservation Bill, Leader of LoP in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge says "...They don't give us credit but I want to bring to their notice that the Women Reservation Bill was already passed in 2010 but it was stopped..." (ANI)
PM Modi appeals to Rajya Sabha members to pass women's reservation bill unanimously when it comes to House, PTI reported.
"Several important steps have been taken for women empowerment in the last several years and this (Women's Reservation Bill) will be a major step. When we talk about ease of living and quality of life, our sisters, women are entitled to it first," says PM Modi speaking in Rajya Sabha.
Kharge vs Centre in Rajya Sabha as he speaks on Women's Reservation Bill.
Hyderabad: On Women Reservation Bill tabled in Parliament, BRS MLC K Kavitha says, "I am happy it is tabled. It is in Lok Sabha already... We are really hoping that it will pass in the Lok Sabha tomorrow and go to Rajya Sabha as soon as possible and then get passed in this session itself. Whatever I was expressing yesterday that worry has come true because introducing it in the Rajya Sabha consensus of various parties, stretching out a hand of friendship by the ruling government is essential. I hope the government will come forward to do that... Very Very happy it is introduced..." (ANI)
It is not just a new Parliament building, but a symbol of new beginning, says PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha.
PM Narendra Modi addresses Rajya Sabha on day 1 of proceedings in new parliament.
Lok Sabha has been adjourned till Wednesday 11 am.
Proceedings of the Rajya Sabha began in the new Parliament building. The House was later adjourned for half an hour till 2.47 PM, for the Chairman to hold a discussion with Floor Leaders on an 'important issue'.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tables the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha. It proposes to increase seats for women in Lok Sabha to 181.
Parliament Live: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to table documents to prove his statement on the Women's Reservation Bill or withdraw the statement.
Adhir Ranjan said that the Bill is the one which came during Congress regime and was initiated during former PM Rajiv Gandhi's tenure.
Treasury benches shout as Adhir Ranjan takes on Centre over the history of the Women's Reservation Bill and the history of Sengol.
Leader of Congress Adhir Ranjan spoke on 'India vs Bharat' row in his maiden speech in Lok Sabha in the new parliament complex. He said there is no deputy Speaker in the House for the first time.
On Women's Reservation Bill, Union minister & President of Republican Party of India (Athawale), Ramdas Athawale says, "There will be a discussion (in Parliament) on this Bill tomorrow.."
Prime Minister Modi says his party is determined to make the Womens' Reservation Bill into law.
PM Narendra Modi said the government committed to making law by passing the Women Reservation Bill in his maiden speech in the new Parliament.
The new Parliament building will have a digital book which will contain the names of workers, and where they belong from, who were involved in construction of the building, says Modi.
"This is the first and historic session of the new Parliament building. I congratulate the parliamentarians and people of India," says PM Modi while speaking in Lok Sabha.
Parliament Live: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla called on the MPs to work for and according to India's aspirations as maiden session begins in new buildig.
PM Modi and other MPs have taken their respective seats in the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament building. The proceedings will begin soon.
MPs raise 'Vande Mataram', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans as they enter new Parliament building.
Members of Parliament move from the Old Parliament building to the New Parliament Building.
Parliament Special Session: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar says, "As we march to new Parliament building, we must enhance cooperation, time for us to bid farewell to confrontational stance."
During his address at the Central Hall, PM Narendra Modi has proposed naming the old parliament building as 'Samvidhan Sadan'.
Special Session of Parliament | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...Muslim mothers and sisters got justice because of this Parliament, law opposing 'triple talaq' was unitedly passed from here. In the last few years, Parliament has also passed laws giving justice to the transgenders. We have unitedly passed laws that will guarantee a bright future for the specially-abled people. It is our privilege that we got the opportunity to abrogate Article 370 from the Parliament..."
Special Session of Parliament: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla says "Today, we are moving to the new Sansad Bhawan with new aspirations...Today, people have high expectations from us and it increases our responsibility to live up to those expectations and aspirations..."
PM Narendra Modi addresses MPs at Central Hall of the old parliament building. He said that this historic shift is taking place with a resolve of developed India.
Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said despite economic growth, India's per capital GDP is falling far behind that of developed nations.
"...High unemployment rates pose a significant hurdle to leveraging this demographic advantage...It is essential to enable India's youthful population to contribute substantially to the country's economic growth and development. Despite India being the world's highest economy, our per capita GDP falls far behind that of developed nations. Tackling this economic growth challenge requires pro-growth government policies, mentoring low inflation, reducing interest rates, alleviating unemployment, fostering a skilled workforce, bolstering purchasing power, stimulating demand, and enhancing the healthcare and education sector..." the Congress leader said.
Day 2 proceedings of the parliament will begin at 1:15 pm today. Rajya Sabha will commence at 2:15 pm.
Maneka Gandhi says, "This is a historic day. I am proud to be part of this historical moment when a government under the leadership of PM Modi has undertaken to repair the deep-rooted asymmetry and to give an equal share to all of us women,".
She was speaking in Central Hall ahead of shifting to new parliament complex.
Women Reservation Bill will be on a rotational basis, and there will be dual membership on 180 Lok Sabha seats.
One-third of these seats will be reserved for SC-ST, after delimitation after 2027, the same number of seats will be increased and reserved for women.
(Input by Vikas Bhadauria)
Women's Reservation Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha today, by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Discussion for passing of the Bill in the House will be taken up tomorrow, 20th September. The Bill will be taken up in Rajya Sabha on 21st September: Sources
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the members of Parliament at the Central Hall of the Old Parliament building.
On the Women's Reservation Bill, TMC MP Dola Sen says, "It is a compulsion of the election, nothing else. Elections are approaching, they have done nothing in the last 9.5 years...If they will bring the Women's Reservation Bill, we will support it...Better late than never...
PM Narendra Modi, and other MPs have gathered at old Parliament building for a group photo before moving to the new complex.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Parliament.
On the Women's Reservation Bill, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi says "It is ours, Apna Hai"
"We want the Women's Reservation Bill to be brought and passed as soon as possible. The demand for the Women's Reservation Bill was initiated by UPA and our leader Sonia Gandhi. It took so long, but we will be happy if this is introduced," says Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.
"We welcome it as we ourselves have been demanding it for a long time. As I belong to a tribal state, I want that in this bill that SC, ST and OBC women get reservations. If this does not happen then the upper-class women will take all the profit from it," says JMM MP Mahua Maji on women's reservation Bill.
Security personnel discharge their duty in new uniform at the Parliament building.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge leaves for Parliament ahead of the Central Hall programme in the new building where he will address the gathering.
Preparations are underway at the Parliament building for the Central Hall programme today.
A function to 'commemorate the rich legacy of the Parliament of India and resolve to make Bharat a developed Nation by 2047' will be held at 11 a.m. today in the presence of the MPs of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
BRS MLC K Kavitha says her party will continue to support women's reservation bill and also demand introduction of 33 per cent OBC quota bill.
"Happy we get to hear we are hearing from the sources that Cabinet has cleared the introduction of Women's Reservation Bill in the Parliament," she says.
"The only, objection or the only apprehension that we currently have is that the nature of the bill is not being openly discussed by this government. The transparency of the government is missing So we hope the government will truly come up with a bill that will be agreeable to most of the parties," she adds.
The celebrations in the new Parliament building's Central Hall will be hosted by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned till Tuesday.
On the Cauvery water sharing issue, former PM and JD(S) MP HD Devegowda in Rajya Sabha said, "We should all sit together and try to resolve this problem. Legal battle will not solve this problem."
BJP leader and MP Dinesh Sharma who took oath as a Member of the Parliament (MP) in Rajya Sabha earlier today said, "This is an opportunity for me. I am also leaving old responsibilities to enter into the new. And now we are leaving the old Parliament building to enter the new Parliament tomorrow...And it is also a coincidence that I alone took the oath today and it is the last day of this (old) Parliament...I will say that today is also historic and tomorrow will also be a historic day."
"Today and tomorrow are historic for the country...Everybody has equal rights in the Parliament. This is a reflection of the true spirit of our democracy...From tomorrow this new journey will get more energy," BJP MP Tejaswi Surya told news agency ANI.
Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi said, "PM Modi praised the contribution of all the PMs in his address in the House. We have to fulfill the needs of the new generation, so the transition from the old Parliament to the new Parliament is part of that process."
NCP MP Supriya Sule said, "I appreciate the PM's speech today where he appreciated that governance is continuity. Various people have contributed over the last 7 decades to build this country which we all love equally. Whether you call it India or Bharat, it is your own country. We are all born here, we are all blessed to be here."
"I would like to put on record two people who have not been mentioned by the BJP today, who I have been highly influenced by in my Parliamentary work, who come from BJP but I still feel that they were one of the tallest leaders and were extraordinary Parliamentarians who we looked up to - Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley. They constantly talked about cooperative federalism. It is not this side or that side, good work has to be established," she added.
On Women's Reservation Bill, Congress MP KC Venugopal says, "...It is the brainchild of Indian National Congress and UPA. We gave 50% reservation to women in local bodies. We are totally for women's reservation. If they (Centre) have any sincerity in their mind, they should pass the Women's Reservation Bill in this session..."
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda says: "It is a very emotional moment for the country and for all of us...The first govt of Independent India included great personalities like Dr BR Ambedkar, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru... who went inside this building and gave the country its Constitution..."
Congress attacks Centre on agendas for calling special parliament session.
"We are still waiting for the hidden agendas...We are cooperating completely...The building (New Parliament) is very beautiful but it is important what happens inside it...The building will not give results, it's the discussion inside the building that is the matter for all of us..." said MP KC Venugopal.
Parliament Special Session: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "Well this building is full of memories as the PM also said, it is full of history. It will be a sad moment. Let's hope that the new building has better facilities, new technology and more convenience for the members of the Parliament...But still, it is always an emotional moment to leave an institution which is so full of history and memories... We were all a bit confused as to why it was necessary because many many ways, a lot of bills they have been talking about could have been introduced later. But it is now becoming clear the government wanted to make a special moment out of shifting from one building to another. They have tried to do it in a special way. We can understand the objective there."
Women's reservation bill should definitely be brought; we will support it, says AIUDF MP Badruddin Ajmal in Delhi.
BRS MPs stage protest in front of Gandhi statue at the Parliament premises, demanding reservation for women legislators.
A meeting of the Union Cabinet is likely to take place at 6:30 p.m. today, reports ANI.
Members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are requested to assemble in the Central Hall of Parliament at 11 AM on 19.09.2023 for a function to commemorate the rich legacy of the Parliament of India and resolve to make Bharat a developed Nation by 2047: P.C. Mody, Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha
Parliament Live: Centre may bring Women Reservation Bill during special session, say sources.
Parliament: Centre has dropped the bill on the appointment of CEC, other election commissioners.
Congress chief and LoP in Rajya Sabah Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the House on the first day of the special session. He said that Pt Nehru laid the foundation stone of Indian democracy, adding the stones in the foundation are not visible to anyone.
Parliamentary Panel of Vice Chairpersons reconstituted with effect from 13th September 2023. Members are - Kanta Kardam, Sumitra Balmik, Mamata Mohanta, Geeta alias Chandraprabha, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Narain Dass Gupta, V. Vijayasai Reddy and Dr. Santanu Sen
Special Session of Parliament: In Lok Sabha, PM Modi says, "There was a terror attack (on the Parliament). This was not an attack on a building. In a way, it was an attack on the mother of democracy, on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident. I also bow before those who took bullets to their chest to protect the Parliament and all its members, while fighting the terrorists..."
Special Parliament Session: DMK MP Tiruchi Siva says, "...These bills don't warrant a special session. Yesterday, the circular they issued said that it is only a normal course of session...It can be presumed that the winter session has been preponed. What's on the agenda of the government, we are still not aware of it. So we are still in the dark. This session and the bills that have been listed don't correlate."
PM Narendra Modi remembered the historic 'Tryst with destiny', 'Sarkarein ayengi jayengi' speeches of former PMs Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, Atal Bihar Vajpayee respectively.
Special Session of Parliament: In Lok Sabha, PM Modi says, "India will be proud that when it was the president (of the G20), the African Union became its member. I cannot forget the emotional moment that when the announcement was made, African Union President said that perhaps he will break down while speaking. You can imagine the fortune India had, to fulfill such a huge hopes and expectations...It is India's strength that it (unanimous Declaration) became possible...Under your chairmanship the P20 - Summit of G20 Parliament Speakers - you announced, will have our full support."
Rajya Sabha leader Piyush Goyal addresses House and remembers previous parliamentarians.
PM Narendra Modi recalled his first day as an MP while talking about the old parliament building. He said it was the power of democracy that a boy of a poor family reached parliament as an MP.
Addressing the Lok Sabha on first day of special session, PM Modi said that the old building will be a source of inspiration and it is a chapter of India's golden history.
PM Narendra Modi addresses the Lok Sabha as special parliament session begins.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrives at the Parliament for the special session.
Special Session of Parliament: BJP leader Dinesh Sharma takes oath as a Member of the Parliament (MP) in Rajya Sabha.
On the special session of Parliament BRS MP K Keshava Rao says, "We don't know the agenda, yesterday they gave the agenda which we have already passed, The two bills which Rajya sabha has passed except that post office bill...We really believe that they will bring the Women's Reservation Bill. As far as BRS is concerned we are very committed, we want Women's Reservation and OBC bills...I will be missing a beautifully architectured, well-built (building). It imbibes some kind of nostalgic values...Nothing can match my old building."
TDP MPs protest against the arrest of former Andhra Pradesh CM and party's chief N Chandrababu Naidu near the Gandhi statue on Parliament premises.
"LoP of Andhra Pradesh and TDP national president has been illegally arrested and kept in prison without any evidence. We believe that it is an illegal arrest. We are moving to the courts, legal process is going on. But it is high time that the Central Govt takes note of what is happening in Andhra Pradesh...We will try to take every opportunity possible to raise this issue inside and outside the Parliament..," says TDP MP Jayadev Galla.
I.N.D.I.A bloc parties decide to participate in the special session of Parliament and will raise important issues, said sources, as quoted by ANI.
On the special session of Parliament, CPI MP Binoy Viswam says, "We don't understand why this government is keeping a wheel of secrecy around all these things. This secrecy wheel has continued till now. The Parliament is beginning today, till now this wheel of secrecy has been there for what? This shows that the BJP is a party of a conspiratorial nature, secrecy and anti-democratic thoughts. If they come with the Women's Reservation Bill, no doubt we will support it."
PM Modi reached the old Parliament building and addressed the press ahead of the session. He called the special sitting of both Houses 'session of historic decisions'.
A meeting of Floor leaders of the INDIA alliance's parties is underway at LoP in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's office in Parliament House to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House.
Aam Aadmi Party issues whip for all its MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
“All members of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Rajya Sabha are hereby, informed that some very important issues will be taken up in the Rajya Sabha in the upcoming special session. In view of this, all members of the Aam Aadmi Party are requested to be positively present in the house from 11 AM onwards until the adjournment of the House from 18th September to 22nd September 2023 and support the stand of the party.“
Congress says the BJP does not have the courage to bring a Bill on One National One Election.
"BJP doesn't have the courage to bring it (Bill on One National One Election in the Parliament Special Session). This was a lie to divert people's attention from the Mumbai meeting (of INDIA bloc)," says Pramod Tiwari.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "We are going to the new Parliament with a lot of memories (from the old Parliament building) to fight for democracy and eradicate poverty. We hope that we are successful."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to speak today in Lok Sabha at the special session of Parliament, reported ANI quoting sources.
Background
Parliament Special Session Highlights: Please follow this space for all the news and latest updates relating to parliament's five-day special session.
The five-day 'Amrit Kaal' session of parliament begins today at the old building, a day after an all-party meeting was held in the national capital. The session will run from Sept 18-22, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had said. The Centre had announced the convening of the session last month, however, it did not release any agenda at first. A war of words had erupted between the ruling dispensation and Congress over the business of the House. The government later released the agenda mentioning four bills, two will be taken up in the Lok Sabha and two in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passage.
The session will witness a discussion on Parliament's 75-year journey and House proceedings moving to the new building. On Tuesday, on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, an assembly of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will take place in the Central Hall to "commemorate the rich legacy of the Parliament of India and resolve to make Bharat a developed Nation by 2047". There will be a photo session after this in the inner courtyard of the old building.
Meanwhile, an all-party meeting in Delhi on Sunday pushed the Centre to introduce the Women Reservation Bill in parliament, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, as reported by PTI. On the parties' demand for the Women Reservation Bill, Union minister Pralhad Joshi said the decision will be taken at "appropriate time".
The government also announced a new dress code for the Parliament staff. PTI reported that various departments are all set to don these new uniforms. The new dress code with floral motif already created a stir with Congress questioning why the lotus flower was there in the design. Notably, Lotus is the poll symbol of the BJP.
Before the session, Congress lashed out at the Centre and said that the BJP-led government released the 'tentative' agenda for the five-day special Parliament session under pressure of the letter written by Sonia Gandhi. The party also said that it will oppose the Bill on the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner. Last week, Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi wrote to PM Narendra Modi, saying that the agenda of the special Parliament session ought to be disclosed to all parties.
In her letter, Gandhi stated that there was no information on the agenda of the session and listed nine issues for discussion: demand for JPC, caste census, rise in communal tensions in different states, inflation, growing unemployment, rise in inequalities and distress of MSMEs. She also raised the point of commitment made by the Centre with regard to Minimum Support Price. Other issues included Manipur violence, border tussle with China, natural disasters across country and 'damaging' Centre-State relations.
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