News Analysis India

Tag: Monsoon Session

  • Monsoon Session showdown: Opposition to raise key national issues; Centre aims to push 31 Bills

    By Online Desk

    Ahead of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, ‘INDIA’, the newly formed alliance of Opposition parties is aiming to raise key issues including the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, while the Centre aims to take up as many 31 bills during the session.

    Apart from the situation in Manipur, the opposition will also raise the issue of rail safety, on the back of the horrific triple train crash in Odisha’s Balasore district on June 2. 

    Unemployment, inflation, the status of the India-China Border and the trade balance between the two countries are among other key issues set to be raised by these parties.

    AAP’s fight against the Union government’s ordinance — bypassing an SC verdict — on the transfer and posting of bureaucrats in Delhi will also take centre stage in the monsoon session.

    Some of the parties have planned to move an adjournment motion over Manipur violence among other issues on day one of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session on Thursday.

    The Monsoon Session will be conducted till August 11 and will have 17 sittings.

    Almost all the parties including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharat Rashtra Smithi (BRS), Samajwadi Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal United (JDU), Dravina Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), CPM, CPI, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) shared their plan while speaking to media followed by an all-party meeting called by the government in the Parliament premises. A total of 34 parties and 44 leaders participated in the meeting.

    The Congress on Wednesday announced to raise the Manipur violence issue on day one of the Monsoon Session seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply over the matter.

    “Today, in the beginning (of the meeting), I kept my point. Our first issue is the violence in Manipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should come and answer in Parliament over the issue. We will bring adjournment motion over the matter tomorrow,” Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhary told ANI after attending an all-party meeting called by the government.

    Choudhary, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also said that there should be a discussion on the issue of flood and the federal structure of India.

    In the meeting, Choudhary said, he asked the government to allow all opposition parties to speak in the House pointing “We have not come here for tourism so want discussion in House.”

    Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the opposition’s demand for a discussion on the situation in Manipur is “non-negotiable”, asserting that the government must shun its “my way or the highway” approach and follow a middle path for the smooth functioning of Parliament.

    Ramesh said his party will oppose the bill that would be brought in to replace the Delhi ordinance, which he alleged “curtails constitutional rights and responsibilities of the elected government.”

    Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government was ready for a discussion on the situation in Manipur but termed a “caveat for disruption” the opposition’s demand for a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

    “All parties have been demanding a discussion on Manipur. The government is ready for a discussion on Manipur whenever the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker decide a date and time,” Joshi said after the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

    Asked about the opposition’s demand for a statement by the prime minister, Joshi said when the government has agreed to a discussion, then raising issues that the prime minister should come is like putting a caveat for creating disruption in Parliament.

    AAP leader Sanjay Singh objected to bringing the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 and said his party as well as other like-minded Opposition parties will oppose when the Bill will be introduced in the House for its passage. He further stated his party will also raise Manipur violence and misuse of Central agencies among other issues.

    IUML leader Mohd Basheer said he registered a strong protest against Uniform Civil Code in the meeting and “I say that it is dangerous and will disturb the harmony of the country.”

    JDU raised the question of inflation, unemployment, flood, and no caste census as its leader Lallan Singh said “No one gave any answer on whether it will be discussed or not”.

    DMK’s Tiruchi Siva raised the issue of the Tamil Nadu Governor’s recent activity in the state and demanded that RN Ravi should be recalled.

    He also demanded that the Manipur incident should be discussed in the Monsoon Session and that PM Modi should come to the House and give his statement.

    Issues of unemployment were raised by the DMK leader, who also demanded that the Uniform Civil Code should not be brought. “All issues raised to be considered by the government,” said T Shiva.

    The contentious Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 is among 31 Bills that are listed for the Monsoon Session of the Parliament beginning on Thursday.

    Apart from the Personal Data Protection Bill, the bill to replace the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, promulgated in May this year is among other key Bills listed for the monsoon session. The ordinance deals with the control of services in Delhi and was promulgated after the Supreme Court verdict on an appeal by the Delhi government.  

    As per a list, all these 31 Bills will be tabled in the Monsoon Session, which consists of 17 sittings in the old Parliament building.

    The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (To replace ordinance) is on the top among all 31 Bills followed by the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019; the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019; the Mediation Bill, 2021; the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022; the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023; the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023; the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2022 (with respect to State of Himachal Pradesh); the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022 (with respect to State of Chhattisgarh); he Postal Services Bill, 2023; the National Cooperative University Bill, 2023; and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

    (With additional inputs from ANI and PTI)

    Ahead of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, ‘INDIA’, the newly formed alliance of Opposition parties is aiming to raise key issues including the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, while the Centre aims to take up as many 31 bills during the session.

    Apart from the situation in Manipur, the opposition will also raise the issue of rail safety, on the back of the horrific triple train crash in Odisha’s Balasore district on June 2. 

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    Unemployment, inflation, the status of the India-China Border and the trade balance between the two countries are among other key issues set to be raised by these parties.

    AAP’s fight against the Union government’s ordinance — bypassing an SC verdict — on the transfer and posting of bureaucrats in Delhi will also take centre stage in the monsoon session.

    Some of the parties have planned to move an adjournment motion over Manipur violence among other issues on day one of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session on Thursday.

    The Monsoon Session will be conducted till August 11 and will have 17 sittings.

    Almost all the parties including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharat Rashtra Smithi (BRS), Samajwadi Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal United (JDU), Dravina Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), CPM, CPI, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) shared their plan while speaking to media followed by an all-party meeting called by the government in the Parliament premises. A total of 34 parties and 44 leaders participated in the meeting.

    The Congress on Wednesday announced to raise the Manipur violence issue on day one of the Monsoon Session seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply over the matter.

    “Today, in the beginning (of the meeting), I kept my point. Our first issue is the violence in Manipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should come and answer in Parliament over the issue. We will bring adjournment motion over the matter tomorrow,” Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhary told ANI after attending an all-party meeting called by the government.

    Choudhary, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also said that there should be a discussion on the issue of flood and the federal structure of India.

    In the meeting, Choudhary said, he asked the government to allow all opposition parties to speak in the House pointing “We have not come here for tourism so want discussion in House.”

    Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the opposition’s demand for a discussion on the situation in Manipur is “non-negotiable”, asserting that the government must shun its “my way or the highway” approach and follow a middle path for the smooth functioning of Parliament.

    Ramesh said his party will oppose the bill that would be brought in to replace the Delhi ordinance, which he alleged “curtails constitutional rights and responsibilities of the elected government.”

    Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government was ready for a discussion on the situation in Manipur but termed a “caveat for disruption” the opposition’s demand for a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

    “All parties have been demanding a discussion on Manipur. The government is ready for a discussion on Manipur whenever the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker decide a date and time,” Joshi said after the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

    Asked about the opposition’s demand for a statement by the prime minister, Joshi said when the government has agreed to a discussion, then raising issues that the prime minister should come is like putting a caveat for creating disruption in Parliament.

    AAP leader Sanjay Singh objected to bringing the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 and said his party as well as other like-minded Opposition parties will oppose when the Bill will be introduced in the House for its passage. He further stated his party will also raise Manipur violence and misuse of Central agencies among other issues.

    IUML leader Mohd Basheer said he registered a strong protest against Uniform Civil Code in the meeting and “I say that it is dangerous and will disturb the harmony of the country.”

    JDU raised the question of inflation, unemployment, flood, and no caste census as its leader Lallan Singh said “No one gave any answer on whether it will be discussed or not”.

    DMK’s Tiruchi Siva raised the issue of the Tamil Nadu Governor’s recent activity in the state and demanded that RN Ravi should be recalled.

    He also demanded that the Manipur incident should be discussed in the Monsoon Session and that PM Modi should come to the House and give his statement.

    Issues of unemployment were raised by the DMK leader, who also demanded that the Uniform Civil Code should not be brought. “All issues raised to be considered by the government,” said T Shiva.

    The contentious Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 is among 31 Bills that are listed for the Monsoon Session of the Parliament beginning on Thursday.

    Apart from the Personal Data Protection Bill, the bill to replace the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, promulgated in May this year is among other key Bills listed for the monsoon session. The ordinance deals with the control of services in Delhi and was promulgated after the Supreme Court verdict on an appeal by the Delhi government.  

    As per a list, all these 31 Bills will be tabled in the Monsoon Session, which consists of 17 sittings in the old Parliament building.

    The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (To replace ordinance) is on the top among all 31 Bills followed by the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019; the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019; the Mediation Bill, 2021; the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022; the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023; the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023; the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2022 (with respect to State of Himachal Pradesh); the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022 (with respect to State of Chhattisgarh); he Postal Services Bill, 2023; the National Cooperative University Bill, 2023; and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

    (With additional inputs from ANI and PTI)

  • Women MLAs to get a day fixed to raise issues in Assembly

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: In a novel and unique initiative, UP Assembly has decided to give a prominent voice to women lawmakers by keeping a day exclusively for them to raise the issues concerning their respective constituencies during the upcoming Monsoon Session which will take off on September 19.

    The decision to this effect was taken by Assembly Speaker Satish Mahan, who, in acknowledgment of the thoughts of women MLAs, decided to fix a day for them when only women lawmakers would put forth their thoughts on the floor of the house during the session.

    Mahana’s decision came through after an interaction with MLAs during which the women lawmakers rued over not getting adequate opportunity to speak in the house.

    The UP assembly has a strength of 403 members of which only 47 are women. 

    “All women members will be given an opportunity to speak on the issues they want to after the question hour on the specified day,” Mahana said.

    The women MLAs, cutting across the party lines, welcomed the Speakers’ initiative calling it a much-awaited gesture to empower the women MLAs by ensuring that their voice was heard without getting sunk in the din of the house.

    BJP’s Rae Bareli MLA Aditi Singh, who earlier represented Congress Party in Assembly, said that the initiative would ensure that women MLAs were heard patiently by their male counterparts otherwise women members were not able to speak. “This is certainly a new idea and altogether a new approach,” she stated.

    The only women MLA of the Congress party in the house, Aradhana  Mishra “Mona” also welcomed the move saying the initiative would prove to be a trendsetter for the rest of the country. She said that in a patriarchal society where women face serious issues on a number of professional and personal fronts including politics, the decision to save a day for women legislators was a great idea and it would help the women lawmakers put forth their thoughts without being interrupted. The Congress leader was one among those women MLAs who had urged thespeaker to make such a provision.

    “We had requested speaker Satish Mahana for a separate time slot. Many of us may not be good orators. A special day or time slot for women members will definitely help us,” said the Congress leader who represents Rampur Khas in UP assembly.

    Similarly, Ragini Sonkar, SP’s Machhlishahr MLA, said that despite being half of the population, the women constituted only 11.6 per cent of the total number of elected representatives in UP Assembly. As a woman MLA belonging to opposition party, I don’t get many opportunities to speak in the House. I am grateful to the Speaker for saving a day for us as the move a welcome  step towards women empowerment,” said Sonkar, an ophthalmologist who completed her MD from AIIMS-New Delhi in 2021.

    LUCKNOW: In a novel and unique initiative, UP Assembly has decided to give a prominent voice to women lawmakers by keeping a day exclusively for them to raise the issues concerning their respective constituencies during the upcoming Monsoon Session which will take off on September 19.

    The decision to this effect was taken by Assembly Speaker Satish Mahan, who, in acknowledgment of the thoughts of women MLAs, decided to fix a day for them when only women lawmakers would put forth their thoughts on the floor of the house during the session.

    Mahana’s decision came through after an interaction with MLAs during which the women lawmakers rued over not getting adequate opportunity to speak in the house.

    The UP assembly has a strength of 403 members of which only 47 are women. 

    “All women members will be given an opportunity to speak on the issues they want to after the question hour on the specified day,” Mahana said.

    The women MLAs, cutting across the party lines, welcomed the Speakers’ initiative calling it a much-awaited gesture to empower the women MLAs by ensuring that their voice was heard without getting sunk in the din of the house.

    BJP’s Rae Bareli MLA Aditi Singh, who earlier represented Congress Party in Assembly, said that the initiative would ensure that women MLAs were heard patiently by their male counterparts otherwise women members were not able to speak. “This is certainly a new idea and altogether a new approach,” she stated.

    The only women MLA of the Congress party in the house, Aradhana  Mishra “Mona” also welcomed the move saying the initiative would prove to be a trendsetter for the rest of the country. She said that in a patriarchal society where women face serious issues on a number of professional and personal fronts including politics, the decision to save a day for women legislators was a great idea and it would help the women lawmakers put forth their thoughts without being interrupted. The Congress leader was one among those women MLAs who had urged the
    speaker to make such a provision.

    “We had requested speaker Satish Mahana for a separate time slot. Many of us may not be good orators. A special day or time slot for women members will definitely help us,” said the Congress leader who represents Rampur Khas in UP assembly.

    Similarly, Ragini Sonkar, SP’s Machhlishahr MLA, said that despite being half of the population, the women constituted only 11.6 per cent of the total number of elected representatives in UP Assembly. As a woman MLA belonging to opposition party, I don’t get many opportunities to speak in the House. I am grateful to the Speaker for saving a day for us as the move a welcome  step towards women empowerment,” said Sonkar, an ophthalmologist who completed her MD from AIIMS-New Delhi in 2021.

  • Maharashtra Opposition boycotts Shinde government’s tea party

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI:  Opposition parties in Maharashtra boycotted the tea party organised by the incumbent Eknath Shinde government on the eve of the monsoon session of the Maharashtra state assembly citing the reason that the present government is unconstitutional and they are not following the democratic procedures at all.

    The Opposition called its party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan. The meeting was chaired by the Leader of Opposition and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar. As per traditions, the Opposition parties were invited to the tea party on the eve of the monsoon session of the Maharashtra state assembly. All Opposition party leaders signed a seven-page letter which was also sent to former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

    Ajit Pawar said that the opposition parties had decided to boycott the tea party. “The way the government came to power, it is our unanimous view that the Shinde government has not been formed according to stipulated constitutional regulations. The Supreme Court verdict on the petitions regarding it is pending. The government has been formed against all democratic values and rules.”

    In its scathing attack on the incumbent government, Pawar said that lawlessness will not be tolerated in Maharashtra after a video of Eknath Shinde’s faction MLA Sanjay Bangar abusing and slapping a mid-day meal employee went viral.

    Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Oppositions are like Gajani that are forgetting everything which was promised by them only. “We had invited the Opposition for a tea party but they boycotted it. When we were in Opposition, we had raised the same issues that Oppositions are raising through its letter,” he said.

    MUMBAI:  Opposition parties in Maharashtra boycotted the tea party organised by the incumbent Eknath Shinde government on the eve of the monsoon session of the Maharashtra state assembly citing the reason that the present government is unconstitutional and they are not following the democratic procedures at all.

    The Opposition called its party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan. The meeting was chaired by the Leader of Opposition and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar. As per traditions, the Opposition parties were invited to the tea party on the eve of the monsoon session of the Maharashtra state assembly. All Opposition party leaders signed a seven-page letter which was also sent to former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

    Ajit Pawar said that the opposition parties had decided to boycott the tea party. “The way the government came to power, it is our unanimous view that the Shinde government has not been formed according to stipulated constitutional regulations. The Supreme Court verdict on the petitions regarding it is pending. The government has been formed against all democratic values and rules.”

    In its scathing attack on the incumbent government, Pawar said that lawlessness will not be tolerated in Maharashtra after a video of Eknath Shinde’s faction MLA Sanjay Bangar abusing and slapping a mid-day meal employee went viral.

    Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Oppositions are like Gajani that are forgetting everything which was promised by them only. “We had invited the Opposition for a tea party but they boycotted it. When we were in Opposition, we had raised the same issues that Oppositions are raising through its letter,” he said.

  • Monsoon session extremely disappointing, govt was in rush to curtail session: Cong

    The Congress said the government did not have a legislative agenda and though it listed 32 bills at the start of the session, it managed to pass only seven in Lok Sabha and five in Rajya Sabha.

  • Lok Sabha passes bill to promote non-fossil fuel

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A bill seeking to mandate the use of non-fossil energy sources such as biomass, ethanol and green hydrogen was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday.

    Piloting the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, Power Minister R K Singh said “this is the bill for the future,” and urged the members to approve it.

    The bill was later passed by the House after rejecting amendments moved by some Opposition members. The Minister said the renewable energy capacity addition in the country was fastest in the world.

    The Bill provides for penalties for violations by industrial units or vessels, and on manufacturers if a vehicle fails to comply with fuel consumption norms.

    “With the passage of time, and in the context of the energy transition with special focus on the promotion of new and renewable energy and National Green Hydrogen Mission, a need has arisen to further amend the said Act to facilitate the achievement of ‘Panchamrit’ as five nectar elements presented by India in Conference of Parties -26 in Glasgow last year,” the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill said.

    The amendments also seek to promote renewable energy and the development of a domestic carbon market to battle climate change.

    It also seeks to introduce new concepts such as carbon trading and mandate the use of non-fossil sources to ensure faster decarbonisation of the Indian economy and help achieve sustainable development goals in line with the Paris Agreement.

    NEW DELHI: A bill seeking to mandate the use of non-fossil energy sources such as biomass, ethanol and green hydrogen was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday.

    Piloting the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, Power Minister R K Singh said “this is the bill for the future,” and urged the members to approve it.

    The bill was later passed by the House after rejecting amendments moved by some Opposition members. The Minister said the renewable energy capacity addition in the country was fastest in the world.

    The Bill provides for penalties for violations by industrial units or vessels, and on manufacturers if a vehicle fails to comply with fuel consumption norms.

    “With the passage of time, and in the context of the energy transition with special focus on the promotion of new and renewable energy and National Green Hydrogen Mission, a need has arisen to further amend the said Act to facilitate the achievement of ‘Panchamrit’ as five nectar elements presented by India in Conference of Parties -26 in Glasgow last year,” the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill said.

    The amendments also seek to promote renewable energy and the development of a domestic carbon market to battle climate change.

    It also seeks to introduce new concepts such as carbon trading and mandate the use of non-fossil sources to ensure faster decarbonisation of the Indian economy and help achieve sustainable development goals in line with the Paris Agreement.

  • Parliament adjourned sine die four days ahead of schedule

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Monsoon sesion of Parliament ended on Monday four days ahead of schedule.

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the house sine die, saying it met for 16 days and passed seven legislations.

    Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, whose tenure will end on August 10, adjourned the house sine die, saying that detailed statistics pertaining to the session will be circulated during the course by the Rajya Sabha secretariat.

    Generally, before adjourning the house sine die the chair reads out the statistics about the business transacted in the house in detail.

    The session was scheduled to be held from July 18 to August 12.

    NEW DELHI: The Monsoon sesion of Parliament ended on Monday four days ahead of schedule.

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the house sine die, saying it met for 16 days and passed seven legislations.

    Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, whose tenure will end on August 10, adjourned the house sine die, saying that detailed statistics pertaining to the session will be circulated during the course by the Rajya Sabha secretariat.

    Generally, before adjourning the house sine die the chair reads out the statistics about the business transacted in the house in detail.

    The session was scheduled to be held from July 18 to August 12.

  • Ruckus continues in Parliament as Opposition protests over Sanjay Raut arrest, Congress MPs’ suspension

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha proceedings on Monday were adjourned for about an hour after protests over arrest of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and other issues.

    Even as officials papers were being laid, Shiv Sena MPs were up on their feet protesting against the arrest of Raut.

    Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the matter has nothing to do with the House and asked them to go back to their seats.

    Other opposition MPs also joined in raising issues such as price rise.

    The Shiv Sena as well as TMC MPs then moved into the well of the House.

    “Go back to your seats. You cannot use the House to settle the scores outside,” Naidu said before adjourning the proceedings till 12 noon.

    The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Raut in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the redevelopment of a Mumbai ‘chawl’ after conducting a nine-hour search at his residence.

    The Lok Sabha was on Monday adjourned till 12 noon after a few minutes of business following protests by opposition leaders demanding withdrawal of suspension of four Congress MPs.

    As the House met at 11 am after the weekend break, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla congratulated Indian sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country in the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

    While Mirabai Chanu, Jeremy Lalrinnunga and Achinta Sheuli have bagged gold, Bindyarani Devi and Sanket Sargar got silver and Gururaja Poojary got bronze, he noted.

    Birla congratulated the medal winners and all players participating in the sporting event and said they are the inspiration for the youth of the country.

    When he took up questions related to different ministries, Congress members started protests demanding the withdrawal of suspension of four of their colleagues.

    Initially, they protested standing at the aisles but later came to the well of the House.

    The speaker appealed to them to go back to their seats and allow the House to run.

    Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal accused the opposition of disrupting the proceedings and not allowing the House to function by their protests.

    Birla said such protests were not good as it was lowering the dignity of the House.

    The opposition did not heed to the appeals following which the speaker adjourned the House till 12 noon.

    Four Congress MPs — Manickam Tagore, Ramya Haridas, TN Prathapan and S Jothimani — were suspended last Monday for the rest of the session for protests and carrying placards inside the House.

    Lok Sabha proceedings have been disrupted mostly due to the opposition protests, seeking a discussion on price rise and GST rate hike on some food items, even since the Monsoon Session began on July 18.

    NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha proceedings on Monday were adjourned for about an hour after protests over arrest of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and other issues.

    Even as officials papers were being laid, Shiv Sena MPs were up on their feet protesting against the arrest of Raut.

    Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the matter has nothing to do with the House and asked them to go back to their seats.

    Other opposition MPs also joined in raising issues such as price rise.

    The Shiv Sena as well as TMC MPs then moved into the well of the House.

    “Go back to your seats. You cannot use the House to settle the scores outside,” Naidu said before adjourning the proceedings till 12 noon.

    The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Raut in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the redevelopment of a Mumbai ‘chawl’ after conducting a nine-hour search at his residence.

    The Lok Sabha was on Monday adjourned till 12 noon after a few minutes of business following protests by opposition leaders demanding withdrawal of suspension of four Congress MPs.

    As the House met at 11 am after the weekend break, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla congratulated Indian sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country in the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

    While Mirabai Chanu, Jeremy Lalrinnunga and Achinta Sheuli have bagged gold, Bindyarani Devi and Sanket Sargar got silver and Gururaja Poojary got bronze, he noted.

    Birla congratulated the medal winners and all players participating in the sporting event and said they are the inspiration for the youth of the country.

    When he took up questions related to different ministries, Congress members started protests demanding the withdrawal of suspension of four of their colleagues.

    Initially, they protested standing at the aisles but later came to the well of the House.

    The speaker appealed to them to go back to their seats and allow the House to run.

    Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal accused the opposition of disrupting the proceedings and not allowing the House to function by their protests.

    Birla said such protests were not good as it was lowering the dignity of the House.

    The opposition did not heed to the appeals following which the speaker adjourned the House till 12 noon.

    Four Congress MPs — Manickam Tagore, Ramya Haridas, TN Prathapan and S Jothimani — were suspended last Monday for the rest of the session for protests and carrying placards inside the House.

    Lok Sabha proceedings have been disrupted mostly due to the opposition protests, seeking a discussion on price rise and GST rate hike on some food items, even since the Monsoon Session began on July 18.

  • Three more Rajya Sabha members suspended for unruly behaviour

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday adopted a motion to suspend three more members — AAP’s Sushil Kumar Gupta and Sandeep Kumar Pathak besides independent MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan — for the rest of the week for “unruly behaviour” in the House.

    Soon after the House met after the first adjournment, opposition members continued with their protest in the well of the house.

    Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh then named the three members for holding placards and shouting slogans in the well.

    Soon Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan moved a motion to suspend the three members from the House for the remainder of the week.

    The motion was passed by a voice vote.

    As some opposition members demanded a division of votes, Harivansh then asked the members to go to their seats to allow a division of votes.

    But the opposition members continued to raise an uproar.

    He then adjourned the House till 2 PM amid continued uproar by opposition members.

    So far 23 members of the opposition have been suspended by the Rajya Sabha for “unruly behaviour”.

    NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday adopted a motion to suspend three more members — AAP’s Sushil Kumar Gupta and Sandeep Kumar Pathak besides independent MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan — for the rest of the week for “unruly behaviour” in the House.

    Soon after the House met after the first adjournment, opposition members continued with their protest in the well of the house.

    Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh then named the three members for holding placards and shouting slogans in the well.

    Soon Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan moved a motion to suspend the three members from the House for the remainder of the week.

    The motion was passed by a voice vote.

    As some opposition members demanded a division of votes, Harivansh then asked the members to go to their seats to allow a division of votes.

    But the opposition members continued to raise an uproar.

    He then adjourned the House till 2 PM amid continued uproar by opposition members.

    So far 23 members of the opposition have been suspended by the Rajya Sabha for “unruly behaviour”.

  • With regional cuisines and morning tea, suspended MPs spend night in Parliament complex

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Braving mosquitoes and the heat, some of the suspended MPs like CPI’s Santosh Kumar, AAP’s Sanjay Singh spent the night beside the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex.

    TMC’s Dola Sen and Santanu Sen were present on the site till post midnight With no permission for a tent granted by the authorities, five MPs slept under the sky as a protest against the suspension of 24 MPs, 20 from Rajya Sabha and four Congress members from Lok Sabha.

    “50 hour non-stop dharna by Opposition MPs. 21 hours done. 29 hours to go.”

    “Revoke suspension of 24 MPs. Discuss,” tweeted TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien.

    In the morning, TMC MP Mausam Noor who brought tea for the MPs said that the Opposition MPs will not apologise and the protest will continue.

    The opposition has demanded a discussion on price rise in both Houses of Parliament.

    They were later joined by four Congress MPs who have also been suspended from Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session.

    The Rajya Sabha MPs are holding the protest near the Gandhi statue and will stay at the site through night, Trinamool Congress’ Dola Sen, who is one of the suspended members, said earlier in the day.

    The 20 MPs, suspended over Monday and Tuesday, include seven from the TMC, six from the DMK, three from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one each from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    The Nationalist Congress Party and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    “Question: What were Opposition MPs demanding Answer: A discussion on #PriceRise #GST hurting millions of people Action: Dictatorial @narendramodi govt suspends 24 MPs from #Parliament Next few days 24x 7 dharna at Gandhi statue.

    Peaceful satyagraha will always WIN,” tweeted TMC’s Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien.

    While the Congress and other Opposition parties were protesting at different venues in the morning, by the evening, it seemed they had come together on the issue of price rise.

    Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh visited the site of the protests and said his party will be part of the day-night dharna organised by the other Opposition parties.

    “Congress, DMK, TMC, CPM & AAP MPs from both Houses on 50-hour continous dharna by turns in Parliament precincts. They are protesting their suspension for demanding URGENT debate on price rise and GST on food items,” he tweeted later at night.

    “There’s a 170% increase in the suspension of MPs under Modi govt compared to UPA. 24 MPs suspended this Monsoon session alone!” he said.

    “We are fighting the Modi-Shah onslaught on democracy and it’s clear that the Modi regime will be seen as a black spot in Indian history. All four Lok Sabha MPs are standing in solidarity with RS MP and are sitting in batches,” said Manickam Tagore, one of the four Congress MPs suspended from Lok Sabha.

    The CPI, whose one member has been suspended, said in a statement the suspension is an assault on the basic rights of freedom of expression of members of Parliament.

    “The suspension of 4 opposition MPs of the Lok Sabha and 20 MPs of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha including two MPs of the CPI(M) on successive days is a serious blow to the democratic functioning of Parliament.”

    “It is the Modi government that has been stubbornly refusing to accept any motion moved by the opposition under the Rules for a structured discussion on the burning problems being faced by the people, destroying their lives, like price rise, unemployment etc.”

    Opposition sources also said feelers from the “other side” has indicated that there is a view within the government that suspending 19 opposition MPs at one go in Rajya Sabha was a wrong strategic move and should have been avoided.

    In fact, in the morning, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu met leaders of the Opposition parties in RS and an offer was made to them that if they express regret over their behaviour in the House, another resolution will be brought to revoke the suspensions, the sources said.

    However, none of the leaders acquiesced, saying instead that the government should express regret over the decision of not discussing the price rise.

    With the suspension of the MPs in RS concluding on Friday, a discussion on price rise will be taken up after that.

    Sources in the Opposition also said a detailed plan of action has been drawn out for the dharna and a roster of duties was created which is being circulated on a dedicated WhatsApp group.

    While on Wednesday, idli-sambhar breakfast was organised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, lunch with curd rice was arranged by the DMK.

    Dinner will be roti, daal, paneer and chicken tandoori courtesy the TMC.

    On Thursday, the DMK would be in charge of breakfast, the TRS of lunch and the AAP will arrange dinner.

    Sources said the parties have taken upon themselves to appoint leaders to take turns of one to two hours to sit at the site in support of those who have been suspended.

    In fact, parties such as the NCP and JMM who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    The leaders, however, will have to sleep under the sky, with their request of a tent being denied by the authorities, as no structures can be built, even temporarily inside the premises.

    The protesting MPs can, however, use the toilet in the bathroom of the Parliament library.

    From curd rice to ‘gajar ka halwa’, Opposition parties arrange regional cuisine for 50-hour protest

    From curd rice and idli-sambhar to chicken tandoori, ‘gajar ka halwa’ and fruits, Opposition parties are taking turns to arrange regional cuisine for MPs on a 50-hour relay protest against their suspension and demanding discussion on price rise.

    In a show of solidarity and political strength, the Opposition parties have come together to create a duty roster for the protest with every party taking responsibility for making arrangements, including food, for those sitting on the dharna.

    The roster is being circulated on a dedicated WhatsApp group, keeping everyone in the loop about the day’s arrangements.

    Twenty suspended Rajya Sabha members started the protest inside the Parliament complex on Wednesday, with sources saying the Opposition declined the Chairman’s offer that they express regret over their members’ behaviour in the House to get the suspension revoked.

    The MPs are holding the protest near the Gandhi statue and will stay at the site through the night, said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Dola Sen, who is one of the suspended.

    Those suspended over Monday and Tuesday, include seven from the TMC, six from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), three from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one each from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    The parties which will be a part of the protests include the TMC, DMK, AAP, TRS, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena, CPIM, CPI, JMM and the Kerala Congress.

    Sources said the parties have decided that they will try to arrange regional cuisines for the MPs for their meals.

    On Wednesday, the MPs had idli-sambhar for breakfast which was organised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva.

    The lunch of curd rice was also arranged by the DMK.

    The menu for dinner is roti, daal, paneer and chicken tandoori, courtesy of the TMC.

    DMK’s Kanimozhi, who was instrumental in planning the roster, came to the protest site carrying ‘gajar ka halwa’, while TMC arranged for fruits and sandwiches.

    On Thursday, the DMK would be in charge of breakfast, the TRS for lunch and the AAP would arrange dinner.

    The AAP was also in charge of erecting a tent for the MPs to shield them from the scorching sun but permission for it was denied by the authorities.

    Sources said that the parties have taken it upon themselves to appoint leaders to take turns sitting at the protest site for one to two hours in support of those who have been suspended.

    Samajwadi Party’s Ramgopal Yadav, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s Mahua Majhi and leaders of Nationalist Congress Party — none of whose members have been suspended — have given their time to sit with the protesting MPs as a mark of solidarity.

    The leaders, however, will have to sleep under the sky, with their request for a tent being denied by authorities, as no structures can be built, even temporarily inside the premises.

    The protesting MPs can, however, use the toilet in the bathroom of the Parliament library.

    Opposition leaders said the authorities have fully cooperated with them to arrange a security team and cleaning staff for the protesting MPs.

    Arrangements have also been made for their exit and entry.

    While Congress and the other opposition parties were protesting at different venues in the morning, by the evening, it seemed that they had come together on the issue of price rise.

    Senior Congress leader, Jairam Ramesh visited the protest site and said his party will be part of the day-night dharna organised by the opposition parties.

    NEW DELHI: Braving mosquitoes and the heat, some of the suspended MPs like CPI’s Santosh Kumar, AAP’s Sanjay Singh spent the night beside the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex.

    TMC’s Dola Sen and Santanu Sen were present on the site till post midnight With no permission for a tent granted by the authorities, five MPs slept under the sky as a protest against the suspension of 24 MPs, 20 from Rajya Sabha and four Congress members from Lok Sabha.

    “50 hour non-stop dharna by Opposition MPs. 21 hours done. 29 hours to go.”

    “Revoke suspension of 24 MPs. Discuss,” tweeted TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien.

    In the morning, TMC MP Mausam Noor who brought tea for the MPs said that the Opposition MPs will not apologise and the protest will continue.

    The opposition has demanded a discussion on price rise in both Houses of Parliament.

    They were later joined by four Congress MPs who have also been suspended from Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session.

    The Rajya Sabha MPs are holding the protest near the Gandhi statue and will stay at the site through night, Trinamool Congress’ Dola Sen, who is one of the suspended members, said earlier in the day.

    The 20 MPs, suspended over Monday and Tuesday, include seven from the TMC, six from the DMK, three from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one each from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    The Nationalist Congress Party and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    “Question: What were Opposition MPs demanding Answer: A discussion on #PriceRise #GST hurting millions of people Action: Dictatorial @narendramodi govt suspends 24 MPs from #Parliament Next few days 24x 7 dharna at Gandhi statue.

    Peaceful satyagraha will always WIN,” tweeted TMC’s Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien.

    While the Congress and other Opposition parties were protesting at different venues in the morning, by the evening, it seemed they had come together on the issue of price rise.

    Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh visited the site of the protests and said his party will be part of the day-night dharna organised by the other Opposition parties.

    “Congress, DMK, TMC, CPM & AAP MPs from both Houses on 50-hour continous dharna by turns in Parliament precincts. They are protesting their suspension for demanding URGENT debate on price rise and GST on food items,” he tweeted later at night.

    “There’s a 170% increase in the suspension of MPs under Modi govt compared to UPA. 24 MPs suspended this Monsoon session alone!” he said.

    “We are fighting the Modi-Shah onslaught on democracy and it’s clear that the Modi regime will be seen as a black spot in Indian history. All four Lok Sabha MPs are standing in solidarity with RS MP and are sitting in batches,” said Manickam Tagore, one of the four Congress MPs suspended from Lok Sabha.

    The CPI, whose one member has been suspended, said in a statement the suspension is an assault on the basic rights of freedom of expression of members of Parliament.

    “The suspension of 4 opposition MPs of the Lok Sabha and 20 MPs of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha including two MPs of the CPI(M) on successive days is a serious blow to the democratic functioning of Parliament.”

    “It is the Modi government that has been stubbornly refusing to accept any motion moved by the opposition under the Rules for a structured discussion on the burning problems being faced by the people, destroying their lives, like price rise, unemployment etc.”

    Opposition sources also said feelers from the “other side” has indicated that there is a view within the government that suspending 19 opposition MPs at one go in Rajya Sabha was a wrong strategic move and should have been avoided.

    In fact, in the morning, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu met leaders of the Opposition parties in RS and an offer was made to them that if they express regret over their behaviour in the House, another resolution will be brought to revoke the suspensions, the sources said.

    However, none of the leaders acquiesced, saying instead that the government should express regret over the decision of not discussing the price rise.

    With the suspension of the MPs in RS concluding on Friday, a discussion on price rise will be taken up after that.

    Sources in the Opposition also said a detailed plan of action has been drawn out for the dharna and a roster of duties was created which is being circulated on a dedicated WhatsApp group.

    While on Wednesday, idli-sambhar breakfast was organised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, lunch with curd rice was arranged by the DMK.

    Dinner will be roti, daal, paneer and chicken tandoori courtesy the TMC.

    On Thursday, the DMK would be in charge of breakfast, the TRS of lunch and the AAP will arrange dinner.

    Sources said the parties have taken upon themselves to appoint leaders to take turns of one to two hours to sit at the site in support of those who have been suspended.

    In fact, parties such as the NCP and JMM who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    The leaders, however, will have to sleep under the sky, with their request of a tent being denied by the authorities, as no structures can be built, even temporarily inside the premises.

    The protesting MPs can, however, use the toilet in the bathroom of the Parliament library.

    From curd rice to ‘gajar ka halwa’, Opposition parties arrange regional cuisine for 50-hour protest

    From curd rice and idli-sambhar to chicken tandoori, ‘gajar ka halwa’ and fruits, Opposition parties are taking turns to arrange regional cuisine for MPs on a 50-hour relay protest against their suspension and demanding discussion on price rise.

    In a show of solidarity and political strength, the Opposition parties have come together to create a duty roster for the protest with every party taking responsibility for making arrangements, including food, for those sitting on the dharna.

    The roster is being circulated on a dedicated WhatsApp group, keeping everyone in the loop about the day’s arrangements.

    Twenty suspended Rajya Sabha members started the protest inside the Parliament complex on Wednesday, with sources saying the Opposition declined the Chairman’s offer that they express regret over their members’ behaviour in the House to get the suspension revoked.

    The MPs are holding the protest near the Gandhi statue and will stay at the site through the night, said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Dola Sen, who is one of the suspended.

    Those suspended over Monday and Tuesday, include seven from the TMC, six from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), three from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one each from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    The parties which will be a part of the protests include the TMC, DMK, AAP, TRS, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena, CPIM, CPI, JMM and the Kerala Congress.

    Sources said the parties have decided that they will try to arrange regional cuisines for the MPs for their meals.

    On Wednesday, the MPs had idli-sambhar for breakfast which was organised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva.

    The lunch of curd rice was also arranged by the DMK.

    The menu for dinner is roti, daal, paneer and chicken tandoori, courtesy of the TMC.

    DMK’s Kanimozhi, who was instrumental in planning the roster, came to the protest site carrying ‘gajar ka halwa’, while TMC arranged for fruits and sandwiches.

    On Thursday, the DMK would be in charge of breakfast, the TRS for lunch and the AAP would arrange dinner.

    The AAP was also in charge of erecting a tent for the MPs to shield them from the scorching sun but permission for it was denied by the authorities.

    Sources said that the parties have taken it upon themselves to appoint leaders to take turns sitting at the protest site for one to two hours in support of those who have been suspended.

    Samajwadi Party’s Ramgopal Yadav, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s Mahua Majhi and leaders of Nationalist Congress Party — none of whose members have been suspended — have given their time to sit with the protesting MPs as a mark of solidarity.

    The leaders, however, will have to sleep under the sky, with their request for a tent being denied by authorities, as no structures can be built, even temporarily inside the premises.

    The protesting MPs can, however, use the toilet in the bathroom of the Parliament library.

    Opposition leaders said the authorities have fully cooperated with them to arrange a security team and cleaning staff for the protesting MPs.

    Arrangements have also been made for their exit and entry.

    While Congress and the other opposition parties were protesting at different venues in the morning, by the evening, it seemed that they had come together on the issue of price rise.

    Senior Congress leader, Jairam Ramesh visited the protest site and said his party will be part of the day-night dharna organised by the opposition parties.

  • 20 suspended Rajya Sabha MPs begin 50-hour relay protest; 4 Cong LS members join later

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Twenty suspended Rajya Sabha members Wednesday started a 50-hour relay protest inside the Parliament complex, with sources saying the Opposition declined the Chairman’s offer that they express regret over their members’ behaviour in the House to get the suspension revoked.

    They were later joined by four Congress MPs who have also been suspended from Lok Sabha for remainder of the Monsoon session.

    The Rajya Sabha MPs are holding the protest near the Gandhi statue and will stay at the site through night, Trinamool Congress’ Dola Sen, who is one of the suspended members, said earlier in the day.

    The 20 MPs, suspended over Monday and Tuesday, include seven from the TMC, six from the DMK, three from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one each from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    The Nationalist Congress Party and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    “Question: What were Opposition MPs demanding Answer: A discussion on #PriceRise #GST hurting millions of people Action : Dictatorial @narendramodi govt suspends 24 MPs from #Parliament Next few days 24x 7 dharna at Gandhi statue. Peaceful satyagraha will always WIN,” tweeted TMC’s Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien.

    While the Congress and other Opposition parties were protesting at different venues in the morning, by the evening, it seemed they had come together on the issue of price rise.

    Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh visited the site of the protests and said his party will be part of the day-night dharna organised by the other Opposition parties.

    “Congress, DMK, TMC, CPM & AAP MPs from both Houses on 50 hour continous dharna by turns in Parliament precincts. They are protesting their suspension for demanding URGENT debate on price rise and GST on food items,” he tweeted later at night.

    “There’s a 170% increase in suspension of MPs under Modi govt compared to UPA. 24 MPs suspended this Monsoon session alone!” he said.

    “We are fighting the Modi-Shah onslaught on democracy and it’s clear that the Modi regime will be seen as a black spot in Indian history. All four Lok Sabha MPs are standing in solidarity with RS MP and are sitting in batches,” said Manickam Tagore, one of the four Congress MPs suspended from Lok Sabha.

    The CPI, whose one member has been suspended, said in a statement the suspension is an assault on the basic rights of freedom of expression of members of Parliament.

    “The suspension of 4 opposition MPs of the Lok Sabha and 20 MPs of the the opposition in the Rajya Sabha including two MPs of the CPI(M) on successive days is a serious blow to the democratic functioning of Parliament.

    “It is the Modi government that has been stubbornly refusing to accept any motion moved by the opposition under the Rules for a structured discussion on the burning problems being faced by the people, destroying their lives, like price rise, unemployment etc.”

    Opposition sources also said feelers from the “other side” has indicated that there is a view within the government that suspending 19 opposition MPs at one go in Rajya Sabha was a wrong strategic move and should have been avoided.

    In fact, in the morning, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu met leaders of the Opposition parties in RS and an offer was made to them that if they express regret over their behaviour in the House, another resolution will be brought to revoke the suspensions, the sources said.

    However, none of the leaders acquiesced, saying instead that the government should express regret over the decision of not discussing price rise.

    With the suspension of the MPs in RS concluding on Friday, a discussion on price rise will be taken up after that.

    Sources in the Opposition also said a detailed plan of action has been drawn out for the dharna and a roster of duties created which is being circulated on a dedicated WhatsApp group.

    While on Wednesday, idli-sambhar breakfast was organised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, lunch with curd rice was arranged by the DMK. Dinner will be roti, daal, paneer and chicken tandoori courtesy the TMC.

    On Thursday, the DMK would be in charge of breakfast, the TRS of lunch and the AAP will arrange dinner.

    Sources said the parties have taken upon themselves to appoint leaders to take turns of one to two hours to sit at the site in support of those who have been suspended.

    In fact parties such as the NCP and JMM who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    The leaders, however, will have to sleep under the sky, with their request of a tent being denied by the authorities, as no structures can be built, even temporarily inside the premises. The protesting MPs can, however, use the toilet in the bathroom of the Parliament library.

    NEW DELHI: Twenty suspended Rajya Sabha members Wednesday started a 50-hour relay protest inside the Parliament complex, with sources saying the Opposition declined the Chairman’s offer that they express regret over their members’ behaviour in the House to get the suspension revoked.

    They were later joined by four Congress MPs who have also been suspended from Lok Sabha for remainder of the Monsoon session.

    The Rajya Sabha MPs are holding the protest near the Gandhi statue and will stay at the site through night, Trinamool Congress’ Dola Sen, who is one of the suspended members, said earlier in the day.

    The 20 MPs, suspended over Monday and Tuesday, include seven from the TMC, six from the DMK, three from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one each from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    The Nationalist Congress Party and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    “Question: What were Opposition MPs demanding Answer: A discussion on #PriceRise #GST hurting millions of people Action : Dictatorial @narendramodi govt suspends 24 MPs from #Parliament Next few days 24x 7 dharna at Gandhi statue. Peaceful satyagraha will always WIN,” tweeted TMC’s Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien.

    While the Congress and other Opposition parties were protesting at different venues in the morning, by the evening, it seemed they had come together on the issue of price rise.

    Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh visited the site of the protests and said his party will be part of the day-night dharna organised by the other Opposition parties.

    “Congress, DMK, TMC, CPM & AAP MPs from both Houses on 50 hour continous dharna by turns in Parliament precincts. They are protesting their suspension for demanding URGENT debate on price rise and GST on food items,” he tweeted later at night.

    “There’s a 170% increase in suspension of MPs under Modi govt compared to UPA. 24 MPs suspended this Monsoon session alone!” he said.

    “We are fighting the Modi-Shah onslaught on democracy and it’s clear that the Modi regime will be seen as a black spot in Indian history. All four Lok Sabha MPs are standing in solidarity with RS MP and are sitting in batches,” said Manickam Tagore, one of the four Congress MPs suspended from Lok Sabha.

    The CPI, whose one member has been suspended, said in a statement the suspension is an assault on the basic rights of freedom of expression of members of Parliament.

    “The suspension of 4 opposition MPs of the Lok Sabha and 20 MPs of the the opposition in the Rajya Sabha including two MPs of the CPI(M) on successive days is a serious blow to the democratic functioning of Parliament.

    “It is the Modi government that has been stubbornly refusing to accept any motion moved by the opposition under the Rules for a structured discussion on the burning problems being faced by the people, destroying their lives, like price rise, unemployment etc.”

    Opposition sources also said feelers from the “other side” has indicated that there is a view within the government that suspending 19 opposition MPs at one go in Rajya Sabha was a wrong strategic move and should have been avoided.

    In fact, in the morning, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu met leaders of the Opposition parties in RS and an offer was made to them that if they express regret over their behaviour in the House, another resolution will be brought to revoke the suspensions, the sources said.

    However, none of the leaders acquiesced, saying instead that the government should express regret over the decision of not discussing price rise.

    With the suspension of the MPs in RS concluding on Friday, a discussion on price rise will be taken up after that.

    Sources in the Opposition also said a detailed plan of action has been drawn out for the dharna and a roster of duties created which is being circulated on a dedicated WhatsApp group.

    While on Wednesday, idli-sambhar breakfast was organised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, lunch with curd rice was arranged by the DMK. Dinner will be roti, daal, paneer and chicken tandoori courtesy the TMC.

    On Thursday, the DMK would be in charge of breakfast, the TRS of lunch and the AAP will arrange dinner.

    Sources said the parties have taken upon themselves to appoint leaders to take turns of one to two hours to sit at the site in support of those who have been suspended.

    In fact parties such as the NCP and JMM who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    The leaders, however, will have to sleep under the sky, with their request of a tent being denied by the authorities, as no structures can be built, even temporarily inside the premises. The protesting MPs can, however, use the toilet in the bathroom of the Parliament library.