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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Dec 09, 2025, 19:50:25 IST
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Parliament Winter Session 2025 Live Updates: 'Indira won Raebareli by vote chori,' BJP hits out at Cong; takes on Rahul's allegations
Parliament Winter Session 2025 Live Updates: The Lok Sabha is holding a detailed debate on election reforms, including the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha is currently holding a debate to commemorate 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have long demanded scrutiny of the exercise, alleging serious irregularities in voter lists. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition is expected to lead the discussion, having repeatedly claimed that SIR is being used “to delete genuine voters”.
Monday’s special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram quickly shifted towards the political climate in West Bengal, with NDA MPs chanting, “Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the House. During the debate, the Prime Minister said, “When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,” adding that the song became “a slogan of the Swadeshi movement”. He accused the Congress of compromising on the national song, claiming they “partitioned” it in 1937.
The remarks prompted strong pushback. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “There are two reasons for the debate… Elections are approaching in Bengal,” arguing the government wanted to distract from key public issues. TMC leaders also criticised the PM’s references to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the BJP’s stance on iconic freedom fighters.
The Winter Session of Parliament will began on December 1, with the opening of the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha. The session is scheduled to run until December 19.
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have long demanded scrutiny of the exercise, alleging serious irregularities in voter lists. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition is expected to lead the discussion, having repeatedly claimed that SIR is being used “to delete genuine voters”.
Monday’s special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram quickly shifted towards the political climate in West Bengal, with NDA MPs chanting, “Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the House. During the debate, the Prime Minister said, “When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,” adding that the song became “a slogan of the Swadeshi movement”. He accused the Congress of compromising on the national song, claiming they “partitioned” it in 1937.
The remarks prompted strong pushback. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “There are two reasons for the debate… Elections are approaching in Bengal,” arguing the government wanted to distract from key public issues. TMC leaders also criticised the PM’s references to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the BJP’s stance on iconic freedom fighters.
The Winter Session of Parliament will began on December 1, with the opening of the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha. The session is scheduled to run until December 19.
19:50 (IST) Dec 09
In between heated debates: Amit Shah takes lunch break with BJP MPs at Parliament canteen - video
Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday was seen having a meal with his parliament colleagues in the Parliament canteen. Shah was joined by Union MoS Nityanand Rai, Union minsiter Kiren Rijiju and BJP MP Anil Baluni.
In the clip, the leaders could be seen having Indian cuisine over some seemingly light-hearted discussion.
Read full story18:39 (IST) Dec 09
EVMs were introduced by ex-PM Rajiv Gandhi: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey hit out at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday over his attack on EVMs, saying the voting machines were introduced in the country by his father, late Rajiv Gandhi, during a pilot project in 1987.
Participating in a discussion on election reforms in the Lower House of Parliament, the Godda (Jharkhand) MP said how can Gandhi claim that the Election Commission (EC) is colluding with those in power to shape elections when the Congress has historically rewarded those who were at the helm of affairs at the poll body.
"All opposition parties spoke about EVMs.... I want to tell the House that the EVMs were first introduced by the Congress. (Former prime minister) Rajiv Gandhi had brought EVMs as part of a pilot project in 1987 and then, in 1991, the Narasimha Rao government introduced the electronic machines for voting," he said.
Dubey noted that the select committees had recommended in their reports in 1961 and 1971 that there was a need for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
"The 1961 committee had also recommended that polls should be conducted using EVMs to avoid rigging," he said.
Participating in a discussion on election reforms in the Lower House of Parliament, the Godda (Jharkhand) MP said how can Gandhi claim that the Election Commission (EC) is colluding with those in power to shape elections when the Congress has historically rewarded those who were at the helm of affairs at the poll body.
"All opposition parties spoke about EVMs.... I want to tell the House that the EVMs were first introduced by the Congress. (Former prime minister) Rajiv Gandhi had brought EVMs as part of a pilot project in 1987 and then, in 1991, the Narasimha Rao government introduced the electronic machines for voting," he said.
Dubey noted that the select committees had recommended in their reports in 1961 and 1971 that there was a need for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
"The 1961 committee had also recommended that polls should be conducted using EVMs to avoid rigging," he said.
17:37 (IST) Dec 09
'Congress has tarnished the Constitution of India; Indira Gandhi won Raebareli by ‘vote chori’
During the election reforms debate in the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said, “Congress has tarnished the Constitution of India; Indira Gandhi won Raebareli by ‘vote chori’ (vote theft). We are proud to be from the RSS.”
17:03 (IST) Dec 09
'Vote chori biggest anti-national act': Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha during SIR debate; slams RSS
Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said there's no bigger anti-national act than "vote chori" which harms the fabric of the nation.During the debate in the Lower House on the Speical Intensive Revision, Rahul Gandhi reiterating his claim of "rigged" elections, saying the Election Commission of India (ECI) is colluding with the BJP to conduct polls across the nation.
Read full story16:51 (IST) Dec 09
Rahul Gandhi asks three question over the EC during his address
Rahul Gandhi asks three question over the EC during his address
- Why was CJI removed from selection panel for appointing election commissioners?
- Why the law has been changed to give immunity to chief election commissioner. Why was law on CCTV footage changed?
- Why the poll schedules are made to suite PM Modi?
16:39 (IST) Dec 09
I have given proof how EC is colluding with those in power to shape elections: Rahul Gandhi in LS
16:35 (IST) Dec 09
'Nation is also a fabric made up of 1.4 billion people': Rahul Gandhi
"Have you ever wondered why Mahatma Gandhi laid such emphasis on Khadi? Why was it that he framed the entire Indian freedom struggle around the concept of khadi, and why is it that he only wore Khadi? Because Khadi is not just a cloth. Khadi is the expression of the people of India; it is the imagination, it is the sentiment, it is the productive force of the people of India... Whichever state you go to, you will find different fabrics. Himachali cap, Assamese Gomcha, Banarsi Saree, Kanchipuram Saree, Naga jacket. And you will find that all these fabrics represent the people, Rahul Gandhi said.
"These fabrics are beautiful. But if you look slightly deeper, you will find that each one of them has thousands of little threads embracing each other... No one thread is superior to another thread. The threads cannot protect you. The threads cannot keep you warm. But when they come together as a fabric, they can keep you warm, protect you, and express what you have in your heart. In the same way, our nation is also a fabric made up of 1.4 billion people, and the fabric is woven together by the vote. This House where I am standing today, the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha across the country, Panchayats across the country, none of them would exist if the vote did not exist," he added.
"These fabrics are beautiful. But if you look slightly deeper, you will find that each one of them has thousands of little threads embracing each other... No one thread is superior to another thread. The threads cannot protect you. The threads cannot keep you warm. But when they come together as a fabric, they can keep you warm, protect you, and express what you have in your heart. In the same way, our nation is also a fabric made up of 1.4 billion people, and the fabric is woven together by the vote. This House where I am standing today, the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha across the country, Panchayats across the country, none of them would exist if the vote did not exist," he added.
16:25 (IST) Dec 09
Kiren Rijiju interrupts Rahul Gandhi's address midway, says 'LoP has not made a single remark on electoral reforms'
16:23 (IST) Dec 09
Rahul's big charge on RSS: After Gandhi's assassination, the next step was the wholesale capture of India's institutions
16:22 (IST) Dec 09
Have you ever wondered why Mahatma Gandhi placed such emphasis on Khadi? Why did he lead the freedom struggle around the concept of Khadi? Why did he only wear Khadi? It is not just a cloth, it is the expression of the people of India.
Rahul Gandhi
16:17 (IST) Dec 09
Parliament Winter Session 2025 Live Updates: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi addresses the House
15:35 (IST) Dec 09
'Your people worked for Britishers when Congress went to jail chanting Vande Matram in 1921': Kharge slams BJP in Rajya Sabha
Congress president and the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Rajya Sabha, saying that the ideological predecessors of the BJP were working for the Britishers when his party leaders were being jailed during the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921, while chanting 'Vande Matram'.
Participating in the Vande Mataram debate in Rajya Sabha, Congress chief said that his party did the work of making 'Vande Mataram' a slogan during the freedom struggle.
"Your (BJP) history is that you were always against the freedom struggle and patriotic songs. When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting 'Vande Mataram'. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers," he said.
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves no chance to insult Jawaharlal Nehru. "Home Minister Amit Shah follows the same," Kharge added.
Rajya Sabha is holding a special discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
Participating in the Vande Mataram debate in Rajya Sabha, Congress chief said that his party did the work of making 'Vande Mataram' a slogan during the freedom struggle.
"Your (BJP) history is that you were always against the freedom struggle and patriotic songs. When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting 'Vande Mataram'. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers," he said.
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves no chance to insult Jawaharlal Nehru. "Home Minister Amit Shah follows the same," Kharge added.
Rajya Sabha is holding a special discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
15:25 (IST) Dec 09
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge questions PM Modi on the Shanghai airport incident
“China detained a citizen from Arunachal Pradesh and suggested that the person apply for a Chinese passport,” said Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.
He questioned PM Modi’s “silence” on the Shanghai airport incident.
He questioned PM Modi’s “silence” on the Shanghai airport incident.
14:55 (IST) Dec 09
'Indira Gandhi imprisoned those who spoke Vande Mataram': Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha
Union home minister Amit Shah launched a scathing critique of the Congress during a Rajya Sabha debate on Vande Mataram, accusing the party of suppressing the national song during Indira Gandhi's era. Shah claimed that those who voiced Vande Mataram were imprisoned, and newspapers were censored. He argued that Congress's leadership failed to honor the song during its significant anniversaries, attributing this to their "appeasement politics," which he believes contributed to India's division.
"When Vande Mataram completed 50 years, the country was not yet independent. When its golden jubilee arrived, Jawaharlal Nehru split it into two parts. When it turned 100 years old, there was no glorification because those who spoke Vande Mataram were imprisoned by Indira ji during the Emergency," he said.
Shah highlighted that Jawaharlal Nehru's decision to limit the song to two stanzas during its golden jubilee marked the onset of political appeasement. He alleged that several INDIA bloc leaders historically refused to sing Vande Mataram, citing instances of members walking out of the Lok Sabha when the song was sung.
Recounting BJP's efforts to revive cultural nationalism, Shah noted the party's role in reinstating the tradition of singing Vande Mataram in Parliament. He emphasized that the song, once a rallying cry for freedom, would now serve as a slogan for India's development.
"When Vande Mataram completed 50 years, the country was not yet independent. When its golden jubilee arrived, Jawaharlal Nehru split it into two parts. When it turned 100 years old, there was no glorification because those who spoke Vande Mataram were imprisoned by Indira ji during the Emergency," he said.
Shah highlighted that Jawaharlal Nehru's decision to limit the song to two stanzas during its golden jubilee marked the onset of political appeasement. He alleged that several INDIA bloc leaders historically refused to sing Vande Mataram, citing instances of members walking out of the Lok Sabha when the song was sung.
Recounting BJP's efforts to revive cultural nationalism, Shah noted the party's role in reinstating the tradition of singing Vande Mataram in Parliament. He emphasized that the song, once a rallying cry for freedom, would now serve as a slogan for India's development.
14:33 (IST) Dec 09
Discussion on Vande Mataram is to deflect attention from the problems country is facing
Mallikarjun Kharge in RS
14:27 (IST) Dec 09
'Why does the PM and the HM target Nehruji?': Kharge's big charge in Rajya Sabha
Speaking in Rajya Sabha in debate on 'Vande Mataram', LoP Mallikarjun Kharge says,"...Congress Working Committee members, including Nehru ji, Mahatma Gandhi, Mauala Azad, Netaji Subhash Chandra ji, Sardar Patel ji, Govind Vallabh Pant ji passed a resolution recommending that wherever Vande Mataram is sung at national gatherings only the first two stanzas should be sung...Was Nehru ji alone in the Congress Working Committee? You are insulting all the other big leaders who took a collective decision. Why does the PM and the HM target Nehruji?..."
14:23 (IST) Dec 09
'Those linking Vande Mataram debate to Bengal polls must reconsider their understanding': Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha
Union home minister Amit Shah dismissed allegations that the Rajya Sabha's special discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was politically timed ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, asserting that critics "need to think afresh" about the national song's legacy and importance.
Speaking in the Upper House, Shah said some Opposition MPs had said the debate was linked to electoral politics in West Bengal. "Some people believe that because there are elections in Bengal, this discussion is being held. They want to link the glorification of Vande Mataram with the West Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding," Shah said.
He described the song as an "immortal creation that awakens devotion and duty toward Mother India," and added that those questioning the discussion's purpose must "think afresh, with clarity".
Shah emphasised that while the creator of Vande Mataram was born in Bengal, its influence was never confined to the state. "Vande Mataram spread far beyond Bengal and even beyond India. Even freedom fighters across the world sang it during their secret meetings," the Union Minister said.
Expressing the song's significance, Shah said, "On the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, to hold a discussion that honours the spirit of Vande Mataram, celebrates its glory, and ensures that it remains eternal, is truly significant."
Speaking in the Upper House, Shah said some Opposition MPs had said the debate was linked to electoral politics in West Bengal. "Some people believe that because there are elections in Bengal, this discussion is being held. They want to link the glorification of Vande Mataram with the West Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding," Shah said.
He described the song as an "immortal creation that awakens devotion and duty toward Mother India," and added that those questioning the discussion's purpose must "think afresh, with clarity".
Shah emphasised that while the creator of Vande Mataram was born in Bengal, its influence was never confined to the state. "Vande Mataram spread far beyond Bengal and even beyond India. Even freedom fighters across the world sang it during their secret meetings," the Union Minister said.
Expressing the song's significance, Shah said, "On the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, to hold a discussion that honours the spirit of Vande Mataram, celebrates its glory, and ensures that it remains eternal, is truly significant."
14:08 (IST) Dec 09
Parliament Winter Session 2025 Live Updates: PM Modi, Shah leave no chance to insult Nehru, other Congress leaders
14:05 (IST) Dec 09
'Congress went to jail chanting Vande Mataram': Kharge
During a Rajya Sabha debate on 'Vande Mataram', senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, "When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting 'Vande Mataram'. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers..."
13:48 (IST) Dec 09
Vande Mataram, an immortal creation reflects key traditional and nationalistic values of our country; dedication towards Mother India
Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha
13:36 (IST) Dec 09
'Ready to discuss anything,' Amit Shah tells Rajya Sabha
We don't abstain from Parliament, nor run away from discussing issues; ready to discuss anything: Amit Shah in RS
13:28 (IST) Dec 09
Till now 10 BLOs have lost their lives in the state during the ongoing SIR process: Akhilesh Yadav in Lok Sabha
Speaking in Lok Sabha on electoral reforms, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav says, "Till now, 10 BLOs have lost their lives in the state during the ongoing SIR process. We demand that families of the deceased BLOs be given Rs 1 crore as ex-gratia amount and govt job be given to one member of the deceased's family."
13:24 (IST) Dec 09
Discussion of Vande Mataram in both Houses will help future generations understand its true importance, glory: Amit Shah in RS.
13:24 (IST) Dec 09
'Vande Mataram important back then, it is needed now, and will be significant for a bright future,' says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Some members raised questions in the Lok Sabha on the need for these discussions on Vande Mataram. The need for discussion on Vande Mataram, the need for dedication towards Vande Mataram, was important back then; it is needed now, and it will always be significant for a bright future which we have envisioned for 2047... Some think these discussions are being held because of the upcoming elections in Bengal. They want to demean the glorification of our national song by relating these discussions to the Bengal elections. It is true that the composer of Vande Mataram, Bankim Babu, was from Bengal, the Anand Matth had its origin in Bengal, but Vande Mataram was not limited to Bengal or the country... When a soldier at the border of the country, or a policeman guarding the country from inside, sacrifices his life for the country, Vande Mataram is the only slogan he raises."
13:22 (IST) Dec 09
'No link to Bengal polls': Amit Shah dismisses oppn charge
Union home minister Amit Shah told the Rajya Sabha that some people are trying to diminish the importance of Vande Mataram by linking it to the Bengal elections. He said Vande Mataram is an immortal creation that inspires duty and dedication toward Mother India.
13:20 (IST) Dec 09
Vande Mataram was needed during freedom struggle, even now as well as when country becomes Viksit Bharat in 2047: Amit Shah in RS.
13:20 (IST) Dec 09
'Country now in a full-fledged ‘Reform Express’ phase': PM Modi at NDA parliamentary meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the NDA parliamentary meeting said that the country is now in a full-fledged ‘Reform Express’ phase, where reforms are happening rapidly and with clear intent. PM Modi emphasised that the government’s reforms are completely citizen-centric, not just economic or revenue-focused. The goal is to remove everyday hurdles of people so that they can grow to their full potential: Sources
PM urged the MPs to actively share real problems faced by ordinary people, so that the Reform Express can reach every household and remove day-to-day hardships, as per sources quoted by ANI.
According to sources quoted by PTI, the Prime Minister said he wants to end the culture of 30–40 page forms and unnecessary paperwork, stressing the need to deliver services at citizens’ doorsteps and eliminate repeated data submissions. He recalled that the government had trusted people by allowing self-certification, a system that has worked successfully for 10 years without misuse. The PM emphasised that both Ease of Life and Ease of Doing Business remain top priorities for the Modi government, the sources told PTI.
PM urged the MPs to actively share real problems faced by ordinary people, so that the Reform Express can reach every household and remove day-to-day hardships, as per sources quoted by ANI.
According to sources quoted by PTI, the Prime Minister said he wants to end the culture of 30–40 page forms and unnecessary paperwork, stressing the need to deliver services at citizens’ doorsteps and eliminate repeated data submissions. He recalled that the government had trusted people by allowing self-certification, a system that has worked successfully for 10 years without misuse. The PM emphasised that both Ease of Life and Ease of Doing Business remain top priorities for the Modi government, the sources told PTI.
13:12 (IST) Dec 09
INDIA bloc MPs handed over impeachment motion seeking removal of Justice GR Swaminathan to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla
13:09 (IST) Dec 09
'First time 'vote chori' happened was in 1947': BJP MP Dr Sanjay Jaiswal
Speaking in Lok Sabha on electoral reforms, BJP MP Dr Sanjay Jaiswal says, "If the Congress wants to understand 'vote chori', it needs to know that the first time 'vote chori' happened in 1947 when the entire Congress Working Committee stood with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, but Jawaharlal Nehru was made the prime minister. There is no bigger example of vote chori."
13:08 (IST) Dec 09
There should be a reform in the selection of election commission: Akhilesh Yadav
12:55 (IST) Dec 09
Biggest election reform was carried out by Rajiv Gandhi by reducing voting age from 21 to 18
Congress MP Manish Tewari
12:43 (IST) Dec 09
Manish Tewari urges Election law reform; proposes LoP and CJI join EC selection panel
Parliament Winter Session: Speaking in Lok Sabha, Congress MP Manish Tewari says, “And on 15 June 1949, when Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar presented draft article 289 on the election commission, Shibban Lal Saxena, who was a member of that assembly, said, and I would like to quote, ‘Our constitution provides for the dissolution of the legislature when a no confidence is passed. So it is quite possible that elections to the various legislatures in the province and the centre will not be concurrent. Every time, some election or the other will take place somewhere. It may not be so in the very beginning or in the very 5 or 10 years. But after 10 or 12 years, at every moment, some election in some province will be going on’… There is a need to discuss this because the constitution makers took this into consideration and said that there will be elections in different states at different times.”
He says, "...The first reform that should happen is an amendment to the law governing the selection of members of the Election Commission. My suggestion is that LoP Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India should be added to the committee of the Election Commission..."
He says, "...The first reform that should happen is an amendment to the law governing the selection of members of the Election Commission. My suggestion is that LoP Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India should be added to the committee of the Election Commission..."
12:36 (IST) Dec 09
'Unfortunate that many members have to raise questions on neutrality of EC': Congress MP Manish Tewari
Congress MP Manish Tewari speaks in Lok Sabha in debate on electoral reforms He says, "...It is unfortunate that many members here are having to raise questions on the neutrality of the Election Commission of India."
12:33 (IST) Dec 09
'EC has no legal right to conduct SIR,' says Congress MP Manish Tewari
12:26 (IST) Dec 09
No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers: Aviation minister Naidu
Speaking in Lok Sabha on the IndiGo crisis, Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says, "No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance..."
"IndiGo disruptions are stabilising; all other airlines continue to operate smoothly across the country. Airports across the country are reporting normal conditions, with no crowding or distress. Refunds, baggage tracing and passenger support measures remain under the supervision of the Ministry. DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation. Based on the report, strict and appropriate action will be taken. No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance..."
"IndiGo disruptions are stabilising; all other airlines continue to operate smoothly across the country. Airports across the country are reporting normal conditions, with no crowding or distress. Refunds, baggage tracing and passenger support measures remain under the supervision of the Ministry. DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation. Based on the report, strict and appropriate action will be taken. No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance..."
12:23 (IST) Dec 09
Parliament Winter Session: Union MoS for home Nityanand Rai in Lok Sabha said, "Since 2019, 29 Naxal leaders have been neutralised, 1,106 LWE cadres dead; 7,311 arrested while 5,571 Naxals have surrendered
12:18 (IST) Dec 09
'IndiGo being held accountable': Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu
Speaking in Lok Sabha on IndiGo crisis, Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says, "Operations are stabilising fast, safety remains fully in force, IndiGo is being held accountable.." "Operations are stabilising fast, safety remains fully in force, IndiGo is being held accountable, passengers' convenience and dignity are being protected, and long-term measures are underway to take India's aviation sector more passenger-centric..."
12:16 (IST) Dec 09
Govt determined to build a more robust, competitive aviation ecosystem
Civil aviation minister Naidu
12:11 (IST) Dec 09
'Accountability will be ensured': Civil aviation minister Naidu on IndiGo disruptions
The civil aviation minister is currently addressing the Lok Sabha.
11:43 (IST) Dec 09
Reforms have been priority of our government: BJP MP Anurag Thakur
Parliament Winter Session: BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Lok Sabha debate over electoral reforms, says, "We have always said that the BJP... NDA are ready to hold discussion over any issue. Congress has lost over 95 elections under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Congress will hit century of defeats in 2026 and this will happen under Rahul Gandhi's leadership. Reforms have been priority of our government. From ease of doing business, ease of living to discontinuing old British-era laws... SIR was done successfully in Bihar and it should be done in other states as well. We welcome election reforms, it is the right of the Election Commission and we are ready for a discussion over."
11:15 (IST) Dec 09
TMC leaders hold a silent protest against govt at Parliament complex
11:13 (IST) Dec 09
Sanjay Singh moves Rule 267 notice in Rajya Sabha, seeks discussion on SIR in Uttar Pradesh
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday moved a notice under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha, seeking suspension of business to discuss the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha is also set to take up election reforms, including the SIR exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) across several states. Opposition parties have long demanded a debate on SIR, with Congress alleging discrepancies in the voter lists.
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is likely to open the discussion in the lower house. Gandhi has been a vocal critic of SIR, alleging that the process is being used to remove genuine voters and placing undue pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs). He had said on 23 November, “SIR is a calculated ploy - where citizens are being harassed, and the deaths of BLOs from unnecessary pressure are dismissed as 'collateral damage'. This is not a failure, it's a conspiracy - a sacrifice of democracy to protect those in power.” He further added, “Under the guise of SIR, chaos has been unleashed across the country - the result? In three weeks, 16 BLOs have lost their lives… The intent is clear - the right voters get exhausted and give up, and vote theft continues unabated.”
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is likely to open the discussion in the lower house. Gandhi has been a vocal critic of SIR, alleging that the process is being used to remove genuine voters and placing undue pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs). He had said on 23 November, “SIR is a calculated ploy - where citizens are being harassed, and the deaths of BLOs from unnecessary pressure are dismissed as 'collateral damage'. This is not a failure, it's a conspiracy - a sacrifice of democracy to protect those in power.” He further added, “Under the guise of SIR, chaos has been unleashed across the country - the result? In three weeks, 16 BLOs have lost their lives… The intent is clear - the right voters get exhausted and give up, and vote theft continues unabated.”
10:50 (IST) Dec 09
'All leaders congratulated PM Modi for NDA's victory in Bihar': Rijiju on NDA Parliamentary Party meeting
At the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says," All NDA leaders congratulated PM Modi for the NDA's victory in the Bihar elections. PM Modi guided all the NDA MPs to work for their respective constituencies. PM emphasised undertaking reforms across all sectors to ease the public's lives and ensure they face no problems. The PM said that laws should help people. He also urged the MPs to connect with the youth. I express my gratitude to the PM for this guidance. It was a very good meeting of the NDA parliamentary party."
10:23 (IST) Dec 09
NDA leaders felicitates PM Modi at NDA Parliamentary Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated by NDA leaders at the Parliamentary Party meeting held today at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament Library Building. On his arrival, he was presented with a large garland by the alliance leaders. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and S. Jaishankar, JDU MP Sanjay Jha, NCP MP Praful Patel, L. Murugan, and other senior leaders were also present.
PM Modi is expected to host a special dinner for all NDA MPs on December 11 to strengthen coordination, enhance engagement, and streamline floor strategy during the ongoing Winter Session. According to a senior BJP leader, the dinner will provide a platform for open discussion among alliance partners, review legislative priorities, and reinforce the NDA’s collective political roadmap. Preparations for upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam are also expected to feature in the discussions.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha is set to debate election reforms, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission of India. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is likely to open the discussion, having repeatedly criticised SIR for allegedly targeting genuine voters.
PM Modi is expected to host a special dinner for all NDA MPs on December 11 to strengthen coordination, enhance engagement, and streamline floor strategy during the ongoing Winter Session. According to a senior BJP leader, the dinner will provide a platform for open discussion among alliance partners, review legislative priorities, and reinforce the NDA’s collective political roadmap. Preparations for upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam are also expected to feature in the discussions.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha is set to debate election reforms, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission of India. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is likely to open the discussion, having repeatedly criticised SIR for allegedly targeting genuine voters.
10:11 (IST) Dec 09
NDA Parliamentary Party meeting underway; PM Modi, Ashwini Vaishnaw, S Jaishankar and other leaders in attendance
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party is holding a meeting today at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament Library Building, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi already in attendance. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and S. Jaishankar, along with JDU MP Sanjay Jha, NCP MP Praful Patel, L. Murugan and several other leaders, also arrived for the gathering.
All NDA MPs from both Houses have been instructed to attend on time, according to a notice issued by Office Secretary Dr Shiv Shakti Nath Bakshi.
Meanwhile, PM Modi is expected to host a special dinner for all NDA MPs on December 11 to strengthen coordination and refine floor strategy during the Winter Session. A senior BJP leader said the event aims to encourage open discussion on legislative priorities and the alliance’s broader political agenda, including preparations for the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam.
All NDA MPs from both Houses have been instructed to attend on time, according to a notice issued by Office Secretary Dr Shiv Shakti Nath Bakshi.
Meanwhile, PM Modi is expected to host a special dinner for all NDA MPs on December 11 to strengthen coordination and refine floor strategy during the Winter Session. A senior BJP leader said the event aims to encourage open discussion on legislative priorities and the alliance’s broader political agenda, including preparations for the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam.
09:39 (IST) Dec 09
Ashwini Vaishnaw, EAM Jaishankar, Praful Patel and other leaders arrive for NDA Parliamentary Party meeting
09:13 (IST) Dec 09
Congress MP Manickam Tagore seeks suspension of business in Lok Sabha over IndiGo flight disruptions
Congress MP Manickam Tagore submits a notice for suspension of business in the Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on the 'government's failure in preventing and responding to the unprecedented IndiGo flight disruptions, massive passenger harassment, and exploitative airfare surge.'
09:11 (IST) Dec 09
Congress to train guns on centre in Parliament amid SIR debate
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will on Tuesday open the long-awaited Lok Sabha debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Senior Congress figures, including K. C. Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad, Mohammed Javaid, Ujjwal Raman Singh, Isa Khan, Ravi Mallu, Imran Masood, Gowaal Padavi and S. Jyotimani, are also set to participate. In the Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to lead the discussion. A total of ten hours has been allocated across both Houses.
The opposition has for months demanded scrutiny of SIR, with Congress alleging widespread discrepancies in the voter rolls. Gandhi has been one of the fiercest critics of the process, accusing the Election Commission of placing excessive strain on Booth Level Officers and undermining transparency. On 23 November, he said, “SIR is a calculated ploy… This is not a failure, it's a conspiracy – a sacrifice of democracy to protect those in power.” He further argued that SIR had unleashed “chaos”, citing “16 BLOs” who died within three weeks, and criticised the reliance on “a jungle of paper” instead of modern digital systems.
The opposition has for months demanded scrutiny of SIR, with Congress alleging widespread discrepancies in the voter rolls. Gandhi has been one of the fiercest critics of the process, accusing the Election Commission of placing excessive strain on Booth Level Officers and undermining transparency. On 23 November, he said, “SIR is a calculated ploy… This is not a failure, it's a conspiracy – a sacrifice of democracy to protect those in power.” He further argued that SIR had unleashed “chaos”, citing “16 BLOs” who died within three weeks, and criticised the reliance on “a jungle of paper” instead of modern digital systems.
52 More Updates
Amid an already heated Winter Session, the Lok Sabha is holding a debate on election reforms. The discussion comes at a time of mounting political tension, fuelled further by Monday’s charged exchanges over Vande Mataram and the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition is expected to lead the discussion, having repeatedly claimed that SIR is being used “to delete genuine voters”.
Monday’s special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram quickly shifted towards the political climate in West Bengal, with NDA MPs chanting, “Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the House. During the debate, the Prime Minister said, “When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,” adding that the song became “a slogan of the Swadeshi movement”. He accused the Congress of compromising on the national song, claiming they “partitioned” it in 1937.
The remarks prompted strong pushback. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “There are two reasons for the debate… Elections are approaching in Bengal,” arguing the government wanted to distract from key public issues. TMC leaders also criticised the PM’s references to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the BJP’s stance on iconic freedom fighters.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition is expected to lead the discussion, having repeatedly claimed that SIR is being used “to delete genuine voters”.
Monday’s special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram quickly shifted towards the political climate in West Bengal, with NDA MPs chanting, “Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the House. During the debate, the Prime Minister said, “When they divided Bengal in 1905, Vande Mataram stood like a rock,” adding that the song became “a slogan of the Swadeshi movement”. He accused the Congress of compromising on the national song, claiming they “partitioned” it in 1937.
The remarks prompted strong pushback. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “There are two reasons for the debate… Elections are approaching in Bengal,” arguing the government wanted to distract from key public issues. TMC leaders also criticised the PM’s references to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the BJP’s stance on iconic freedom fighters.
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