Parliament Winter Session Highlights: 'Vice president Dhankhar running circus not Rajya Sabha', says SS (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut
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  • Parliament Winter Session Highlights: 'Vice president Dhankhar running circus not Rajya Sabha', says SS (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Dec 12, 2024, 10:31:10 IST
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Parliament Winter Session Highlights: 'Vice president Dhankhar running circus not Rajya Sabha', says SS (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut

Addressing a press conference on moving no-confidence motion against vice president Dhankhar, Congress President Kharge said that the chairperson continuously 'insults opposition members' and behaves like a 'school master.

He added that Dhankhar is "working as a spokesperson of the government for his next promotion."

On Tuesday, the BJP raised the issue of alleged links between Congress leaders and George Soros-backed organisations accused of "anti-India" activities, prompting protests from the opposition. The Congress accused the government of stalling parliamentary proceedings to distract from the ongoing Adani issue. Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned without significant business amid uproar, with Congress blaming the BJP for the impasse.

In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda accused Congress of conspiring with Soros to destabilise India. This led to noisy protests, with opposition members demanding answers and raising slogans. This marked the first time the BJP raised the issue in the presence of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Congress Deputy Leader Pramod Tiwari rejected the allegations, instead calling for a discussion on the Adani issue, which has recently gained attention due to claims of corruption.

In the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju further accused Congress of collaborating with Soros and anti-India forces, sparking further protests. Rijiju also criticised Congress leaders for disrespecting Parliament by wearing masks and jackets with caricatures.

The opposition continued to disrupt proceedings, demanding the removal of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Speaker Om Birla condemned the protests, urging all members to maintain dignity and allow the House to function smoothly. Despite this, the chaos persisted, with both Houses being adjourned as the BJP and Congress continued to clash over these allegations.
09:06 (IST) Dec 11
AAP MP Sanjay Singh gives suspension of business notice to discuss the deterioration of law and order situation in Delhi
09:05 (IST) Dec 11
Opposition submits notice for moving no-confidence motion against Vice President Dhankhar
Members of the INDIA opposition alliance submitted a notice on Tuesday to initiate proceedings for removing Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar from his position, citing his alleged biased behaviour whilst chairing the Upper House. Although the motion requires a simple majority for approval in the 243-member House, the opposition lacks sufficient numbers. Nevertheless, opposition representatives maintained this action represents a significant stance in defence of parliamentary democracy.

Congress representatives Jairam Ramesh and Naseer Hussain delivered the notice to Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody, bearing signatures from 60 opposition parliamentarians, including members from Congress, RJD, TMC, CPI, CPI-M, JMM, AAP, DMK, and Samajwadi Party.

This unprecedented move marks the first instance of a removal motion being proposed against a Vice President in the Rajya Sabha. The procedure requires a 14-day notice period and approval from the Deputy Chairman before consideration.

It is worth noting that several prominent opposition figures, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and various opposition floor leaders, have not signed the notice, according to sources.

Whilst previous notices for removal have been filed against Lok Sabha Speakers, no such action has ever been initiated against a Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman.
09:05 (IST) Dec 11
Union minister Sonowal holds meeting with Odisha MPs to discuss development of ports, river waterways in state
On Tuesday, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbanand Sonowal convened a meeting in the national capital with Odisha MPs to review various port and river waterway development initiatives being implemented jointly by the state and central governments in Odisha.

The Lok Sabha MP from Odisha's Sambalpur and Union Education Minister shared on X: "In the presence of MPs of Odisha, we discussed with the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbanand Sonowal, about the projects being implemented by the state government and the central government for the development of ports and river waterways and the plans for the coming days."

The collaborative governance approach is focused on transforming Paradip port into a modern facility, as noted by Pradhan in his social media post.

He further elaborated that the discussions encompassed comprehensive development of Odisha's ports, strategic planning for river waterways, establishment of a cruise terminal at Puri, implementation of the Sagarmala project, enhancement of fishermen's livelihoods, promotion of marine product exports, and expedited development of National Waterway 5.

The meeting additionally addressed professional development programmes for young women employed in Odisha's ship industry, focusing on skill enhancement and career advancement opportunities.
09:04 (IST) Dec 11
Opnn, govt clash in Parliament over Soros, Adani issues; proceedings stalled again
The BJP intensified its attack on Congress in Parliament on Tuesday by highlighting alleged connections between Congress leaders and George Soros-affiliated organisations accused of "anti-India" activities. This sparked strong protests from the opposition, which accused the government of disrupting proceedings to shift focus from the Adani matter. Both Houses were adjourned with minimal business conducted amidst chaotic scenes. The Congress countered by asserting that the BJP was using billionaire Soros as a shield whilst making "silly" accusations to protect business magnate Gautam Adani.

Opposition members, frustrated with what they perceive as biased conduct by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, submitted a notice on Tuesday to initiate proceedings for his removal as Vice President.

When the Rajya Sabha reconvened at noon following its initial adjournment, J P Nadda, Leader of the House, brought up the alleged associations between Congress leadership and Soros, suggesting they were collaborating to undermine the country's stability.

This statement triggered tumult in the House, with opposition members chanting slogans against the BJP, whilst government benches demanded explanations from the Congress.
09:04 (IST) Dec 11
AAP leader slams AIMIM's decision to field Tahir Hussain in Delhi polls, says such moves benefit BJP
On Tuesday, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar criticised AIMIM's selection of former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain as their candidate for the upcoming Delhi elections, stating that such decisions ultimately aid the BJP.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi announced earlier that day that Hussain had become a member of his party.

"He will be our candidate from Mustafabad Assembly Constituency in the upcoming Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections. His family members and supporters met with me today and joined the party," Owaisi said in a post on X.

Priyanka Kakkar asserted that BJP introduces additional parties into electoral contests when they face potential defeat.

"It's a part of the BJP's negative strategy. Wherever BJP starts losing, they bring more parties to contest elections. They (BJP) brought BSP and AIMIM in the Lok Sabha elections. When you see the data, it shows that whenever AIMIM fielded its candidates, it has benefited the BJP," she said.
Addressing a press conference on moving no-confidence motion against vice president Dhankhar, Congress President Kharge said that the chairperson continuously 'insults opposition members' and behaves like a 'school master.

He added that Dhankhar is "working as a spokesperson of the government for his next promotion."

On Tuesday, the BJP raised the issue of alleged ties between Congress leaders and George Soros-backed organisations accused of "anti-India" activities, sparking protests from the opposition. The Congress accused the government of stalling proceedings to divert attention from the Adani controversy. Both Houses were adjourned without significant business amid the uproar, with Congress blaming the BJP for the deadlock.

In the Rajya Sabha, BJP leader J.P. Nadda alleged Congress was collaborating with Soros to destabilise India, prompting opposition protests. Congress leaders rejected the claims and demanded a discussion on the Adani issue. In the Lok Sabha, Minister Kiren Rijiju also accused Congress of colluding with anti-India forces, leading to further disruption.

Opposition members called for the removal of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, while Speaker Om Birla condemned the protests, urging MPs to maintain dignity. Despite his plea, the chaos continued, and both Houses were adjourned for the day.