Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Constitution debate underway in Lok Sabha.
Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak in the Parliament today, as part of the two-day Constitution debate, scheduled to mark 75 years of the Constitution. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commenced the Constitution debate on Friday, stating that many try to paint it as a gift of colonial rule, and a collation of the good of many Constitutions of the Western civilisations.
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi delivered her debut speech in the Lok Sabha which according to her brother Rahul Gandhi was better than his. "Wonderful speech. Better than my maiden speech, let's put it like that," he said.
Here are the Live Updates of Parliament Winter Session:
Kiren Rijiju Takes A Dig At Opposition Over Voting Rights
India has universal voting rights; but at times it is said minorities have no rights, said Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in an apparent dig at opposition.
"Don't Say Things That May Tarnish India's Image": Kiren Rijiju Replies To Discrimination Against Minorities In his speech in the Lok Sabha, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asked to not use words that may tarnish India's image. He brought in examples of other nations where minorities are discriminated.
"India is the first country they come to seek protection. Then why is it said that there is no protection for minorities in this country," he said.
Kiren Rijiju Slams Opposition Over "Disruptions" In Lok SabhaWhen disruption began in the House, Kiren Rijiju said, "Sometimes it is okay to interrupt, but doing it repeatedly will not work for you or for us."
He added that he is a simple man and speaks his mind. Mr Rijiju called to work together peacefully.
Parliament Winter Session UpdateUnion Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "...I feel proud that when Prime Minister Modi's tenure started, following the Constitution, the same spirit, he placed the mantra of his government in front of this country. And that mantra is Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas."
Kiren Rijiju Remembers B R Ambedkar, Architect Of Indian ConstitutionIn his opening remarks on day 2 of the Constitution debate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju remembered B R Ambedkar, one of the architects of Indian constitution.
He spoke about Articles 15, 16, 25, and 29 offering equal rights.
- Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
- Article 16 guarantees equal opportunity in public employment
- Article 25 guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion
- Article 29 protects the cultural and educational rights of minorities
2 Years, 11 Months, 18 Days: Kiren Rijiju Recalls The Making Of Constitution Of IndiaKiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, starts the discussion on the "glorious journey of 75 years of the Constitution of India". In his speech, Mr Rijiju mentioned the time and number of days - 2 years, 11 months and 18 days - it took to make the constitution.
Mr Rijiju also talked about the significance of each element of national flag.
"There Should Be No Discrimination During Natural Disasters": Priyanka Gandhi Vadra On Relief Package For Wayanad"The government is refusing to give a special package to Wayanad. We have requested the Home Minister, we have written to the Prime Minister...Himachal Pradesh has also seen similar large-scale devastation and there is a Congress government there. They are seeking help from the Centre...and yet in both cases the Central government is denying the victims their due because of politics. They are citizens of India. There should be no discrimination during natural disasters..."
Priyanka Gandhi, Kerala MPs Protest And Demand Immediate Relief Package For Wayanad
Less than half an hour left for Lok Sabha to resume at 11am and opposition MPs from Kerala including Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have initiated a stage protest outside Parliament. The MPs are protesting at Makar Dwar of Parliament demanding financial aid for landslide-affected people in Wayanad.
Parliament Winter Session Update: PM Modi To Speak On ConstitutionPrime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Lok Sabha today, the second day of the constitution debate.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi may speak too.
Akhilesh Yadav Comes Out In Support Of Minorities, Calls For Caste CensusDuring the constitution debate, Kannauj MP and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the number of mosque surveys in the recent past. He said, those looking for temples under mosques don't want peace.
Akhilesh Yadav raised doubts on the security along the borders, state of economy and internal safety of citizens. Referring to the alleged Chinese transgressions, he said India's borders are shrinking. Mr Yadav said efforts are being made to make the country's 20 crore minorities, especially Muslims, second class citizens.
"Caste census will bridge gap among castes. Whenever we get opportunity, we will conduct caste census," he said.
Our Constitution Is A 'Suraksha Kavach': Priyanka Gandhi Vadra In Lok SabhaIn her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha as a Member of Parliament from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra compared the constitution to a protective shield, safeguarding the citizens of the country.
"In the struggle of crores of Indians, in their strength to battle the toughest situations, and in their hope of justice from the country, the flame of our Constitution is burning. Our Constitution is a 'suraksha kavach' (protective barrier) that keeps citizens safe - it is a 'kavach' of justice, unity, and the right to express. It is sad that in 10 years, colleagues of the ruling side who make big claims have made all attempts to break down this 'kavach'," she said.
Rajnath Singh Slams Congress For 'Disrespecting Constitution'On the first day of the Constitution debate in Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a jibe at Congress and said that the party that undermined the Constitution talks about protecting it.
"These days, many opposition leaders roam around with a copy of the Constitution in their pockets because it has been their tradition, whereas the BJP bows to it," he said.