Monsoon Session 2023 Highlights: Amid a fresh controversy arising on Wednesday regarding Manipur violence, where police confirmed a mob gang-raping women who were paraded naked, the Parliament commenced the Monsoon Session on Thursday, July 20. However, both the Houses were adjourned for the day amid massive uproar over the Manipur crisis.
After an all-party meeting on Wednesday, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had asserted that Opposition’s demand for a discussion on the crisis in Manipur during the session is “non-negotiable”.
The Monsoon Session will continue till August 11 and will have 17 sittings. The government plans to take up as many as 31 Bills during the session. Among these are the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill to replace the ordinance on services in Delhi, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, and the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill.
Monsoon Session 2023 Live Updates: Manipur, Delhi ordinance on the cards; Scroll down for more live updates from the Parliament.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned amid massive sloganeering and protests over the Manipur crisis.
After resuming at 2 pm, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till Friday amid massive uproar.
In a historic move, Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar reconstituted the panel of vice-chairpersons with 50 per cent women parliamentarians.
All four women parliamentarians who have been nominated, are first-time members.
The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha proceedings resumed on Thursday after being adjourned till 2 pm.
BJP MPs from West Bengal, including party's state chief Sukanta Majumdar, protest against the state government over violence during the Panchayat election.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm over differences of opinions among MPs regarding short duration discussion and discussion under Rule 267 in the House on the Manipur situation. (ANI)
Minutes after the inaugural session commences, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm.
The inaugural Monsoon Session of the Parliament has commenced. A total of 31 Bills are likely to be discussed during the 17 sittings that will continue till August 11.
Amid reports of another horrific incident in Manipur of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked by a mob of men, MPs from several Opposition parties moved notices seeking a discussion on the unabating tensions in the state. MPs who have moved notices seeking a discussion on the Manipur crisis are - AAP's Sanjay Singh, Congress' Gaurav Gogoi, AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress' Manickam Tagore, CPI MP Binoy Viswam.
While addressing the media ahead of the Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I have faith that MPs will work in favour of India and we will have a fruitful Monsoon Session."
"Law will take its course with all its might. What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven. We must protect the dignity of women across the nation," said PM Modi a day after a video of women being paraded naked in Manipur went viral.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence after over two months of violence in Manipur and condemned it. He said, "The incident of Manipur has put 140 crore Indians to shame. Every step will be taken in order to ensure that no culprit will be spared. Justice will be delivered."
Addressing the Manipur crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his "heart is filled with anger, pain."
He said, "The incident from Manipur that has come before us is shameful for any civilised society. I urge all the CMs to further strengthen law and order in their states - especially for the security of women and take the strongest measures. Be it any incident in Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh or Manipur or any corner of the country - rise above politics."
Ahead of Parliament Monsoon Session, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that there will be a discussion (on Manipur) and someone (from the govt) will reply.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the media ahead of the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The government has drawn up a heavy legislative schedule with 31 Bills to be taken up during the Monsoon Session. Among them is a Bill meant to replace the Ordinance that gives Centre the power to control bureaucrats posted in Delhi. Read more
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Today we are raising the issue (of Manipur in Parliament). I have also given notice. We will see whether our Chairman (Rajya Sabha) will allow us to raise it or not. PM is silent on this. You have time to call 38 parties (for the NDA meeting) but you (PM) don't have time to go there."
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi says, "The visuals from Manipur that we saw yesterday have left us shocked. I think, first of all, the PM should come to the House and make a statement on Manipur and appeal for peace. PM Modi should apologise to the people of Manipur today for his failures and that of his government...Perhaps then will the people of the state have some relief." (ANI)
The discussion on the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill is expected to raise heat in both the Houses, especially Rajya Sabha, where the Opposition is planning to make every effort to stall its passage. The government will need the support of some non-NDA, non-Opposition parties to ensure that the Bill sails through.