News Analysis India

Tag: Democracy

  • Arvind Kejriwal: Kejriwal hugs children, touches parents’ feet before surrendering at Tihar jail after bail ends

    Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his family bid adieu to each other on Sunday before he left the CM’s residence to surrender at Tihar jail after his interim bail in the excise policy case ended on June 1. Kejriwal hugged his children and touched his parents’ feet before leaving in a car for a scheduled visit to the Rajghat and the Hanuman temple at Connaught Place. He waved a final goodbye to his parents before his car sped alongside a long trail of vehicles carrying AAP leaders who accompanied the chief minister for his surrender. Kejriwal’s wife Sunita, son Pulkit and daughter Harshita also accompanied him for his surrender. Sharing visuals of the family’s last moments together, the AAP wrote in a post on X, “Bharat Mata’s brave son Arvind Kejriwal ji took blessings from his parents and hugged his children before going to jail to save democracy. Kejriwal will not bow down to dictatorship.” AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States In another post, the party wrote, “It is this feeling that scares the dictator. With a smile on his face, Delhi CM Kejriwal headed towards Rajghat to pay homage to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Today, Kejriwal ji will go to jail in this fight to save democracy.” In a display of unity and support, Kejriwal’s family and AAP leaders accompanied the chief minister as he paid homage at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at the Rajghat and offered prayers at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place. PTI

    **EDS: VIDEO GRAB VIA @AamAadmiParty** New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal hugs his son as he leaves from his residence, ahead of his surrender before Tihar jail authorities, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)(

    Kejriwal later addressed a large gathering of workers and leaders of the AAP before leaving for Tihar jail. AAP leaders, including Atishi, Kailash Gahlot and Saurabh Bharadwaj, Rajya Sabha MPs Sanjay Singh and Sandeep Pathak, and party leaders Durgesh Pathak, Rakhi Birla and Reena Gupta were also present.

    Patriotic songs and slogans of “Kejriwal Zindabaad” filled the air at the party headquarters.

    Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal said, “I am going back to jail not because I was involved in corruption but because I raised voice against dictatorship… I campaigned for the Lok Sabha polls to save the country.”

    Kejriwal said that the BJP will not form the next government at the Centre, saying the exit polls were “fake” and “mind games” by the BJP.

    Several exit polls, which were aired on Saturday evening, predicated a comfortable majority for the BJP-led NDA. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will be held on Tuesday.

    The address at the party headquarters was summed up with the national anthem and Kejriwal left for Tihar amid a sea of Indian flags.

    Minutes before the chief minister’s surrender, security arrangements were beefed up at Tihar jail with heavy police deployment. Traffic was also restricted in the area.

    The chief minister surrendered to the Tihar authorities after 21 days of bail granted by the Supreme Court for the election campaign.

    He was released from prison on May 10 on an interim bail granted by the apex court in the excise policy-linked money laundering case.

    The bail expired on June 1, the day the seventh and last phase of the general elections was held.

  • Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 61.41 pc voter turnout recorded till 5 pm in Jharkhand

    A voter turnout of 61.41 per cent was recorded till the end of polling in the four Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand at 5 pm on Saturday, officials said. Voting, which commenced in Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi and Jamshedpur constituencies at 7am as part of the third phase of elections in the eastern state and sixth round nationwide, was peaceful.

    Giridih registered the highest polling at 64.75 per cent, followed by Jamshedpur (64.30 per cent), Dhanbad (58.90 per cent) and Ranchi (58.73 per cent).

    “Today, I exercised my right to vote at Shri Krishna Institute of Public Administration, Ranchi. I urge all voters to exercise their right to vote. Ensure your participation in this great festival of democracy,” Governor C P Radhakrishnan said in a post on X. Former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni cast his vote at a booth in JVM Shyamli School in Ranchi. Dhoni was accompanied by his wife Sakshi, father Pan Singh and mother Devaki Devi. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther StatesKalpana Soren, wife of jailed former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, posted on X, “Today, I exercised my right to vote by participating in this great festival of elections for the massive victory of justice over injustice. An appeal to all of you is to reach your polling booth in large numbers and exercise your right to vote to protect democracy and the Constitution. If Hemant is there, then there is courage! Jharkhand will not bow down! INDIA will not stop!” Tata Steel Managing Director T V Narendran exercised his franchise with wife at a booth in Jamshedpur. Odisha Governor and former Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das also cast his vote in the steel city and said this election will take the country to newer heights. Twenty-seven candidates are in the fray from Ranchi, 25 each from Dhanbad and Jamshedpur, and 16 from Giridih.

    Around 82.16 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in these four constituencies, with Dhanbad having the highest number of electors at 22.85 lakh, and Giridih having the lowest at 18.64 lakh.

    Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar said all 8,963 booths were being closely monitored. Of these, 186 are being managed by women and 22 by the youth. Additionally, there are 15 unique booths, showcasing the specialties of the respective areas.

    About 36,000 poll personnel have been deployed in this phase, Kumar said.

    In the Ranchi Lok Sabha seat, Congress’ Yashaswini Sahay, daughter of former Union minister Subodh Kant Sahay, is contesting against BJP MP Sanjay Seth.

    Dhanbad is witnessing a fight between BJP’s Baghmara MLA Dulu Mahato and Congress’ Anupama Singh, wife of the party’s Bermo legislator Kumar Jaimangal.

    In Jamshedpur, BJP MP Bidyut Baran Mahato is pitted against JMM’s Baharagora MLA Samir Mohanty.

    In Giridih, AJSU Party’s Chandra Prakash Chaudhary is up against JMM’s Tundi MLA Mathura Mahato. A student leader, Jairam Mahato, has added a twist to the contest by challenging candidates of both the INDIA bloc and the NDA.

  • Not Too Many More Vibrant Democracies In The World Than India: White House | world news

    Washington: Applauding the people of India for exercising their right to vote, the White House on Friday said there are not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India.

    “Not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India. And we applaud the Indian people for exercising, you know, their ability to vote, and to have a voice in their future government. And we wish them well throughout the process, of course,” White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby told reporters at a news conference here.

    Kirby was responding to a question on the ongoing Indian elections, wherein over 969 million people are exercising their right to franchise at one million polling stations to elect 545 members of parliament from thousands of candidates representing as many as 2,660 registered political parties.

    Responding to another question, Kirby said the India-US relationship has strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular during the last three years of the Biden administration. “Our relationship with India is extremely close and getting closer,” he said.

    “You saw it on a State visit (last visit). We launched all kinds of new initiatives, working on critical emerging technologies together, and bolstering and expanding the relevance of the Indo-Pacific quad, of course, which India is a part of. And then, just the people to people exchanges, and the military that we share with India,” Kirby said.

    “It’s a very vibrant, very active partnership. We are grateful for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,” said the White House official.

    When asked if President Joe Biden believes that India and Japan are xenophobic countries, he replied in the negative and said the president was recently making a broader point.

    “I mean, the president was making a broader point here about the vibrancy of our own democracy, here in the United States, and how inclusive and participatory it is,” Kirby said.

  • Arvind Kejriwal: “If a dacoit gets bail, then there is no point in celebrating”: BJP’s Agnimitra Paul on interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal

    Slamming the Aam Aadmi Party for “celebrating” the Supreme Court’s granting of interim bail to its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, Agnimitra Paul, the BJP MLA from Asansol in West Bengal, said, “If a dacoit gets bail, then there is no point in celebrating.”

    “If a dacoit gets bail, then there is no point in celebrating. He is a hypocrite who once said that he was against misgovernance, but now he has become the face of misgovernance. Whoever has looted the public money has to go to jail,” Paul told ANI.

    Kejriwal was released from jail after spending over 50 days following his arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement on March 21 in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. He has been granted interim bail till June 1 with conditions that he shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister or the Delhi Secretariat.Opposition parties across the country welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the CM has not been proven “innocent”.AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther StatesCongress Lok Sabha candidate from North-East Delhi, Kanhaiya Kumar, said on Friday that the Supreme Court’s granting of interim bail to Kejriwal is a befitting reply to those who want to impose dictatorship in the country.”I would like to congratulate the entire country because Arvind Kejriwal has been given bail by the Supreme Court. This is a befitting reply to those who want to impose dictatorship in the country,” Kumar told reporters here. “Democracy will prevail in the country, and INDIA alliance will continue its fight against the NDA. People want change in the country as well as Delhi,” he added.CM Kejriwal received a warm welcome from supporters as well as his family members on returning from prison.

    “I had promised to come back soon, here I am,” Kejriwal said while addressing supporters enroute his residence from jail.

    The Chief Minister is also scheduled to meet the press on Saturday at 1 pm at the Aam Aadmi Party office in Delhi.

    AAP leaders including Gopal Rai, Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Swati Maliwal and Kailash Gehlot thanked the top court for granting interim bail to the party chief.

    Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai said, “There is a wave of happiness in the entire country. SC’s decision has shown a ray of hope. The entire country is thankful to the SC. The fight against dictatorship and to save democracy and constitution will be strengthened after the release of Arvind Kejriwal.”

    Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi called it a “historic day” and said that it is a victory for democracy and the Constitution. “It is a historic day, not just for AAP but the entire country. BJP has left no stone unturned to turn it into a dictatorial country…SC’s decision has given hope to the people that there will be an end to this dictatorship. It is a win of the democracy & constitution,” Atishi said.

    Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said, “He has been granted bail for the election campaign till June 1 but what after that? Getting interim bail does not mean that you have been proven innocent. It will not affect the elections, BJP will win all 7 seats of Delhi.”

    Supreme Court lawyer Shadan Farasat representing Arvind Kejriwal said that the order is operable till June 2 adding that there are no restrictions on what he can say or not say in his election campaigning.

    Earlier in April this year, AAP MP Sanjay Singh was released on bail from Tihar jail following the top court’s order. Singh was released after spending over six months in jail in connection with the excise policy case.

    The AAP supremo is likely to participate in the election campaigns of the party in the run-up to the general elections in Delhi scheduled to be held on May 25.

  • BJP Invites 25 Nations To Observe Campaigning And Polls In India: 10 Points |

    NEW DELHI: In a bold move amidst ongoing political scrutiny, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended invitations to 25 foreign nations to observe the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India. This unprecedented step aims to provide international leaders firsthand insight into India’s democratic process and the BJP’s campaign strategies. As allegations swirl from opposition parties, the BJP’s initiative underscores a commitment to transparency and global engagement. Here are the key highlights of this significant development:

    1. Unprecedented Move By BJP: Amid ongoing allegations from opposition parties, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken an unprecedented step by inviting 25 foreign nations to witness the campaigning and electoral process in India.

    2. Global Interest in India’s Elections: Reports indicate that leaders from various political parties across the globe will be visiting India during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, invited by the BJP to observe the scale of the polls and understand the party’s campaign strategies.

    3. Invitation Details: The BJP has extended invitations to over 25 parties from foreign countries to send their representatives to observe India’s Lok Sabha polls, which are recognized as the world’s largest democratic exercise. Thirteen parties have confirmed their visits so far, with further details to be disclosed later.

    4. Exclusion Of US Parties: Notably, neither of the two major US parties, the Democrats nor the Republicans, have been invited. A BJP leader explained that the US parties’ own presidential elections preoccupy them, and their organizational structure differs significantly from that of Indian or European parties.

    5. Invitations To UK and Germany: The Conservative and Labour parties of the UK, as well as the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats of Germany, have been invited by the BJP.

    6. Omission Of Pakistan and China: Due to strained relations with Pakistan and the absence of invitations to the Communist Party of China (CPC), these political entities have not been included in the foreign observers’ list.

    7. Focus On Neighbouring Nations: Only the ruling Awami League from Bangladesh has been invited, while the opposition BNP has not, following its association with an ‘India Out’ campaign on social media.

    8, Inclusion Of Nepal & Sri Lanka: All prominent political parties from Nepal and Sri Lanka have received invitations from the BJP, indicating a comprehensive approach to neighbouring countries.

    9. Schedule and Itinerary: The BJP anticipates that invited leaders will visit India during the third or fourth phase of the elections, scheduled for the second week of May. Foreign observers will be briefed in Delhi before visiting multiple constituencies and engaging with party leaders and candidates.

    10. BJP’s Outreach Initiatives: This initiative aligns with the BJP’s broader efforts for external outreach, including the KNOW BJP initiative under party president J P Nadda. The party aims to provide foreign delegates with insights into Indian democracy and the BJP’s electoral strategies.

    By inviting international observers, the BJP seeks to showcase the scale and depth of its electoral campaigns while fostering a deeper understanding of Indian democracy among global political players.

  • ‘Parliament cannot abdicate responsibility to respect my right’: Rahul writes to LS Speaker again

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi again wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, on Tuesday, requesting his permission to respond to the allegations raised against him by four BJP ministers in Parliament. This comes days after he said that ‘if Indian democracy was functioning, he will be allowed to speak in the Parliament’ at a press conference.  

    Rahul is in the eye of a storm over his “Indian democracy under siege” remarks.  Both Houses of Parliament have not been functioning for more than a week as the BJP and government are adamant about seeking an apology from the Congress MP. At least four Union ministers have sought Gandhi’s apology over his remarks during his speech at Cambridge University where he said that Indian democracy was under attack and alleged that mikes were often switched off in Parliament when Opposition members speak.

    In his letter dated March 18, the Wayanad MP said that he is seeking permission to speak in Lok Sabha under the conventions of Parliamentary practice.

    ALSO READ | Rahul tears into RSS & BJP, says he does not fear them

    “I had written to you on March 17th seeking your permission to respond to totally baseless and unfair charges hurled at me by senior Ministers in the Lok Sabha. I am making such a request again. I am seeking this permission under the conventions of Parliamentary practice, the constitutionally embedded rules of natural justice, and Rule 357 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha,” he said in the letter.

    Rahul attended Parliament on March 16, for the first time after the controversy broke out over his ‘democracy’ remarks. However, as the House got adjourned after the ruckus, the Congress leader did not get an opportunity to respond to the allegations of ‘maligning India on foreign soil.’

    Later in a press conference, Rahul said that he met the Speaker Om Birla and sought an opportunity to respond to the allegations, Birla was non-committal. “Four ministers have spoken against me in the Lok Sabha. It is my right to respond to them. If Indian democracy is functioning, I would be able to say my piece in Parliament,” he had said.

    ALSO READ | Democracy remark row: BJP calls Rahul Gandhi ‘Mir Jafar of Indian polity’

    In the letter, the Congress leader further elaborated on Rule 357, which provides “personal explanations”.

    “Under Rule 357, a member may, with the permission of the Speaker, make a personal explanation although there is no question before the House, but in this case, no debatable matter may be brought forward, and no debate shall arise,” it said.

    He further said “Members of the ruling regime have made scurrilous and defamatory claims against me both within and outside Parliament. As a result of these allegations, and the rules invoked by these individuals, it is only appropriate that you kindly allow me a right to reply as contained in Rule 357 which allows for ‘personal explanations’.”

    The former Congress President also elaborated with an instance of former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad invoking Rule 357.

    ALSO READ | Parliament standoff: Both Houses adjourned amid uproar over Adani, Rahul

    “I have taken the liberty of annexing an example where Hon’ble MP (and then Minister) Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, invoked the Rule to explain comments made by Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia about him in Parliament,” he said.

    “Furthermore, there are several examples available on the Lok Sabha Digital Library which show that this right isn’t restricted to responding to statements made within Parliament but extends to allegations made in the public domain as well,” said the letter.

    “Parliament like any other institution is bound by the Rules of Natural Justice contained in Articles 14 and 21 of our Constitution. They are a guarantee against administrative arbitrariness and ensure that every person has a right to be heard in a cause with which they are concerned,” he said.

    Stating that Parliament cannot abdicate the responsibility to respect the right to speak, Gandhi said that as he will be away in Karnataka and Kerala on March 20th and 21st, the Speaker should allow him to speak at the earliest.

    “Surely, you would agree that Parliament of all institutions cannot abdicate the responsibility to respect this right when it doesn’t suit the ruling regime. I hope the above satisfies your query and that you will allow me a right to reply in the Lok Sabha at the earliest,” he said.  

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi again wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, on Tuesday, requesting his permission to respond to the allegations raised against him by four BJP ministers in Parliament. This comes days after he said that ‘if Indian democracy was functioning, he will be allowed to speak in the Parliament’ at a press conference.  

    Rahul is in the eye of a storm over his “Indian democracy under siege” remarks.  Both Houses of Parliament have not been functioning for more than a week as the BJP and government are adamant about seeking an apology from the Congress MP. At least four Union ministers have sought Gandhi’s apology over his remarks during his speech at Cambridge University where he said that Indian democracy was under attack and alleged that mikes were often switched off in Parliament when Opposition members speak.

    In his letter dated March 18, the Wayanad MP said that he is seeking permission to speak in Lok Sabha under the conventions of Parliamentary practice.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | Rahul tears into RSS & BJP, says he does not fear them

    “I had written to you on March 17th seeking your permission to respond to totally baseless and unfair charges hurled at me by senior Ministers in the Lok Sabha. I am making such a request again. I am seeking this permission under the conventions of Parliamentary practice, the constitutionally embedded rules of natural justice, and Rule 357 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha,” he said in the letter.

    Rahul attended Parliament on March 16, for the first time after the controversy broke out over his ‘democracy’ remarks. However, as the House got adjourned after the ruckus, the Congress leader did not get an opportunity to respond to the allegations of ‘maligning India on foreign soil.’

    Later in a press conference, Rahul said that he met the Speaker Om Birla and sought an opportunity to respond to the allegations, Birla was non-committal. “Four ministers have spoken against me in the Lok Sabha. It is my right to respond to them. If Indian democracy is functioning, I would be able to say my piece in Parliament,” he had said.

    ALSO READ | Democracy remark row: BJP calls Rahul Gandhi ‘Mir Jafar of Indian polity’

    In the letter, the Congress leader further elaborated on Rule 357, which provides “personal explanations”.

    “Under Rule 357, a member may, with the permission of the Speaker, make a personal explanation although there is no question before the House, but in this case, no debatable matter may be brought forward, and no debate shall arise,” it said.

    He further said “Members of the ruling regime have made scurrilous and defamatory claims against me both within and outside Parliament. As a result of these allegations, and the rules invoked by these individuals, it is only appropriate that you kindly allow me a right to reply as contained in Rule 357 which allows for ‘personal explanations’.”

    The former Congress President also elaborated with an instance of former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad invoking Rule 357.

    ALSO READ | Parliament standoff: Both Houses adjourned amid uproar over Adani, Rahul

    “I have taken the liberty of annexing an example where Hon’ble MP (and then Minister) Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, invoked the Rule to explain comments made by Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia about him in Parliament,” he said.

    “Furthermore, there are several examples available on the Lok Sabha Digital Library which show that this right isn’t restricted to responding to statements made within Parliament but extends to allegations made in the public domain as well,” said the letter.

    “Parliament like any other institution is bound by the Rules of Natural Justice contained in Articles 14 and 21 of our Constitution. They are a guarantee against administrative arbitrariness and ensure that every person has a right to be heard in a cause with which they are concerned,” he said.

    Stating that Parliament cannot abdicate the responsibility to respect the right to speak, Gandhi said that as he will be away in Karnataka and Kerala on March 20th and 21st, the Speaker should allow him to speak at the earliest.

    “Surely, you would agree that Parliament of all institutions cannot abdicate the responsibility to respect this right when it doesn’t suit the ruling regime. I hope the above satisfies your query and that you will allow me a right to reply in the Lok Sabha at the earliest,” he said. 
     

  • Lok Sabha adjourned yet again over Rahul Gandhi’s democracy remark

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Wednesday amid slogan shouting by opposition and treasury benches over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “democracy under attack” remark made in the UK.

    As soon as the house assembled, opposition members stormed into the well holding placards and shouting slogans.

    They demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the alleged stock manipulation by the Adani Group.

    Members of the treasury benches also raised counter slogans, demanding an apology from Gandhi for his remarks made during an event in the UK.

    Gandhi had alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a “full-scale assault” on the country’s institutions.

    The remarks have triggered a political slugfest.

    ALSO READ | No question of apology: Kharge on BJP demand over Rahul’s remarks in UK

    The BJP has accused Gandhi of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions, while the Congress has hit back at the ruling party by citing instances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising internal politics abroad.

    House proceedings have remained disrupted since resuming for the second leg of the budget session on Monday.

    On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla repeatedly urged the members to return to their seats and allow the house to run.

    “This house is meant for holding discussions and dialogues. Let’s talk about policy and a have good discussion on issues related to public welfare. If we want people’s welfare and consider this house a temple of democracy, I will request that at least don’t comment on this house,” Birla said.

    “It is not right to comment, either inside (the house) or outside. Talk about issues and policy here. It is not right to bring placards like this here. I am warning. This is wrong,” he said.

    The Speaker’s remarks came against the backdrop of Gandhi’s allegations that Opposition is not allowed to speak in the house and their microphones are turned off.

    “Placards and sloganeering is never allowed in the house. Go back to your seats. I will give you adequate time to speak,” Birla said.

    READ MORE | ‘Well-orchestrated’ personal attack based on ‘lies’: Sam Pitroda on criticism of Rahul’s remarks in UK

    Rising from his seat, Union minister Piyush Goyal urged the speaker to suspend the members from the proceedings if they do not allow the house to run smoothly and if Gandhi does not apologise for his remarks. “It is a very serious issue. Strictest action should be taken against this. The way a member of the house insults India’s Parliament going abroad. Until he doesn’t apologise and if they do not feel there was an insult and continue with such kind of behaviour, they should be suspended from the proceedings of the house,” Goyal said.

    The Speaker asked the agitating Opposition members if their behaviour in the house was appropriate.

    “This (India) is the world’s biggest democracy. What message do you want to send out. Is such conduct of members appropriate?. Please go back to your seats” Birla said.

    “You have the right to raise slogans with placards in hand outside the house in democracy,” he added As the members refused to relent, the speaker initially adjourned the house till 2 pm.

    READ MORE | Adani row: Opposition MPs call off protest march after Delhi police blockade

    When the house resumed, the sloganeering continued even as Bhartruhari Mahtab, who was in the chair, kept requesting for order.

    “It is not the sole responsibility of the chair to maintain order in this house. It is the responsibility of every member,” Mahtab said.

    He also said that while papers were allowed in the house, placards weren’t.

    Amid the ruckus, The Inter-Services (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023 was introduced in the house by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt.

    Slogans such as “Rahul Gandhi sadan me aao (Rahul Gandhi come to Parliament)” were raised as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi sought an apology from Gandhi.

    Joshi said instead of apologising, the Congress party was bringing placards to the house.

    “I am getting calls from the diaspora that Rahul Gandhi insulted the country. He has spoken against the speaker. He has levelled allegations against institutions. India is a sovereign country and asking other countries to intervene is an insult,” he said.

    Seconds after the statement made by the minister, the chair adjourned the house for the day.

    NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Wednesday amid slogan shouting by opposition and treasury benches over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “democracy under attack” remark made in the UK.

    As soon as the house assembled, opposition members stormed into the well holding placards and shouting slogans.

    They demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the alleged stock manipulation by the Adani Group.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Members of the treasury benches also raised counter slogans, demanding an apology from Gandhi for his remarks made during an event in the UK.

    Gandhi had alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a “full-scale assault” on the country’s institutions.

    The remarks have triggered a political slugfest.

    ALSO READ | No question of apology: Kharge on BJP demand over Rahul’s remarks in UK

    The BJP has accused Gandhi of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions, while the Congress has hit back at the ruling party by citing instances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising internal politics abroad.

    House proceedings have remained disrupted since resuming for the second leg of the budget session on Monday.

    On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla repeatedly urged the members to return to their seats and allow the house to run.

    “This house is meant for holding discussions and dialogues. Let’s talk about policy and a have good discussion on issues related to public welfare. If we want people’s welfare and consider this house a temple of democracy, I will request that at least don’t comment on this house,” Birla said.

    “It is not right to comment, either inside (the house) or outside. Talk about issues and policy here. It is not right to bring placards like this here. I am warning. This is wrong,” he said.

    The Speaker’s remarks came against the backdrop of Gandhi’s allegations that Opposition is not allowed to speak in the house and their microphones are turned off.

    “Placards and sloganeering is never allowed in the house. Go back to your seats. I will give you adequate time to speak,” Birla said.

    READ MORE | ‘Well-orchestrated’ personal attack based on ‘lies’: Sam Pitroda on criticism of Rahul’s remarks in UK

    Rising from his seat, Union minister Piyush Goyal urged the speaker to suspend the members from the proceedings if they do not allow the house to run smoothly and if Gandhi does not apologise for his remarks. “It is a very serious issue. Strictest action should be taken against this. The way a member of the house insults India’s Parliament going abroad. Until he doesn’t apologise and if they do not feel there was an insult and continue with such kind of behaviour, they should be suspended from the proceedings of the house,” Goyal said.

    The Speaker asked the agitating Opposition members if their behaviour in the house was appropriate.

    “This (India) is the world’s biggest democracy. What message do you want to send out. Is such conduct of members appropriate?. Please go back to your seats” Birla said.

    “You have the right to raise slogans with placards in hand outside the house in democracy,” he added As the members refused to relent, the speaker initially adjourned the house till 2 pm.

    READ MORE | Adani row: Opposition MPs call off protest march after Delhi police blockade

    When the house resumed, the sloganeering continued even as Bhartruhari Mahtab, who was in the chair, kept requesting for order.

    “It is not the sole responsibility of the chair to maintain order in this house. It is the responsibility of every member,” Mahtab said.

    He also said that while papers were allowed in the house, placards weren’t.

    Amid the ruckus, The Inter-Services (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023 was introduced in the house by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt.

    Slogans such as “Rahul Gandhi sadan me aao (Rahul Gandhi come to Parliament)” were raised as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi sought an apology from Gandhi.

    Joshi said instead of apologising, the Congress party was bringing placards to the house.

    “I am getting calls from the diaspora that Rahul Gandhi insulted the country. He has spoken against the speaker. He has levelled allegations against institutions. India is a sovereign country and asking other countries to intervene is an insult,” he said.

    Seconds after the statement made by the minister, the chair adjourned the house for the day.

  • No question of apology: Kharge on BJP demand over Rahul’s remarks in UK

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said there is no question of an apology over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the UK and that those demanding so must answer on Prime Minister Narendra Modi “humiliating” the people of the country with his comments abroad.

    The BJP and several senior ministers have been demanding an apology from Gandhi over his “democracy under attack” remarks in the UK.

    “I would like to ask a question to the people demanding an apology (from Rahul Gandhi) that (what about) when Modi ji went to five-six countries and humiliated the people of our country and we were told by him that being born in India is a sin,” Kharge said.

    ALSO READ | Those ‘destroying’ democracy are talking of saving it: Kharge slams BJP

    “Democracy is diminishing here, freedom of expression and speech are being weakened, TV channels are being pressured and people speaking the truth are being jailed, so if this is not the process of ending democracy then what is?” the Congress president told reporters here.

    So, there is no question of an apology, he added.

    Gandhi’s remarks during his recent trip to the United Kingdom have rocked Parliament, with both Houses failing to transact any significant business on the first two days of the budget session’s second half.

    During his interactions in the UK, Gandhi alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a “full-scale assault” on the country’s institutions.

    The former Congress president also told British parliamentarians in London that microphones are often “turned off” in the Lok Sabha when an opposition member raises important issues.

    WATCH: Rahul criticises Modi govt over China 

    Gandhi’s remarks triggered a political slugfest, with the BJP accusing him of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions, and the Congress hitting back at the ruling party by citing instances of Prime Minister Modi raising internal politics abroad.

    ALSO READ | BJP ideology ‘cowardice’, says Rahul Gandhi in London; draws Thakur’s flak

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said there is no question of an apology over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the UK and that those demanding so must answer on Prime Minister Narendra Modi “humiliating” the people of the country with his comments abroad.

    The BJP and several senior ministers have been demanding an apology from Gandhi over his “democracy under attack” remarks in the UK.

    “I would like to ask a question to the people demanding an apology (from Rahul Gandhi) that (what about) when Modi ji went to five-six countries and humiliated the people of our country and we were told by him that being born in India is a sin,” Kharge said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | Those ‘destroying’ democracy are talking of saving it: Kharge slams BJP

    “Democracy is diminishing here, freedom of expression and speech are being weakened, TV channels are being pressured and people speaking the truth are being jailed, so if this is not the process of ending democracy then what is?” the Congress president told reporters here.

    So, there is no question of an apology, he added.

    Gandhi’s remarks during his recent trip to the United Kingdom have rocked Parliament, with both Houses failing to transact any significant business on the first two days of the budget session’s second half.

    During his interactions in the UK, Gandhi alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a “full-scale assault” on the country’s institutions.

    The former Congress president also told British parliamentarians in London that microphones are often “turned off” in the Lok Sabha when an opposition member raises important issues.

    WATCH: Rahul criticises Modi govt over China 

    Gandhi’s remarks triggered a political slugfest, with the BJP accusing him of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions, and the Congress hitting back at the ruling party by citing instances of Prime Minister Modi raising internal politics abroad.

    ALSO READ | BJP ideology ‘cowardice’, says Rahul Gandhi in London; draws Thakur’s flak

  • If Congress doesn’t save democracy, Modi, BJP will take country towards dictatorship: Kharge

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday claimed that if the party workers did not save the democracy and Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and RSS will take the country “on the path of dictatorship.”

    Kharge was speaking at a public meeting here to mark the 138th foundation day of the Congress.

    The Congress was born in Mumbai, he noted, adding that if the party workers did not remain strong and united, free debates and expression of views will cease in the country.

    Congress workers should expose the falsehoods peddled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said, adding, “It is the duty of each and every Congressman to preserve our democracy and Constitution.”

    ”If we do not do that, the BJP, RSS and prime minister Modi will destroy the country and take it on the path of dictatorship,” Kharge added.

    ALSO READ | Kharge attacks govt, says society being divided by hate

    Food security, the white revolution and green revolution were the Congress’s legacy, and yet the BJP questions what it did in 70 years, he said.

    “The Congress protected and preserved the Constitution, which is why Modi is PM today,” he said.

    The present Maharashtra government came to power through “theft” as MLAs were stolen and “put in a washing machine,” Kharge said.

    The BJP chooses leaders from the freedom movement selectively with an eye on votes, he alleged.

    ”I want to ask the BJP if they had the photos of Gandhi, Patel, Netaji Bose, Ambedkar ten years ago,” he said.

    The Bharat Jodo Yatra has energised the Congress, he said, while asking whether the government was using the excuse of COVID-19 to stop it.

    OPINION | Why Congress-Mukt Bharat is not a good idea

    MUMBAI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday claimed that if the party workers did not save the democracy and Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and RSS will take the country “on the path of dictatorship.”

    Kharge was speaking at a public meeting here to mark the 138th foundation day of the Congress.

    The Congress was born in Mumbai, he noted, adding that if the party workers did not remain strong and united, free debates and expression of views will cease in the country.

    Congress workers should expose the falsehoods peddled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said, adding, “It is the duty of each and every Congressman to preserve our democracy and Constitution.”

    ”If we do not do that, the BJP, RSS and prime minister Modi will destroy the country and take it on the path of dictatorship,” Kharge added.

    ALSO READ | Kharge attacks govt, says society being divided by hate

    Food security, the white revolution and green revolution were the Congress’s legacy, and yet the BJP questions what it did in 70 years, he said.

    “The Congress protected and preserved the Constitution, which is why Modi is PM today,” he said.

    The present Maharashtra government came to power through “theft” as MLAs were stolen and “put in a washing machine,” Kharge said.

    The BJP chooses leaders from the freedom movement selectively with an eye on votes, he alleged.

    ”I want to ask the BJP if they had the photos of Gandhi, Patel, Netaji Bose, Ambedkar ten years ago,” he said.

    The Bharat Jodo Yatra has energised the Congress, he said, while asking whether the government was using the excuse of COVID-19 to stop it.

    OPINION | Why Congress-Mukt Bharat is not a good idea

  • Journalist sans independence same as judge who has lost independence: Justice Srikrishna

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Former Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna has called for preserving the independence of journalists to ensure smooth functioning of democracy in the country.

    Justice Srikrishna was speaking Friday night after presenting the annual RedInk awards for excellence in journalism, instituted by the Mumbai Press Club.

    “Two professions have to be necessarily independent, a judge and a journalist. If they falter, democracy suffers,” he said.

    “A journalist who loses his independence is as bad as a judge who has lost his independence,” he added.

    “Remember, you are in a profession where honesty is really the best policy,” said the noted jurist, who headed the Srikrishna Commission that investigated causes and apportioned blame for the Mumbai riots of 1992-93.

    Senior journalist TJS George was presented the RedInk Award for lifetime achievement for his distinguished career as an editor and columnist.

    In the 1960s, George (94) was the editor of the Patna-headquartered newspaper ‘The Searchlight’ known for its anti-establishment stand.

    The Press Club’s ‘Journalist of the Year’ Award for 2021 was given to Om Gaur, National Editor of ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ for leading a team of reporters and photographers that “tirelessly exposed the tragedy of Covid deaths” in UP’s towns and cities along the river Ganga.

    In his acceptance speech, Gaur said he was receiving the award on behalf of his colleagues who made the coverage possible.

    The awards, along with 24 other winners in 12 categories, were presented at NCPA auditorium in south Mumbai.

    MUMBAI: Former Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna has called for preserving the independence of journalists to ensure smooth functioning of democracy in the country.

    Justice Srikrishna was speaking Friday night after presenting the annual RedInk awards for excellence in journalism, instituted by the Mumbai Press Club.

    “Two professions have to be necessarily independent, a judge and a journalist. If they falter, democracy suffers,” he said.

    “A journalist who loses his independence is as bad as a judge who has lost his independence,” he added.

    “Remember, you are in a profession where honesty is really the best policy,” said the noted jurist, who headed the Srikrishna Commission that investigated causes and apportioned blame for the Mumbai riots of 1992-93.

    Senior journalist TJS George was presented the RedInk Award for lifetime achievement for his distinguished career as an editor and columnist.

    In the 1960s, George (94) was the editor of the Patna-headquartered newspaper ‘The Searchlight’ known for its anti-establishment stand.

    The Press Club’s ‘Journalist of the Year’ Award for 2021 was given to Om Gaur, National Editor of ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ for leading a team of reporters and photographers that “tirelessly exposed the tragedy of Covid deaths” in UP’s towns and cities along the river Ganga.

    In his acceptance speech, Gaur said he was receiving the award on behalf of his colleagues who made the coverage possible.

    The awards, along with 24 other winners in 12 categories, were presented at NCPA auditorium in south Mumbai.