Ruling alliance NDA candidate Harivansh Singh has been appointed Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha today as the monsoon session of parliament began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the role of Bihar in the country's "democratic ethos", recalling former greats like Jayaprakash Narayan and Karpuri Thakur while congratulating Mr Singh, who got elected as the deputy chairman of the Upper House today for a second time.
Seventeen members of the Lok Sabha, who underwent mandatory tests before the monsoon session of parliament, have tested positive for Coronavirus. Among the infected MPs, the BJP has a maximum number -- 12. The YSR Congress has two MPs, the Shiv Sena, DMK and RLP one each.
Earlier, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan had defended the government's handling of the pandemic and said that the number of Covid cases and related deaths in India are among the "lowest in the world". "With our endeavour to manage COVID-19, India has been able to limit its cases and deaths to 3,328 cases and 55 deaths per million population respectively, which is one of the lowest in the world as compared to similarly affected countries," the minister said.
Meanwhile, proceedings have begun in the Rajya Sabha for the Monsoon Session with MPs following Covid protocols; the Lok Sabha, meanwhile, has been adjourned till 3 pm tomorrow.
Ahead of the Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his traditional comments before the parliament session, delivered a strong message on the China dispute at the border. "We hope parliament and all members will unitedly send the message that the nation stands with our soldiers," PM Modi said.
The government has listed 23 new legislations for consideration and passage including 11 bills replacing ordinances issued since March, when parliament was adjourned indefinitely in view of the coronavirus pandemic.