Parliament Proceedings: Budget Session 2018, Day 6 - As it happened

Lok Sabha discusses Budget; Rajya Sabha adjourns after protests by A.P. members.

February 07, 2018 11:01 am | Updated 09:19 pm IST

BJP’s Kirit Somaiya speaks in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Union Budget on February 7, 2018. Photo: Lok Sabha TV

BJP’s Kirit Somaiya speaks in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Union Budget on February 7, 2018. Photo: Lok Sabha TV

The Lok Sabha discussed the Union Budget on February 7, while the Rajya Sabha continued its Motion of thanks on President's Address. The RS voted on Amendments to the President's address.

The Upper House witnessed chaos over the protest by three members from Andhra Pradesh who trooped to the Well. Despite repeated advice by the Chair they continued their protest.  The Chair even named member C.M. Ramesh. As the ruckus and slogan-shouting continued, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien adjourned the House for the day as he didn't “want to precipitate any ugly scenes in the House”.

After two days of disruptions, the Upper House had a productive morning session. It skipped the Question Hour and took up President address debate.

Here are the live updates:

9.05 p.m.

 

Lok Sabha adjourns till 11 a.m. tomorrow.

 

8.10 p.m.

 

Kirit Somaiya (BJP, Mumbai-North-East, Maharashtra) begins with a jibe against the Gandhi-Nehru family. In the 70 years since Independence, 40 years was with Nehru-Gandhi family, and another 10 years, he says after a pause, “Mr. Kahrge ji knows who was PM."

The Modi government achieved in 1,000 days what the Congress could not achieve in more 25,000 days of rule, he says.

Takes issue with naming schemes after Nehru-Gandhi family members, quoting RTI responses. You name 48 schemes after Nehru-Gandhi family, he says. “How many schemes have you named after Mahatma Gandhi? Only four. Only one in the name of Sardar Patel.” 

8.05 p.m.

 

Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav (RJD, Munger, Bihar) takes up the issue of farmers, and vocally demands the full implementation of the Swaminathan Committee Report.

When there was a jibe: “Neta jail mein hai” from the Treasury benches, Mr. Jayaprakash Narayan Yadav launches into the praise of party leader Lalu Prasad. “You provoked me that’s why I have to talk this.” Lists out promises of the Modi government, and ends with a jibe: “Where is the black money?”

8 p.m.

Varaprasad Rao Velagapalli (YSRCP, Tirupati, A.P.) advocates the idea of universal basic income and wants the govt. to fix the minimum support price the issue.  And asks the GOI to waive farm loans of the country. Concludes with a final demand for “doing justice to people of A.P.” under the special package.

7.17 p.m.

 

Supriya Sule (NCP, Baramati, Maharashtra) says she has never seen such a hostile environment during the Budget discussion where even allies are in a hostile mood. This is a government which doesn't know where it's going, but it's on its way, she says.

Quotes the Prime Minister on NPA, Ms. Sule asks how the insurance companies go the same way with the implementation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. There's no clarity on the scheme. And why the govt. is looking only at disease management than to address the root cause of the issues especially malnutrition.

NCP member Supriya Sule speaks in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Union Budget on February 7, 2018. Photo: Lok Sabha TV

NCP member Supriya Sule speaks in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Union Budget on February 7, 2018. Photo: Lok Sabha TV

 

Seeks clarity on disinvestment and the FRDI bill, wants a rethink on the compensation under the latter.

Ms. Sule says your own Economic Survey says demonetisation is a bad idea, and only Rs. 16 crore has been added to Income Tax kitty. “Is it a good idea worth all this rigmarole?”

Price rise is a tragedy, she says, while referring to the price of a LPG cylinder. Rail Minister Piyush Goyal clarifies that most of the price of Rs. 800 is subsidy.

Ms. Sule says she didn't ask it for herself as she’s “born with a golden spoon and I never asked anything for myself”. She says she is standing here on behalf of people of Baramati.

She takes up the issue of delayed payment of the rural jobs scheme by 56% in Maharashtra, and the govt. should address it, she demands.

6.52 p.m.

P. Karunakaran (CPI(M), Kasargod, Kerala) rises to speak. Expresses sympathy with the MPs of A.P. over the A.P. Reorganisation Act issue. “If you cannot fulfil promises given to an ally, how can you listen to the Opposition parties,” he says.  He says the Budget promises were made on assumption of better economic conditions in the future than on concrete facts. 

Finance Minister has completely failed to address the issue of price rise, fuelled by the “uncontrolled rise in petroleum products”.

It's shining of corporates, he says. “Shining of rich people.”

Mr. Karunakaran moves to his home State. Kerala is very disappointed with the budget as are our A.P. comrades, he says. 

Not even a line has been said about the NRIs despite we getting crores and crores of money.

Cyclone Ockhi rehab issue to be taken seriously, Mr. Karunakaran said.

CPI(M) member P. Karunakaran speaks in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Union Budget on February 7, 2018. Photo: Lok Sabha TV

CPI(M) member P. Karunakaran speaks in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Union Budget on February 7, 2018. Photo: Lok Sabha TV

 

Moving on to the GST issue, he says, the Centre should address imbalances rising out of the GST implementation.

Mr. Karunakaran says there should be a separate discussion on railways. And Kerala should be compensated for reduction of funds.

It's an anti-people budget, and I’m compelled to oppose the budget, he says as he concludes.

6.37 p.m.

 

TRS member Mr. Jitender Reddy continues his speech, picking out holes in the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. Hits out at the “lower” fund allocation for health schemes.

 

6.30 p.m.

Rajya Sabha resumes. No change in status quo. “Since I don't want to precipitate any ugly scenes in the House by enforcing my directions, I’m adjourning the House,” the Chair says. House stands adjourned till 11 a.m. on February 8.

 

6.25 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha continues with the budget discussion. TDP member Jayadev Galla hits out at the NDA government. “If the Congress was given zero seats for the Congress for the bifurcation, think of you fate if you don’t even fulfil basic requirements of the Reorganisation Act,” he says.

TDP member Jayadev Galla speaks in the Lok Sabha during discussion on the Union Budget on February 7, 2018. Photo: @loksabhatv

TDP member Jayadev Galla speaks in the Lok Sabha during discussion on the Union Budget on February 7, 2018. Photo: @loksabhatv

 

Telangana Rashtra Samiti member A.P. Jitender Reddy empathises with his neighbour State, and wants all promises fulfilled for both Telugu State.

6.17 p.m.

 

The Rajya Sabha reconvenes. Three members of the A.P. are back in the Well. Slogan: “We want Cuddapah steel plant”, can be heard.

A point of order has been raised by Trinamool member Drek O’Brien amid chaos. Chair tells A.P. member Ramesh: “If you have any respect to Parliamentary democracy,  go back.” When Mr. Ramesh insisted Mr. Kurien says, “It’s a shame.”.

Mr. O’Brien goes ahead with his point of order. Says call the Marshalls.

Chaos continue. Chair adjourns for another 10 minutes., till 6.31 p.m. says RSTV.

 

 

6 p.m.

 

The Chair adjourns the Rajya Sabha for 15 minutes after three agitated members from Andhra Pradesh troop to the well of the House and shout slogans.

Rajya Sabha personnel try to escort three agitating members from Andhra Pradesh out of the House on the orders of the Chair. Photo: RSTV

Rajya Sabha personnel try to escort three agitating members from Andhra Pradesh out of the House on the orders of the Chair. Photo: RSTV

 

Rajya Sabha | 5.50 pm

Union Budget 2018-19 discussion

 

Lok Sabha | 5.30 pm

Odisha MP Tathagata Satpathy says it is easy to criticize parties, but it is not about parties but about benefiting people. What facilities are we giving to schools and colleges or in the Smart Cities like parks or gyms to support the hulla-bulla about health care?

The government has juggled money - they took money from other schemes and put it in health scheme and is claiming that it has increased the budget. In UPA government, when there was a talk of capital gains tax, the markets were jittery, resulting in a reversal. This year too, the tax was declared, and the markets were affected. Many people have made a serious killing off it, knowing fully well that it will be withdrawn. If that does happen, it means that it is a calculated move to benefit a section of the people.

Rajya Sabha | 5.21 pm

Amendment 228 put to vote

Amendment 218 to 231 except 228 are withdrawn. Amendment 228, moved by T.K. Rangarajan has been put to vote.

It is unusual to have an amendment to President's address, especially since the government is giving a verbal assurance, says Deputy Chairman when Opposition asks for a Division.  The Opposition insists, amid verbal ruffle with the ruling party members, including the Finance Minister.

The Amendment No: 228 is negative.

Amendment 232 to 259 by D. Raja are negative as well. Amendment 261 to 268 on Triple Talaaq by K. R. Rahman Khan are negative. Amendment 269 to 272 by K.K Rakesh on assault of freedom of expression are negative. Amendment 273 to 297 negative as well. Amendment 298 to 324 by Hussain Dalwai regarding atrocities against minorities negatived.

Motion to thank the President for his speech is passed.

Lok Sabha | 5.11 pm

Prof. Saugata Roy, AITC, West Bengal

The schemes by the government are all tokenism. The markets are bleeding. Newspapers report that Sensex is falling - this is the outcome of Mr. Jaitley's budget. FM has failed fiscal consolidation tests. In 1991, Dr. Manmohan Singh published a budget - it is remembered for it's liberalisation. Mr. Chidambaram's budget is known as Dream budget. Mr. Jaitley does not get to make any financial decisions - PM takes all of them, like the demonetisation declared at midnight. This was Mr. Jaitley's chance to leave his mark in history. But he squandered that chance.

Rajya Sabha | 5.08 pm

One Rank One Pension taken by INC

INC's A. K. Anthony (Kerala) says that the decision to implement One Rank One Pension was brought forth by the Congress.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress members staged a walkout in Rajya Sabha during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply, saying it has not got answers to questions raised by it, reports PTI.

Deputy Chairman cuts off Mr. Anthony's speech and moves on with amendments.

Rajya Sabha | 4.55 pm

PM on corruption, price rise

"Sultanate has gone, but we still behave like Sultan's," says Modi, quoting Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

 

The worries about price rise are legitamate. It has soared worldwide - to control that, we worked really hard for that, to make life easier for the lower and middle class people.  Using the Consumer Protection Act and the Consumer Empowerment Act, we reduced the prices for stents, knee surgeries, dialysis and other necessary medical procedures and supplies. These are humanitarian initiatives.

 

Simultaneous elections

The pressure on the Centre due to continuous elections is unhealthy. During elections, these tu-tu main-main will be there, but at least four years, the government should be able to work properly. During Lok Sabha elections, four other States go to election including AP and Odisha. Huge resources are needed to run this election. In a resource-hungry country like India, this is a huge loss.  So this is something we need to consider very carefully.

PM concludes.

 

Rajya Sabha | 4.40 pm

On farming reforms, bamboos, Triple Talaaq

We had to modernise farming, because we understand that there is now smaller holdings of land. For 90 years, bamboo has been categorized as tree when in the whole world, it is categorized as grass. Because it is categorized as tree, no one can cut it causing huge loss to farmers.

The world is now moving to eco-friendly methods making our honey-bee farming a widely lucrative option for future. It is a value-addition farming technique. We should work together towards this.

As Modi pauses, Opposition shouts "Only bhashan [speech] bhashan, no answers."

PM Modi continues - Nowadays, you are all making fun of Swachch Bharat and every other scheme, but you do not have any courage to state things to anyone's face. This is true regarding Triple Talaaq or  OBC Bill. You could have brought the reforms you liked, why didn't you? What are your objections to criminalising Triple Talaaq? You can poke holes in every criminal law, saying the criminal's father/brother/mother might be affected - but that does not make the crime not a crime, does it? Why did you not protest then?

As for allegations that we are trying to trap someone's kid and such - aren't you disrespecting the law by saying that?

Atrocities on women

I do not believe that the atrocities against women is a partisanship issue, says the Prime Minister. This is why I say, question the boys in the way you question girls. If they are late to come home, ask where they were. We should be united on this front. This is a societal problem.  The behaviour of the society needs to change.

Rajya Sabha | 4.30 pm

Modi on Gujarat elections

During Gujarat elections, everywhere Congress used Sardar Patel's name - I was happy that we got to see that too, Modi says as BJP members chuckle. But after the elections, in none of the programs, you mentioned or used Mr. Patel's or Dr. Ambedkar's name. When you accuse us for something, when you point one finger at us, remember that four fingers are pointing at you too.

You say you started a lot of things. Fair enough. But you followed nothing through. Your work culture was such that you declare things but don't care about anything after that. We came to power and implemented the work completion report.

Rajya Sabha | 3.59 pm

PM Modi responds to criticism in the Upper House

There is much to be done in terms of health in our country, but this does not mean Gulam Nabi Azad did nothing. But there is much more be done. There maybe issues with Ayushmaan Bharat Yojna and Congress's inputs are welcome. We want to provide relief to 40% of our citizens.  Even if anyone watching this has any good inputs, they should sent it across too, says PM Modi. Criticize me all you want, that is your right. But it should not affect our country, says Mr. Modi.

 

You say you want Gandhi's India, I also want Gandhi's India, because Gandhi said we got freedom, now we don't need Congress. Congress-mukt Bharat is not Modi's idea, it is Gandhi's idea. That's what we want too. When you say you don't want New India, what you are saying is you need Emergency time's India.  The India where newspapers were censored and military ruled the roost. Is that the India you want?

You said we are namechanger, not gamechanger. If you are honest, you will understand that actually, we are aimchanger. You said before 2014 whatever happened, it was all because of you.  You are like kids playing - you change the rule if you start losing.

Modi quotes Mr. Vajpayee's reply to a question asked in the House in 1998 as the start of Aadhaar, and says still Congress wants to claim that it started it. He adds that the Congress has a penchant for taking credit even when it is not due.

BJP has put the nation above the party, says the PM. We have implemented the One Rank One Pension scheme, made the world confident about our country. When I was CM, I needed to write multiple letters to PM about urea shortage for farmers. When I became PM too, I used to get many letters from CMs about this. Now this does not happen - this means, change can happen.

We modified the Railway Budget too. This is because I saw that in Railway Budgets, usually governments declare many schemes worth crores but there is no follow up. So, we decided to put a stop to that.  As for the food schemes and such, let me ask - we came to power one year after your government gave the deadline, so why did you not do it? Why don't you take credit for that too?

Rajya Sabha | 3.30 pm

We will never say BJP Mukth bharat, because you are also a part of our country. But you say Congress mukht bharat. It is undemocratic, says Anand Sharma of INC, Himachal Pradesh.

We are spending more on advertisement than actual things. In the speech, you said there will be active participation from pvt sector in defence. You said we had done corruption - but what have you done? What about the Rafale deal?  Rafale jet is the biggest scam - I have never made any allegations without substance, says Mr. Sharma. You have thrown out HAL, changed the defence rules and did not take the Defence Minister with you, obviously questions will not be asked.

A lighter moment ensues when the Speaker tells Mr. Sharma that his time is up and he responds "don't say that sir, I still have a long life ahead."

Lok Sabha | 3.04 pm

Furore in the House over the disruptions to Modi's speech in the morning under Sonia Gandhi's and Congress's leadership. This is an attempt to stop the PM's speech. If you do not listen patiently to our leader, we will also not listen to you people silently, says BJP members.

Dr. M Veerappa Moily from INC, Karnataka tries to speak in between the furore about the Union Budget.  The security transactions tax has been added with capital gains tax at 10%. This is double burden. This has led to total collapse of the stock market. 

GST was supposed to be 'One Nation One Tax,' but they are interested in making only slogan. Now it is 'One Nation Multiple Tax,' he says amid boos from the NDA members.  In Davos, Modi said world is moving away from globalisation, but India is moving to it. But what has he done? Our Indian PM is emulating US President Trump - this is against our ethos.

The PM made a statement that is not befitting the post in Karnataka. Because your PM has a big voice, the party is trying to do the same, but that cannot drown out the voice of reason, says Mr. Moily to the booing members.

They say "Achche Din" will come in 2014. But actually it will come only after their defeat.

Rajya Sabha | 2.50 pm

In a fiery speech, AAP's Sanjay Singh says that the government has done a cruel joke to the farmers of UP by giving them Re.1 and Rs. 2 loan waivers. You said you will put Rs. 15 lakhs black money in every person's account - you have not put even Rs. 15 paise.

 

You have tried to topple an elected government in Delhi. You even sent 4 jawans to arrest Somesh Bharti's dog. That is what your government is doing, he says. He accuses the government of spending crores for multi-million companies like Adani, Reliance, Videocon and so on. 

Opposition protests as he continues with his speech.  I understand your pain, he says, after three members of AAP leaders came in, so many members of BJP are trying to quieten one member.

Rajya Sabha | 2.35 pm

Rajani Patil, INC, Maharashtra recounts the achievements of the Congress.

Rajya Sabha | 2.27 pm

Cyclone Ockhi is a national calamity, the government must declare it so

 

Joy Abraham, KC(M), Kerala says - I am disappointed with the President's address - it is not his fault, it is ceremonial after all. He should have at least pointed out the govt's plan for at least one year.

The President is the head of the military and yet, there was no mention of Doklam stand-off or the situation in Pakistan in his speech. There was a mention of the presence of 11 world leaders in Republic Day function, but the ASEAN treaty is actually causing issues to our people.

Cyclone Ockhi devastated 3 main states, incuding Kerala - many are missing. The Central govt helped with finding them, but need to help in their rehabilitation too. Cyclone Ockhi is a national calamity, the government must come forward and declare it so. It should also put down the violence against women and children in particular with an iron hand.

As for the people's mandate that Amit Shah boasted about, do not forget that in Manipur and Goa, democracy was killed. This is not right. Democracy should be preserved at any cost.

Rajya Sabha | 2.21 pm

On simultaneous elections

 

K. T. S. Tulsi says that we have a parliamentary democracy and that the proposal for simultaneous elections would not work with our federal structure. This means re-writing the entire constitution which is just not possible. The govt is prioritising stability over democracy - this is not fair. The local issues will not be given due importance in such a structure because the national leadership has huge amounts at their disposal, putting the local governments at a disadvantage.

Also, like in Delhi and Bihar, one party is selected in the Centre but within months, it loses the elections in the States. The idea of simultaneous elections is one that is being brought about with just greed for power in mind.

Rajya Sabha | 2.05 pm

B. K. Hariprasad, INC, Karnataka

 

President is quoting Pandit Deendayal Upadyay, but the nation wants to know what was his great contribution to the country? Maybe he is important to those wearing kakhi pants, but for the nation, what has he done? The nation would have been happy had he not compared Deendayal Upadyay to Dr. Ambedkar.

The government claimed when it came to power that it will give 'Maximum governance, minimum government' but only government is happening, no governance. The BJP government has made the people who should have been engineers and doctors to sell pakodas.

The government is not helping with the water issues in Karnataka - instead they are behaving like Panchayat members. People say Modi's model has developed Gujarat. But Bengaluru has developed incredibly in the last 40 years - it has the third largest air traffic in the country. It is far more forward in terms of girl child education.

How much percentage of commission did NDA take in Rafaele deal? Why are they not talking about that?

Rajya Sabha | 1:55 pm

D. Raja, CPI, Tamil Nadu speaks

 

Mr. Raja refutes Mr. Modi's take on the democracy by quoting Dr. Ambedkar. "This government has been working against the political democracy that has been enshrined in the Constitution. Emergence of surveillance state is threatening the freedom of people," he says.

Ever since we won the independence, this is the first time the country is passing through such a crisis period, he says. There is crisis in economy, judiciary and every sphere of life. The government is not sending Bills to select committees, he says, referring to the Triple Talaaq Bill.

I was born in poverty, I work with the people in abject poverty, I represent them, says Mr. Raja. 29.9% of Indian people live below poverty line. The people in top 1% controlled 58% of the nation's wealth in 2013. It is up to to 73 % now - is this what you mean by 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas'?

We cannot forget the way Gauri Lankesh was killed, Dabolkar was killed, Kalburgi was killed. The people who criticise the govt are slapped on with sedition charges - even against college students. This is what I mean by extraordinary circumstances in the government. The President's address did not mention this. What about increasing the minimum wage? None of this is done.

Rajya Sabha | 1:50 pm

Gulam Nabi Azad says that 5 minutes of his speech was not telecast on Rajya Sabha TV. "This is Rajya Sabha TV, do not make it BJP TV," says Mr. Azad.

"The nation's army was fighting in Doklam but leaders of one party preferred to meet Chinese officials. The same party questions the army on surgical strikes."

"The country is moving forward with a dream of 'New India'. Discussions are the speciality of Democracy."

"We have to create a new India. Let us work together to fulfil the dreams of the people."

Mr. Modi ends the speech.

 

We renegotiated with Qatar and saved Rs. 8000 crore for the country, Mr. Modi says. We made similar renegotiations with Australia, Mr. Modi says.

LED bulbs were sold at Rs.300-350 then. It is sold at Rs. 40 now, he says. Solar power was sold at Rs. 13 per unit. Today, its Rs. 2 per unit, he says.

People are spreading lies on NPA. The previous government is responsible for the NPA crisis, Mr. Modi says.

I kept quiet keeping the country in mind. The loans disbursed during your regime is the cause of NPA. After the NDA government took over, not a single corporate loan has turned as NPA, Mr. Modi says.

We have considered recapitalisation, took cues from international banking norms, Mr. Modi says. The country will not forgive you, he adds.

Pro-poor initiatives

We are providing insurance for poor at premium of Re. 1 per month, Mr Modi says.

The Jan Dhan Yojana has brought self-respect to the poor. They are using RuPay debit cards now, he says.

The Ujawala scheme has benefitted many poor women. The Universal Account Number is a boon to employees, Mr. Modi tells in Lok Sabha.

We will not back out from bringing back money looted by corrupt people, Mr. Modi says.

Ease of Living

People are making politics over plight of farmers, Mr. Modi says. The farm produce goes waste due to lack of proper supply-chain management. We are strengthening this sector in addition to food processing sector.  He explains the landmark initiatives in animal husbandry and apiary. 

Mr. Modi criticises those who criticised GST. He called GST a landmark reform.

"India's middle class desires good education facilities, affordable housing, good infrastructure. They want 'Ease of Living' which we are committed to providing'," Mr. Modi says narrating the reforms in personal income tax over the past three years.

 

"Even today, 20 crore people are living without electricity. We have made progress in electrification but we have miles to go."

"We have increased the production. We have expanded the transmission network - 83% more than previous governements."

"We have saved Rs. 15,000 crore on electricity bills by distributing LED lights," he says.

Aadhaar

We were the first to bring out a aviation policy. We have connected the Tier II and Tier III cities.

We are monitoring the programmes using techonology. The road laying works are monitored using drones, he says.

"You were skeptical if we would take forward Aadhaar project. When we scientifically used Aadhaar to plug leakages, you are questioning its implementation?"

"When the corrupt and middlemen are out of work, obviously the Congress will be unhappy"

Job creation

You are giving data on unemployment. I will give you the data on employment. State governments of West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha and Kerala have said one crore jobs have been created. Will you dispute them, Mr. Modi asks.

Over 70 lakh new applicants have joined the EPO. Would it be possible without new job creation, he asks. Ninety per cent workforce is from informal sector. We have made efforts to formalise the non-formal sector.

I ask IAS officers what their children are doing. They say their kids want to start their own start-ups. I can see the energy and enthusiasm in our youth. They want to do something on their own, they want to launch their own start-ups. Our Government is giving wings to the aspirations of India's middle class, Mr. Modi says.

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"The way people of Rajasthan were misled about the Barmer refinery was appalling. Just for votes, lies were said. It is in the last three years that the Government of India and the Rajasthan Government worked together to sort out the pending issues." Mr. Modi says.

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Mr. Modi lines his government's achievements in infrastructure. "The NDA Government has changed the work culture in the nation," he says.

"The NDA government is building more roads than the previous one. We have given a strong boost to the infrastructure sector across the nation," he says.

You could send optical fibre network in only 59 villages. We could cover over one lakh villages in three years, he says.

Mr. Modi says  Bidar-Gulbarga line, a project started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee was completed during his term. We sped-up the process after we came to power, he says.

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Mr. Modi invokes Kannada reformer Basavanna. He recalls how Bijjala dynasty allowed women in courtrooms. Democracy was in India since the 12th Century, he claims.

He recalls former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi 'insulted' the then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Tantuguri Anjaiah and how actor N.T. Rama Rao floated the Telugu Desam unable to see his CM being insulted in public.

How did the Congress act in Kerala, how did they treat the Akali Dal in Punjab, how did they behave in Tamil Nadu? Why did Congress dismiss so many state governments at their will. This is no commitment to democracy, Mr. Modi says.

We cannot forget how the Congress insulted Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, a proud son of Andhra Pradesh. Nobody in India needs lessons on democracy from the Congress, Mr. Modi says.

In December, did we witness an 'election' or coronation for the post of Congress president? Mr. Modi asks.

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Mr. Modi takes pot shots at Mallikharjun Kharge's speech. It could be Mr. Kharge's farewell speech, Mr. Modi says.

The countries that gained independence after us have grown better than us. You have divided 'Bharat' but the nation was standing with you, Mr. Modi says. There was hardly any opposition then. The media was also in your favour. You had so many luxuries then. Noone would filed PILs then. It was your reign from Panchayat to Parliament. But you were signing about one family, Mr. Modi says.

Congress thinks there was no country before August 15, 1947, Mr. Modi says.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the debate on thanking the President's address. His speech is repeatedly interrupted by members seeking SCS to Andhra Pradesh.

As many as 34 members spoke during the debate. Some were for it, some were against. But the House saw a constructive debate, the Prime Minister says.

He recalls the Vajpayee-era where three states were created. The then government ensured the bifurcation was smooth, he says in a veiled attack at Congress. "You have divided the nation and the Indians are bearing the brunt," he says.

"We were also in favour of Telangana. But this is the outcome of hurried-bifurcation keeping polls in mind," he says.

noon

Question Hour ends in Lok Sabha. Paper being laid on the table.

Ruckus in Lok Sabha over Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar assures the agitating MPs but in vain.

Congress MPs also join the issue.

noon

Naresh Agrawal suggests Question Hour can be skipped today and the motion to thank President's Address be taken up. The Prime Minister is expected to reply in the House later in the day.

The Chair agrees. DMK MP R.S. Bharati rises to speak. He says Tamil Nadu has been neglected in the address. He explains how Tamil Nadu is a front-runner in establishing social justice. He also recalls of a resolution passed against NEET is sitting with the Central government.

He praises the fellow MP Navaneethakrishnan for pointing out the legal aspects in NEET. Mr. Bharati also condemns the Prime Minister for not meeting the agitating farmers of Tamil Nadu.

Sasikala Pushpa, the ousted AIADMK MP, wants Tamil to be the official language in the Madras High Court. this will be an ideal situation. The nation should move in this direction. there should be broad concensus, says Mr. Naidu.

Radheyshyam Vishwas, an Assam MP, asks about precautionary measures in case of earthquake. We have set up 102 seismological centres. Another 42 will be set up soon. As of today, earthquakes cannot be set up, Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science, says.

What happens when Aadhaar data is breached? Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad says the Aadhaar Act ensures fines and imprisonment upto 3 years.

BJD's Tathagath Satpathy asks if government will give opt out option from Aadhaar. Why are private entities collecting Aadhaar if it is meant for providing subsidy, he asks.

Majority of the people are trusting Aadhaar, the minister says. Absence of Aadhaar will not deny anyone from their benefits, he says.

Rajya Sabha | 11:40 am

Rajani Patel asks when the 33 per cent reservation for women be implemented?

Sanjay Singh, AAP MP, raisies the issue of closure of markets in Delhi.

Gopal Shetty, a Mumbai MP, asks what is the logic behind sharing of expenses between states and Central government while implementing big schemes like Swacch Bharat. The minister says the ratio varies from state to state.

Has the government taken any course correction in major schemes? NITI Aayog reviews the schemes periodically and we incorporate the changes, government says.

Rajya Sabha | 11:30 am

Manish Gupta of Trinamool Congress raises the issue of continuance of manual scavenging despite a law banning it. More than 400 people have died in the last few years. Not a single person is not punished, he says. Many members associate with him.

Lok Sabha | 11:25 am

In Lok Sabha Statistics Minister Sadananda Gowda answers questions pertaining to revised estimates of GDP. Mr. Gowda says Goa and Delhi are in top for per capita income. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are in the bottom of the table.

Rajya Sabha | 11:25 am

Sukhdev Singh Deo raises the issue of anti-Sikh riots of 1984. He cities a video aired in news channels purportedly showing a riots accused saying he killed "many Sikhs." When will Sikhs get justice, he asks. Congress members object.

Rajya Sabha | 11:20 am

Congress MP Ramachandra Rao holds placard in the Well of the House.

Congress MP Ramachandra Rao holds placard in the Well of the House.

 

Andhra Pradesh MP Ramachandra Rao holds placard seeking "justice to Andhra Pradesh." The Chair strongly objects to it. Even after repeated requests from Mr. Naidu, Mr. Rao refuses to go back to the seat.

The Chair invokes the powers and asks him to withdraw from the House for the day. Mr. Rao leaves.

Rajya Sabha | 11:05 am

Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raises the issue of Srinagar attack. He suggests the House should have a discussion during the Budget session. "Yesterday's incident is very unfortunate," he says.

This is a first time such an incident has happened in recent years. It is one of the biggest hospital in the State. Wouldn't the government provide adequate security to the militant? Why was he taken to a hospital where hundreds of out-patients visit daily, he says.

An Andhra MP shows placard in Rajya Sabha too. Mr. Azad says Congress does not approve the behaviour of the members.

Another Congress MP Vivek Tankha says the situation in J&K should be dealt with urgently as the internally displaced refugees such as Kashmiri Pandits also want to return.

Lok Sabha | 11:05 am

Question Hour in Lok Sabha. Members asking questions on BSNL connectivity. Andhra Pradesh MPs raise slogans seeking special category status to their State.

11:00 am

Both Houses convene. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is in the Chair in Lok Sabha. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu is chairing the proceedings in Upper House.

Mr. Naidu informs the House that the situation is "fluid and delicate" in Maldives. Quoting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Mr. Naidu says it's best not discuss in the House now.

 

 

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