6 years ago
New Delhi:
The Narendra Modi government won the no-confidence motion in the lower house of parliament on Friday night after a marathon debate that lasted for 12 hours. Congress president Rahul Gandhi's unprecedented hug and wink act in Lok Sabha became the biggest talking point of the day during the keenly-watched no-ctrust motion debate in Lok Sabha. After launching a scathing attack on PM Narendra Modi and his government, Rahul Gandhi walked up to PM Modi and gave him a hug. The Congress president's points created an uproar in the house. At night, PM Modi gave a point-by-point rebuttal to Rahul Gandhi's speech. During his reply, PM Modi urged all parties to reject the no-confidence motion.The BJP has moved a privilege motion against the Congress president over his speech. The debate that will last for close to 7 hours was kicked off by Jayadev Galla of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that moved the no-trust motion.
Here are the highlights of the no-confidence motion debate in parliament today:
NDA has the confidence of the Lok Sabha and the 125 crore people of India.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2018
I thank all the parties that have supported us in the vote today. Our efforts to transform India and fulfil the dreams of our youth continue. Jai Hind!
Rahul Gandhi termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Lok Sabha as "weak", news agency PTI reported.
The no-confidence motion has been defeated with 325 votes.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan: Those is favour may say aye, those opposed may say no.
Secretary General is explaining to the lawmakers the procedure for casting their votes and the modalities of pressing the voting buttons.
Except BJD & Shiv Sena, everybody else will be voting.
Union Minister Ananth Kumar and Anurag Thakur leave their seats and are seen talking to other lawmakers.
I thought for one and a half hours I was watching a Bollywood blockbuster film. I have no doubt PM would have been the best actor in the world: TDP MP Kesineni Srinivas on PM's speech in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/naYWFdS1Qx
- ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2018
All the TDP lawmakers have lined up in front of the PM Modi with Namaste. One of the leaders was holding an idol.
TDP is demanding 30 minutes time to reply.
"Wonderful oratory skills," TDP's Kesineni Srinivas on the Prime Minister's speech.
PM Modi ends his reply that lasted for 1.5 hours.
The Prime Minister is ripped intoevery other dig that Rahul Gandhi made earlier today.
Looking at the booklet from which PM @narendramodi replying seems it will take a while for trust vote #NoConfidenceVote pic.twitter.com/Zup6prhhC1
- Neeta Sharma (@NEETAS11) July 20, 2018
TDP leaders is in the well of the house. Congress leaders are speaking with other parties asking if they are prepared to walk out.
"What Arrogance," Says PM On Sonia Gandhi's '272' Remark
PM Modi has been speaking for over an hour now.
Atal ji created 3 states- Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. It was done peacefully. These states are prospering. The Congress divided Andhra Pradesh and their conduct then was shameful: PM Narendra Modi in parliament.
That expression of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders as PM Modi speaks.
Reporter's Diary: Rahul Gandhi spoke without notes while PM Narendra Modi is referring to notes for many parts of his speech tonight.
The PM's sharpest retorts to Rahul Gandhi so far on Rafale, the surgical strikes. Interesting that for nearly an hour now, the PM has focused most of his speech on attacking the Congress. Many other parties raised important issues today
- Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) July 20, 2018
Meanwhile, Amul captures today's iconic 'hug' moment in their bankable ad.
PM Narendra Modi: We are kaamvaar, how can we look into the eye of a naamdaar.
PM's jibe at Rahul Gandhi's wink today:
And speaking of eyes, we all saw what happened today with one eye (gestures)
"Subhash Chandra Bose, Morarji Desai, JP Narayan, Chaudhri Charan Singh, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Chandrasekhar, Pranab Mukherjee, Sharad Pawar they all tried looking them in the eye, the country has seen. How they were insulted," PM Modi said.
PM retorts on looking at Rahul Gandhi in the eye. "Today, he said I cannot look into his eyes True. Who am I to look into his eyes? The son of a poor mother how can I look into his eyes," he said.
PM Modi On Rahul Gandhi's "Jumla" Remark:
You are calling surgical strike a "jumla" strike? This is not acceptable at all. If you want to abuse, abuse me, Modi is present but don't abuse the army.
PM Modi's reply on Doklam issue:
They (Congress) spoke about Doklam. Usually you should not speak about subjects that you don't know about. When India was doing what it could about Doklam, talks were on with the Chinese envoy over there
Are foreign relations not serious enough? Can childish behaviour prevail everywhere?
There is absolute silence in the Congress benches as PM Modi gives his point-by-point reply.
No-Confidence Motion Debate: PM Modi's Stinging Reply
"If you were not prepared for the debate why did you bring the motion? Why such a tearing rush to bring down the government? Would the sky have fallen or a bhukamp (earthquake) come," PM Modi said. The word "Bhukamp" drew laughter from the government benches, since the word was associated with Rahul Gandhi's promised "earthquake".
"Why The Hurry For Power?" Says PM In Dig At Rahul Gandhi Hours after a surprise hug from Rahul Gandhi in parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked the Congress president and questioned: "Why this hurry to come to power?" Rahul Gandhi was present in the house when PM Modi delivered his return fire to his sharp attack in the morning.
Our government has opened bank accounts for the poor. Earlier, doors of the banks never opened for the poor. Women are leading a smoke-free life due to Ujjwala Yojana. Toilets have been constructed across India at a record pace: PM @narendramodi in Lok Sabha#NoConfidenceMotion pic.twitter.com/hmLifLDCZN
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
Some BJP lawmakers are seen prompting the Congress to complain to the speaker and bring order in the house.
Agitated TDP lawmakers are chanting "we want justice".
As TDP lawmakers protest in the well of the house, PM Narendra Modi continues his reply. He says, "We are here today because we have the majority, we are here today because we have the blessings of 1.25 crore people. Without politics of vote banks, we have worked on Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas."
Telugu Desam lawmakers have entered the well of the house.
TDP leaders are disrupting the house. They are obstructing and the Trinamool Congress is questioning them.
Uproar in the house as PM Modi speaks.
PM Modi Responds To Opposition:
- I request the Congress, sure if you want to see who is with you, go ahead but don't use the excuse of a no-confidence motion
- We are here today because we have the majority, we are here today because we have the blessings of 1.25 crore people
- This is not a floor test of the government but a force test of the Congress and its allies
Rahul Gandhi is listening intently as PM Modi speaks.
BJP lawmakers are cheering on as PM Modi speaks
PM Modi replies in Lok Sabha:
- The motion may have come from the TDP but some other parties have supported it and a large section has opposed it
- I appeal to all of you to reject this motion
- All their faces have been revealed today
- Many have questioned why the no-confidence motion was raised
- They don't seem to have the numbers so why did they bring the motion?
PM Narendra Modi
This no-confidence vote is a mark of our powerful democratic values
PM Modi stands up to speak.
PM Narendra Modi looks on as the last set of leaders make their quick points.
PM Modi arrives to speak, waits for Anurag Thakur to finish
Faroooq Abdullah finishes his speech, Anurag Thakur begins his short speech.
Unsurprisingly, Rahul Gandhi's Viral Wink Reminds Twitter Of Priya Prakash VarrierWith a wink, Rahul Gandhi went as viral as Priya Prakash Varrier on Friday. The Congress president eclipsed all else in parliament, which was debating a no-confidence motion, by first delivering a thunderous speech about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, referring to himself as Pappu and then walking across to PM Modi and giving him a hug.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan says the next set of lawmakers must finish their speeches in three minutes.
Aam Aadmi Party's Bhagwant Mann recited poetry when it was his turn to speak. He had everyone including the treasury benches in splits.
PM to speak @9pm now #NoConfidenceDebate
- Sonal MehrotraKapoor (@Sonal_MK) July 20, 2018
BJP lawmaker KC Patel has come in an ambulance to cast his vote in parliament.
Tonight, the lawmakers will get an elaborate dinner of Mulligatawny soup, fish fry, chicken masala, poori, paneer mutter curry, zeera rice, dal tadka, mixed vegetables, raita, tawa roti.
With a long evening expected n parliament, we spotted hectic activities in the parliament kitchen where dinner is being prepared for the lawmakers. Details of the menu up in the next post.
No-Confidence Motion 2003 vs 2018 - A Quick Glance
Dinesh Trivedi says in Lok Sabha, "Your problems is you want to rule in the name of Ram but not follow in his footsteps. You want to have a monopoly on Ram. We have been taught such that we see Ram in all. But to any question you are asked, your answer is the same."
"Mobocracy cannot be the new normal, top court had said": Dinesh Trivedi of the All India Trinamool Congress in Lok Sabha
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
Watch LIVE now: https://t.co/hMlRpgrUU6#NoConfidenceMotion pic.twitter.com/vXRWSDP7Sh
Dinesh Trivedi's attack on the government:
Ostriches choose to hide their head in the sand and not see reality
Mobocracy cannot be the new normal
Trinamool Congress leader Dinesh Trivedi is speaking now.
As Lok Sabha proceedings are expected to go on till late at night, dinner is being prepared for entire staff of parliament.
Blog: There Was Another First For Rahul Gandhi, Besides The HugNDTV's Sunetra Choudhury writes: For the first time, he looked comfortable in his skin as a politician. They kept booing him, they kept criticising him, and shouting him down, but the "reluctant" politician was on a roll.
Rahul Gandhi on France reacting to his attack on PM on Rafale deal: Wasn't alone in meet with French president. Manmohan Singh and Anand Sharma were also present in the meeting.
Contradicting Rahul Gandhi that there was no secrecy pact with France that stopped the centre from coming clean on Rafale jet deal, France today said there was a 2008 security pact between the two countries to protect classified information. "These provisions naturally apply to the IGA concluded on 23 September 2016 on the acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft and their weapons," France said in a statement, according to news agency ANI.
France, reacting to Rahul Gandhi's attack on PM on Rafale deal, says details classified as part of security pact with India.
We're being told that the debate may carry on till 9 or 10 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to speak at around 8 pm.
Not sure what a no-confidence motion is? Worry not, we've got you covered. A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary motion which is moved in the Lok Sabha against the entire council of ministers, stating that they are no longer fit to hold positions of responsibility due to their inadequacy or failure to carry out their obligations.
"What Did You Take Today?" Harsimrat Kaur Badal's 'Drug' Jibe At Rahul Gandhi
Mallikarjun Kharge counters BJP' claims on electrification.
Mallikarjun Kharge: If we acted like you are acting now, dividing people, encouraging inequality, democracy wouldn't have survived in India
Mallikarjun Kharge is speaking now. Rahul Gandhi is back in his seat behind Mr Kharge. He was not seen in Lok Sabha for sometime after his hug and wink episode.
Prahlad Joshi of the BJP has moved breach of privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi. He has a notice to the speaker. The BJP leader said Rahul Gandhi made 'unsubstantiated claims against BJP, particularly against the PM on Rafale deal."
We can spot some empty seats behind LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan. Remember, the speaker had said in the morning that there is no lunch break today.
Ram Vilas of Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) is speaking in Lok Sabha.
Congress spokesperson Aadil Singh Boparai on NDTV: We will sit through the PM's speech and the vote
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan's statements today are being seen as a maternal chiding of sorts by many. "Rahul ji is like my son," she said.
"She (Sumitra Mahajan) is taking the role of being the motherly figure of the house very seriously today," senior journalist Smita Prakash said on NDTV.
It's now Nationalist Congress Party's Tariq Anwar's turn to speak.
The speech schedules in Lok Sabha are running behind schedules. At least 15 more lawmakers are in line to speak this evening.
Rajnath Singh Counters Rahul Gandhi's Lynching Offensive
More chuckles in the house when Rajnath Singh says he and "Kharge ji" (Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge) too will hug after the session ends. He also wondered if the Congress has started a started a "Chipko movement" inside the house.
I'm not stopping anyone from hugging anyone. I am also a mother: Sumitra Mahajan
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan isn't quite pleased with Rahul Gandhi's act today. She expresses her anguish, saying "Yes, there is some decorum of the house. I did not like it too. At that time he was sitting in the Prime Minister's seat."
Home Minister Rajnath Singh is back after Lok Sabha resumes.
And here's the BJP's comeback to the moment of the day.
Lok Sabha adjourned till 4:30 pm.
"For investors, if there is a most attractive destination, it is India", says Home Minister @rajnathsingh in Lok Sabha #NoConfidenceMotion
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/hMlRpgrUU6 pic.twitter.com/FVUa8vTCrb
ICYMI: Rahul Gandhi's wink post the hour-long speech and hugging of PM Modi. Notice the expression of the lawmaker sitting behind him. He was cheering for the Congress president all along during his fiery speech.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh's jibe at the opposition: If we start discussing who will lead their coalition, then be assured that gayi bhains pani mein.
#BhookampAaGaya and #BhookampAaneWalaHai are among the top Twitter trends this afternoon.
Rahul Gandhi had been ridiculed for saying in a past session that if he was allowed to speak in the house, there would be an "earthquake". After his hug, many MPs joked that there had indeed been an earthquake. Congress leaders like Shashi Tharoor used the hashtag #BhukampAaGaya.
The 'Guess what he is saying' part of the #NoConfidenceDebate #mulayam pic.twitter.com/W3Abgs4nVT
- sunetra choudhury (@sunetrac) July 20, 2018
Rajnath Singh says, "There was a time when they used to calls us hum do, humare do. But today three decades later, I see the BJP is in overwhelming majority. No single party can even bring no-confidence motion against us. So they have to united to do this."
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has started speaking. Seated behind him are Ananth Kumar Kiren Rijiju, MJ Akbar and other BJP lawmakers.
K Chandrashekhar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) o stay away from the no-confidence of motion, reports NDTV's Sunil Prabhu.
Union Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters that BJP will move privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi sounded quite happy and thrilled with son Rahul's speech. She told NDTV that she was "very happy" with son Rahul's performance. "I am happy the media is changing too, "she said. On the hugging episode, she said, "Luckily, this won't be seen as unparliamentary. Mrs Gandhi was seated in the row in front of Rahul Gandhi.
BJP to move privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi for what they call "falsehood and misleading the house".
PM Narendra Modi's speech in Lok Sabha this evening is likely to be delayed. It was scheduled for around 6 pm earlier.
Mulayam Singh Yadav: There is no one that is not sad Even people of BJP are sad. They say our careers are ruined. The promises that PM made - Rs 15 lakh rupees, 2 crore jobs, how many do we list? He has not kept a single promise
Reactions to Rahul Gandhi's hug and wink moment during no-confidence motion debate:
- Tejashwi Yadav, RJD: Oh that wink my friend! Hit them hard where it hurts..Congratulations for unearthing their mines of lies & a fantastic speech @RahulGandhi
- Anurag Thakur, BJP: Did anyone feel the earthquake? Well it was definitely felt by @INCIndia! @RahulGandhi ji spoke without any factual data & reduced it to merely becoming a laughing stock. You indeed make it memorable everytime you speak in the house
- Omar Abdullah, National Conference: Hugs are against Parliamentary democracy & norms?
- Harsimrat Kaur, Shiromani Akali Dal: Pappu ji, if you want to be Mumba Bhai, please go to Mumbai
- Shashi Tharoor, Congress: What an astonishing performance by @RahulGandhi. It was a game-changing speech, tearing apart the Govt 's claims & ending with that unscripted hug that has literally taken the BJP's breath away #BhukampAaGaya
Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav is speaking.
Why PM Narendra Modi Laughed During Rahul Gandhi's SpeechPrime Minister Narendra Modi was seen chuckling heartily today at one point during Congress president Rahul Gandhi's speech in the no-confidence motion debate. "PM bahaar mein jaate hain (the PM goes abroad)," said Rahul Gandhi.
PM Modi also smiled later when Mr Gandhi kept jabbing him with the words: "PM can't look me in the eye. He has not been truthful."
Issues raised by Rahul Gandhi during his no-confidence motion speech
- Congress chief Rahul Gandhi attacked Narendra Modi on the Rafale deal,
- Mr Gandhi also spoke of a "political weapon" called "jumla strike".
- His scathing speech was punctuated by deafening protests the BJP members and the Speaker had to adjourn the house for several minutes.
"You may call me Pappu, I don't hate you": @RahulGandhi hugs PM Modihttps://t.co/j9Lo0psvyF pic.twitter.com/tWHNv5VexR
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
Shashi Tharoor on Rahul Gandhi's speech: What an astonishing performance by @RahulGandhi. It was a game-changing speech, tearing apart the Govt 's claims & ending with that unscripted hug that has literally taken the BJP's breath away
Shiromani Akali Dal's Harsimrat Kaur Badal says, "Ye sansad hai, ye Munna Bhai ka pappi jhappi area nahin hai (This is parliament, this is not the place for a Munna Bhai hug".
Nirmala Sitharaman: This agreement of secrecy was signed by then defence minister AK Anthony.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks.
Rahul Gandhi goes up to PM Modi and gives him a hug.
Rahul Gandhi:
A while ago when I went out, your own members shook my hands and congratulated me, said I spoke well
This feeling is within your leader, you and the entire country
A lot of people - the opposition and members of your own party - are going to defeat you in the coming elections
"PM Narendra Modi Is Not A Chowkidar But Bhaagidaar," Says Rahul Gandhi on Rafale DealRahul Gandhi, in an all-out attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the no-trust debate in parliament, said "He cannot look me in the eye." Targeting the Prime Minister on the Rafale deal, he said: "I can see he (PM Modi) is smiling but there is a touch of nervousness. And now he cannot look me in the eye.
No-Confidence Debate: Rahul Gandhi on women's safety
A few days ago, the Economist cover said India can't protect its women
There is an opinion abroad, that for the first time in its history, it is not able to protect its women
Women face gang-rapes, atrocities - this is the reputation India is building up these days
Rahul Gandhi re-starts his speech.
It's a #NoConfidenceMotion, you can't make direct allegations, and if you do, there must be proof. If you do take ministers' names, they must get a chance to respond: Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in Lok Sabha
Speaking Sumitra Mahajan is making her points.
PM "Can't Look Me In The Eye", Says Rahul Gandhi On Rafale Deal: 10 FactsIn a scathing attack on PM Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi talked of a "political weapon" called "jumla strike". "The symptoms are a great sense of happiness, a feeling shock and then 8-hour-long speeches," he said.
PM Modi will reply to be debate in the evening.
The House has resumed.
Lok Sabha adjourned till 1:45 pm.
Amid chaos in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi says, "daro mat(don't be afraid)".
PM Narendra Modi laughs after Rahul Gandhi says 'Pradhanmantri apni aankh meri aankh mein nahi daal sakte' #NoConfidenceMotion pic.twitter.com/qwXNt6PphM
- ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2018
Rahul Gandhi's no-confidence motion debate:
- PM Modi sat on a swing next to a river in Gujarat with Chinese president
- Then the Chinese president goes back and sends troops into Doklam
- Our soldiers should their strength and resisted them
- Then a few days later, PM goes to China and says we will have no-agenda less talks and not raise Doklam here
- This was not a no-agenda summit, it was China's agenda
- PM could not do what soldiers did
Rahul Gandhi's Blistering Attack On PM Modi:
The entire country saw, I said the truth about the PM and he could not look me in the eye
PM seen laughing
BJP's Ananth Kumar interrupts as Rahul Gandhi speaks. Indicates that his points are derogatory and defamatory.
"He cannot look into my eyes," says Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi says Nirmala Sitaraman lied about Rafale fighter jet deal. He said, "Under PM's pressure Nirmala Sitharaman lied to the country. Who are you helping, tell us PM, Nirmala ji.
Rahul Gandhi says Nirmala Sitaraman lied about Rafaele fighter jet deal.
PM Narendra Modi's reaction when Rahul Gandhi speaks on PM's foreign trips.
Stormy scenes in the house as Ananth Kumar and other BJP leaders shout as Rahul Gandhi is speaking.
Rahul Gandhi: PM Modi ji goes out... I mean he goes to meet Obama and Trump.
He had said I am not a PM, I am a watchman
Rahul Gandhi says "we are all victims of BJP's jumla strike" in his speech in parliament.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi says, "I heard Mr Galla's speech very carefully, I listened to everything you said. And I sensed a certain anxiety, a deep feeling of pain. And I want to tell you from here that you are the victim of a 21st century political weapon. Very fantastic political weapon."
Rahul Gandhi begins his speech by thanking Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.
BJP's Rakesh Singh wraps up his speech
"Shiv Sena is the party which always follows directive of party chief. We have decided to take a principled stand after the government made so many mistakes on land acquisition, demonetisation," the Sena's Anandrao Adsul told NDTV.
BJP's First Response In No-Trust Debate
"While Manmohan Singh said minorities had the first right to the nation's resources, PM @narendramodi said the poor had the first right on the resources and gave a new direction to the country's development": BJP's Rakesh Singh in Lok Sabha #NoConfidenceMotion pic.twitter.com/H4bpm9Qgfl
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
The no-confidence motion is spearheaded by Congress and DMK, so no way will AIADMK support it: V Maitreyan , AIADMK lawmaker.
Rahul Gandhi is likely to be the next one to speak.
Sena Absent From No-Trust Debate, Embarrassment For Government: 10 PointsThe numbers in parliament dropped rapidly as the no-confidence motion started this morning, bringing the government's goal of getting two-third votes within striking distance. Naveen Patnaik's BJD walked out, and in a last-minute twist, ally Shiv Sena stayed away. Uddhav Thackeray's decision is seen as an embarrassment for the BJP, which claimed the Sena will back the government after Amit Shah's call to him. Parties backing the no-trust motion say the debate and not the voting is key, as it would give them a chance to make their case against the government from a most-watched platform. For the BJP, it is seen as launch pad for 2019 general elections campaign.
Near Parliament, Farmers Protest; 'No Confidence' Rally By Farmers
"Dharm Yudh," Says TDP, Architect Of No-Trust Motion
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and other part leaders are listening to the points bing made by the BJP's Rakesh Singh.
BJP's first response to no-confidence debate by Rakesh Singh:
There have been many no-confidence votes in parliament but this one is different
When I was listening to Mr Galla, I was questioning the call for this vote
It was Congress that steered the AP bill and today he's standing with the Congress?
Galla ji said he was cursing us, but Mr Galla, the moment you sided with the Congress, you were cursed yourself
We recently saw HD Kumaraswamy crying on TV, he said felt like he was drinking poison
"We are with the government," says Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on being asked JD(U)'s stand on no-confidence motion.
Uproar in Lok Sabha after BJP MPs protest over 'offensive' word used by a TDP MP for PM Modi. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman demands that the word be expunged from records: news agency ANI.
Rakesh Singh is the first from the BJP to debate. He says, "It is not our aim to strangle other parties in our democracy. We want to democracy strengthened."
BJP's Rakesh Singh gets up to speak.
No-Trust Motion: AIADMK To Back Government In No Confidence Vote, Say SourcesTamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK will support the government in the no-confidence motion against the government that will be taken up shortly in parliament. The party, sources said, will issue a whip to its 37 lawmakers to vote for the government." itemprop="description
Farmers' groups are protesting outside parliament.
As parliament debates #NoConfidenceMotion against the government, BJD walks out, bringing down the strength of house to 514, Shiv Sena stays away.
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
Track LIVE updates: https://t.co/Kc3BXXgYOB pic.twitter.com/AS3hXPh7o0
"We are with the government," says Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on being asked JD(U)'s stand on no-confidence motion.
Jayadev Galla requests for 10 more minutes to speak.
Here's a quick recap of what's happened through this morning:
- 7:30 am: PM Modi tweets. "India will be watching us closely," he said.
- 10:15 am: PM Modi met Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Nitin Gadkari and Ananth Kumar
- 10:30 am: Shiv Sena lawmakers held a meeting and decided to stay away from voting and skip today's debate
- 11 am: Parliament session begins
- Lawmakers of Naveen Patnaik's BJD walks out of Lok Sabha
- TDP's Jayade Galla opens no-confidence motion debate in Lok Sabha
- Jayadev Galla launches scathing attack on PM Modi government, justifies need for special status for Andhra Pradesh.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi arrives in parliament.
"Sena MPs have been asked to remain absent by Uddhav ji during the voting on the no-confidence motion," a close aide of the Sena chief told news agency PTI.
Jaydev Galla: Prime Minister has deceived Andhra Pradesh. Mr Finance Minister, you cannot fool all of the people, all of the time
Jadev Galla seeks 30 minutes more time when speaker Sumitra Mahajan asks how much more time he will need. She refuses.
BJP leader Sambit Patra's tweet rebuttal to TDP's Jaydev Galla's points in Lok Sabha: TDP blames Congress for the unscientific & irrational bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh! No Confidence motion will surely project the crevices within the yet not formed "Mahagatbandhan"
Opposition parties have brought the motion against the government on several issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, cow vigilantism, lynchings, atrocities against women and Dalits and alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act.
A TDP lawmaker stands up behind Jayadev Galla and shows a portrait of Tirupati Lord Balaji.
Meanwhile, equally stormy scenes outside parliament.
TDP leader Jayadev Galla continues to make his points before Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan:
When we have to compare our standard of living, we have to compare it with our neighbours not those on the other side of the town
Most of the wealth was generated in Hyderabad
Now, due to the unscientific bifurcation, Telangana with a smaller population got Hyderabad
Why PM Modi Met 5 Top Lieutenants Before No-Trust Vote https://t.co/sSIzTK1pQw #NDTVNewsBeeps pic.twitter.com/rb5Gbb1VMt
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
Shiv Sena MPs will not attend Lok Sabha today, reports news agency ANI
Key points being made by TDP's Jayadev Galla:
- I move the debate that the opposition doesn't have confidence in the council of ministers
- PM Modi and Amit Shah government is a government of empty promises
- BJP declared a war on TDP
- It is a war of discrimination, it is a Dharma Yuddh
- It is a war between majority and morality
- This motion has been brought due to lack of fairness, trust, priority and un-biased approach
- Telangana is not the new state, AP is the new state
- We face the challenge of building institutions and industry
Jayadeva Galla from TDP has opened the debate.
Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD) stages walkout from Lok Sabha.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge asks for extended time for leaders to speak.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the lunch break will be skipped today.
PM Modi will reply to the debate toward the end, in the evening.
The debate will be kicked off by the TDP's Srinivas Kesineni who moved the no-confidence motion.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha session begin.
Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to walkout from today's debate.
The decison and directive have been given, they are expected to walkout as soon as possible.
Amit Desai, Arvind Sawant, Anant Geete and other Shiv Sena lawmakers are present at the party's meeting ahead of the no-confidence motion.
WATCH | "Will take correct decision and inform all," says Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut ahead of the #NoConfidenceMotion#MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/UuBaZo6x7M
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, " If every party is given just 20-30 minutes (to speak), it isn't enough to raise the problems of people, the crises in front of our economy. They say it has been done as per rules, but rules are in the Speaker's hands."
Amit Shah, Ananth Kumar and other BJP leaders were seen flashing victory signs while entering parliament a short while ago.
Shiv Sena meeting in parliament has begun.
BJP President @AmitShah arrives in parliament ahead of the #NoConfidenceMotion.
- NDTV (@ndtv) July 20, 2018
(📸 credit: ANI) pic.twitter.com/DxdMJVUovc
Congress leader Anand Sharma: The Congress party wants to bring grave issues to the fore in parliament. That is why the #NoConfidenceMotion has been tabled in parliament.
Amit Shah arrives in parliament ahead of the no-confidence motion debate.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar said, "Since 2014, people of India have repeatedly voted for the NDA. The BJP and the NDA are united."
He also took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Rahul ji had promised an earthquake when he speaks. It certainly will come, but in the Congress party, in the coalition that they are trying to stitch."
NDA line up today: 8 speakers spread across 3.5hrs ; 1 farmer leader ; 2 allies ; 2 speakers from poll bound states
- Sonal MehrotraKapoor (@Sonal_MK) July 20, 2018
PM Narendra Modi will meet Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Nitin Gadkari at 10:30 am to iron out the last minute details before the no-confidence debate begins.
Telugu Desam Party sources:
TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with his party MPs today.
Here's what Chandrababu Naidu told his party lawmakers:
- Today's no-confidence motion is a result of relentless agitation of TDP.
- Strongly voice the issues of 5 crore people of Andhra Pradesh.
- Expose the opportunistic politics.
- Who is with BJP and who isn't will be exposed.
- 5 crore people's interests are important. 'People First' is our motto.
- Expose the centre's discrimination against Andhra Pradesh.
NDA leaders who will speak are PM Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Rakesh Singh and Kisan Morcha chief Virendra Singh, Meenakshi Lekhi, Akali Dal's Harsimrat Kaur, LJP's Ram Vilas Paswan.
Time allotted for parties to speak on no-confidence motion in parliament:
- BJP - 3 hours and 33 minutes
- Congress - 38 minutes
- Telugu Desam Party - 13 minutes
- AIADMK - 29 minutes
- Trinamool Congress - 27 minutes
- Biju Janata Dal - 15 minutes
- Telangana Rashtra Samithi - 9 minutes
BJP chief Amit Shah will address the cabinet ministers at 10:15 am.
Here what the BJP's oldest ally, the Shiv Sena, said:
No-Confidence Motion: "We Owe This To People" - PM Narendra Modi Tweets Urging Disruption-Free No-Trust DebateHours before the debate in parliament begins, PM Narendra Modi tweeted, calling for a "constructive, disruption-free" debate. "India will be watching us closely," said PM Modi.
The @INCIndia of @RahulGandhi continues to defy logic & woefully lack credible narratives to drive political discourse in India. The #NoConfidenceMotion is nothing but an act of extreme desperation & #harakiri.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 20, 2018
Eagerly await befitting reply of PM Sri @narendramodi this evening
No Confidence Motion Shatrughan Sinha Explains His Stand On No Trust Vote in Monsoon SessionShatrughan Sinha, the BJP's in-house critic, ended speculation over his vote in tomorrow's no-trust motion against PM Narendra Modi government, saying he would definitely vote along with his party BJP against the motion."
As far as I'm concerned,so long the party has nt left me in the lurch,nor hve I left the party,though maybe high time & right time,I should,could & would support BJP as a loyal & true soldier. For the time being my vote is here, rest for 2019 elections...."Yeh kahani phir kabhi".
- Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) July 20, 2018
No-Confidence Motion: "We Owe This To People" - PM Narendra Modi Tweets Urging Disruption-Free No-Trust DebateAhead of a no-confidence motion against the government in parliament -- the first in 15 years -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted calling for a "constructive, disruption-free" debate. "India will be watching us closely," said PM Modi."
The Likely Outcome Of Today's Trust Vote In Parliament (Lok Sabha)
The BJP's oldest ally Shiv Sena was trying to act difficult to get, but is said to have agreed to vote against the opposition's motion after BJP boss Amit Shah made the call to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Sena leaders say they will take the final call only at 10 am today but the BJP insists Sena will back the government.
BJD lawmaker Pinaki Misra told NDTV that the Odisha-based party had been equidistant to the Congress and BJP, a hint that it might abstain. But a final decision would be taken only by chief minister Naveen Patnaik who will be tracking the debate from Bhubaneshwar, he said.
The BJP, which was accused of stalling the no-trust move last time, is seen as changing its approach. Sources said it was because the party felt that once the no-trust vote is debated and defeated, the opposition would not have any excuse to disrupt proceedings in parliament.
The NDA has about 312 members in the 533-member house. The majority mark, however, stands at 267 as 11 seats are vacant. The Congress and the other parties that support the no-trust motion have about 152 seats.
The BJP's oldest ally Shiv Sena was trying to act difficult to get, but is said to have agreed to vote against the opposition's motion after BJP boss Amit Shah made the call to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Sena leaders say they will take the final call only at 10 am today but the BJP insists Sena will back the government.
BJD lawmaker Pinaki Misra told NDTV that the Odisha-based party had been equidistant to the Congress and BJP, a hint that it might abstain. But a final decision would be taken only by chief minister Naveen Patnaik who will be tracking the debate from Bhubaneshwar, he said.
The BJP, which was accused of stalling the no-trust move last time, is seen as changing its approach. Sources said it was because the party felt that once the no-trust vote is debated and defeated, the opposition would not have any excuse to disrupt proceedings in parliament.
Ahead Of Today's Trust Vote In Lok Sabha, A Marginal Shift In Congress' Pitch
Congress leader Anand Sharma said the trust vote wasn't "only a question of numbers". "We will use the occasion to expose the government and raise various issues concerning the people of the country and tell the truth to the people," he said.
The Congress on Thursday said that today's no-confidence motion was more than a show of numbers and it will use the occasion to "expose" the government's "failure".
The Congress has already tweaked its pitch. A day after UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi made a cryptic remark, "Who says we don't have numbers?" the Congress conceded that the no-trust vote wasn't about the numbers at all.
Congress leader Anand Sharma said the trust vote wasn't "only a question of numbers". "We will use the occasion to expose the government and raise various issues concerning the people of the country and tell the truth to the people," he said.
The Congress on Thursday said that today's no-confidence motion was more than a show of numbers and it will use the occasion to "expose" the government's "failure".
The BJP has the numbers to sail through the trust vote. But the BJP's effort is not to just survive but make a splash when votes are counted at the end of the marathon debate. The target is to get two-thirds majority, a target that could be within striking distance if parties such as Tamil Nadu ruling AIADMK's 37 lawmakers and Odisha's Biju Janata Dal's 20 lawmakers abstain.
"It will be a battle," said BJP ally Akali Dal's Naresh Gujral, likening the day-long debate to a joint election rally of all parties for the 2019 elections. He suggested that how various parties vote in the no-trust vote could be an indicator of the "the line-up at the time of elections also".
Watch: No-Confidence Motion - BJP Looks To Make Congress Regret Its Decision Today
The ruling BJP is making every muscle work to make the Congress regret its decision to seek today's no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. It has worked the phones to cajole upset allies, reached out to friendly parties to abstain if they can't support and according to some reports, also touched base with some of its own lawmakers who were expected to skip the vote on account of poor health, or otherwise.
How It Stands - The Numbers For Today's Trust Vote In Parliament (Lok Sabha)
The opposition says the motion is not about numbers but about making the government accountable.
"We will use the occasion to expose the government and raise various issues concerning the people of the country and tell the truth to the people," the Congress's Anand Sharma said.
The ruling BJP reached out to upset allies and friendly parties for support and according to some reports, also touched base with some of its own lawmakers who were expected to skip the vote on account of poor health or other reasons.
The Telugu Desam Party will initiate the debate and Rahul Gandhi will be the Congress's lead speaker.
The BJP-led coalition NDA has about 312 members in the 533-member house. The majority mark stands at 267 as 11 seats are vacant. The Congress and the other parties that support the no-trust motion have about 152 seats.
The opposition says the motion is not about numbers but about making the government accountable.
"We will use the occasion to expose the government and raise various issues concerning the people of the country and tell the truth to the people," the Congress's Anand Sharma said.
The ruling BJP reached out to upset allies and friendly parties for support and according to some reports, also touched base with some of its own lawmakers who were expected to skip the vote on account of poor health or other reasons.
The Telugu Desam Party will initiate the debate and Rahul Gandhi will be the Congress's lead speaker.
Ahead of a no-confidence motion against the government in parliament - the first in 15 years - Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted calling for a "constructive, disruption-free" debate. "India will be watching us closely," said PM Modi.
"Today is an important day in our parliamentary democracy. I am sure my fellow MP colleagues will rise to the occasion and ensure a constructive, comprehensive and disruption-free debate. We owe this to the people and the makers of our Constitution," he tweeted.
The opposition-sponsored move was made at the start of the monsoon session of parliament. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)'s motion, submitted first, was accepted by the Speaker.
The government has enough numbers to defeat the motion. PM Modi will reply to the debate that is widely seen as a launch pad for his campaign for the 2019 general elections.
"Today is an important day in our parliamentary democracy. I am sure my fellow MP colleagues will rise to the occasion and ensure a constructive, comprehensive and disruption-free debate. We owe this to the people and the makers of our Constitution," he tweeted.
The opposition-sponsored move was made at the start of the monsoon session of parliament. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)'s motion, submitted first, was accepted by the Speaker.
The government has enough numbers to defeat the motion. PM Modi will reply to the debate that is widely seen as a launch pad for his campaign for the 2019 general elections.
PM Modi Tweets Ahead Of Today's Trust Vote In Parliament (Lok Sabha)
Ahead of today's no-trust vote and debate in Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, saying "India Watching Us Closely". Here is what he wrote:
Today is an important day in our Parliamentary democracy. I am sure my fellow MP colleagues will rise to the occasion and ensure a constructive, comprehensive & disruption free debate. We owe this to the people & the makers of our Constitution. India will be watching us closely.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2018
Who Gets How Much Time In Today's Lok Sabha Debate
Based on their strength in the Lok Sabha, the BJP has been given 3 hours and 33 minutes in the 7-hour-long marathon debate. The Congress has got 38 minutes, and Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party, which initiated the no-confidence motion, have got 13 minutes. Other opposition parties such as the AIADMK, Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal, Telangana Rashtra Samithi have been allocated 29 minutes, 27 minutes, 15 minutes and nine minutes respectively to present their case. The debate will begin at 11 am.
The Congress, which does not have the numbers to upstage the BJP, has said that the no-trust vote is "much more than a show of numbers." They said they will "use the occasion to expose the government over its many failures." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will give his government's report card in his reply to the debate, will be watched carefully as his speech today is widely seen as a launch pad for his campaign for the 2019 general elections.
Many of BJP's allies have been upset over the manner in which the government has handled several cases and situations, but have more-or-less agreed to back the government in today's crucial vote.
While the opposition will target the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over what it terms as "failures", the ruling alliance will not only defend its case, but also inform the country of its "achievements" in the last four years.
Fifteen years after it happened the last time, the ruling BJP will face a vote of no-confidence in Parliament today. In a marathon debate in Lok Sabha, the government, its allies and the opposition parties will put forward their view of the performance of the Modi government in the last four years.
