Parliament Special Session Day 1: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned to meet again tomorrow in new building

The Lok Sabha was adjourned to meet at 1:15 pm in the new Parliament building tomorrow.

Rajya Sabha was adjourned to meet at 2:15 pm in the new Parliament building tomorrow.

Special Session of Parliament: Rajya Sabha MP and BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said, "India is the mother of political democracy and also the foundation head of religious and spiritual democracy."

Special Session of Parliament: In Lok Sabha Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "Today is our last day in this Parliament, I hope we can raise the dignity of our Parliamentary discussions & put out a unified message today."

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge recalled former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's contribution to Indian democracy in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, saying his outlook was inclusive as he took the opposition along and had laid the foundation of the Constitution.

Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Monday said a law on MSP guarantee should be the first announcement to come from the new building of the Parliament. "The government should come good on its election manifesto. If the Prime Minister talks about 'gaanv', 'ghareeb' and 'kisaan' (the village, the poor, and the farmer), then a law on MSP guarantee should be the first announcement to be made from the new building of the Parliament," Tikait told PTI on the sidelines of a day-long farmers' mahapanchayat held in Lucknow.

As the functioning of Parliament shifts to the new building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the oldest member of Lok Sabha - 93 years old Samajwadi Party MP Shafiqur Rahman Barq – and the youngest - 30 years old Chandrani Murmu of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) – who became an MP at the age of 25. He also remembered Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Indrajit Gupta, who served as a Lok Sabha MP for almost 36 years from 1960 to 2001, except for a short period from 1977 to 1980. Barq, a sitting MP of Lok Sabha, has been elected an MP nine times. He first became a Lok Sabha member in 1996 from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh. He had won four times as an MLA before that.

NCP leader Supriya Sule on Monday strongly defended the Congress after the BJP criticised it over the Women's Reservation Bill issue, saying the first woman prime minister and president were from the Congress and the legislation was also brought by it. But the bill could not be passed due to lack of numbers, she said.

The Lok Sabha panel on privileges on Monday submitted a report recommending revocation of the suspension of Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from the Lower House. The report was adopted by the Privileges Committee of the Lok Sabha on August 30 and Chowdhury's suspension was revoked by Speaker Om Birla on the same day.

Bidding farewell to the old Parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sang paeans to first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and subsequent leaders, including Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but also reminded the Lok Sabha of the 'cash-for-vote' scam during the Manmohan Singh government.

The Congress on Monday urged the government to bring Women Reservation Bill in the parliament and highlighted the issue of unemployment saying rising joblessness will finish democracy in the country. During a discussion on 'Parliamentary Journey of 75 years Starting from Samvidhan Sabha – Achievements, Experiences, Memories And Learnings' leader of the opposition Mallikarjun Kharge from Congress said, "Women Reservation Bill should come. We all tried. This issue if you (Chair) raise then they will."

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "selective" in his speech in Parliament and did not talk about the rights given to people during the Manmohan Singh government. While acknowledging that the prime minister said some "very good things" in his speech and spoke well, Tharoor said there had also been failures under his prime ministerial tenure such as when demonetisation happened, there was no discussion in Parliament.

On PM Modi's address in Parliament, Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra said, "The PM never talks on the issues of the country. He doesn't talk about the promises he made before becoming the PM...He only talks about himself and Modi did this, Modi did that. Other than this he just curses and abuses Congress. He talks about misusing the democratic institutions. But he will not talk about the problems of the people of the country... The PM of the country should talk about inflation, unemployment, increasing farmers' income, China grabbing our land...Today they called the special session but were unable to tell an agenda..."

Congress MP KC Venugopal said that the Opposition is still waiting for the "hidden agendas" of the government.  "We are still waiting for the hidden agendas..."We are cooperating completely...The building (New Parliament) is very beautiful but it is important what happens inside it...The building will not give results, it's the discussion inside the building that is the matter for all of us...," he added. 

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the old Parliament building is full of memories. "Well this building is full of memories as the PM also said, it is full of history. It will be a sad moment. Let's hope that the new building has better facilities, new technology and more convenience for the members of the Parliament...But still, it is always an emotional moment to leave an institution which is so full of history and memories... We were all a bit confused as to why it was necessary because many many ways, a lot of bills they have been talking about could have been introduced later. But it is now becoming clear the government wanted to make a special moment out of shifting from one building to another. They have tried to do it in a special way. We can understand the objective there," he added. 

On PM Modi's address in Parliament, Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi said that change is a part of life. "As PM Modi said changes are part of life. In this change, as time passes by, buildings and people also change. This old building (of Parliament) has a very old history...We saw here the abrogation of Article 370, the GST coming into effect...Many memories will be attached to this place. New memories will be attached to the new Parliament building..."

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge takes a dig at the government and termed the "G20 as G2." "The zero was covered with a Lotus," he added. 

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury spoke about Chandrayeen-3 in the Lok Sabha. "There were discussions going on about Chandrayaan, I want to say that in 1946, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Atomic Research Committee was formed. From there, we moved forward and developed ISRO in 1964. But today what will we call ISRO, if not the Indian Space Research Organisation then what? From where has this Bharat, India issue been raised?..."

On Day 1 of the Special Session, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge shared a light moment during the proceedings of the Upper House.  

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Speaking in the Rajya Sabha Congress chief Mallikarhun Kharge said, "Nehru ji believed that the absence of a strong Opposition means that there are significant drawbacks in the system. If there is no strong Opposition, it is not right. Now, that there is a strong Opposition, the focus is on weakening it through ED, CBI...Take them (into their own party), put them in a washing machine and when they come out all clean - make them permanent (in one's own party). You can see what is happening today. PM comes to the Parliament rarely and when he does he leaves after making it an event..."

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge recalled the contribution of country's forst Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's to India in Rajya Sabha.

Earlier today, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate the entire nation on the successful conduct of the G20 New Delhi Summit that has filled the heart of every Indian with pride and raised the leadership of the country at the global level...The outcomes of the G20 Leaders' Summit are transformational and would contribute to the reshaping of the global world order in the decades ahead...G20 Leaders' Declaration was adopted unanimously and with consensus, including on difficult issues...It is a recognition that India is a voice of peace and moderation in a world ridden with divisions."

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury termed former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru as the "architect of modern India." Chowdhury said that parliamentary democracy demands many virtues which are ability, certain devotion to work, and also a large measure of corporation of self-discipline and restraint. 

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury termed former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru as the "architect of modern India." Chowdhury said that parliamentary democracy demands many virtues which are ability, certain devotion to work, and also a large measure of corporation of self-discipline and restraint. 

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that it's an emotional moment for everyone at this old building of the Parliament.  "We are all present here to bid adieu to our old building. It's an emotional moment for all of us," he added. 

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is speaking in the House on the opening day of the Special Session. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that many MPs attended the session despite health issues. "During the COVID-19 crisis, our MPs attended the proceedings of both of the Houses and performed their duties...With the feeling that India's growth journey should not be impacted, all the members considered this House as an important part of their duty...After independence, many critics thought about whether India would remain united or not but we proved all of them wrong... People's trust in the Parliament remains intact," he added. 

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the terror attack on the Parliament. "This was not an attack on a building. In a way, it was an attack on the mother of democracy, on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident. I also bow before those who took bullets to their chest to protect the Parliament and all its members, while fighting the terrorists...," he added. 

"There have been sweet and sour experiences, there has also been an atmosphere of bickering, and sometimes an atmosphere of conflict and sometimes, there has been an atmosphere of joy as well. All these memories are our shared memories, our shared heritage and hence, its pride is also our shared," says PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said that this Parliament building also saw several landmark decisions including the abrogation of Article 370, OROP and GST. 

During his speech, PM Modi remembered Lal Bahadur Shastri's contribution during the Indo-Pak war and the Green Revolution. He said that this Parliament building also saw the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 under Indira Gandhi. This Parliament building also saw the Emergency and cash-for-votes scandal, PM Modi added. 

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said remembered the historic importance of the old parliament building. "Our journalist friends will also miss this Parliament building. Jawaharlal Nehru's 'At the stroke of the midnight hour' speech will be remembered forever," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered BR Ambedkar during his speech.

PM Modi praised the contributions of former PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Manmohan Singh. He said that India can't forget the attack on Parliament. "We remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect us," he added. 

Speaking in the Parliament, PM Modi said it is an emotional moment to bid goodbye to this building as many bitter-sweet memories have been associated with it. "There have been sweet and sour experiences, there has also been an atmosphere of bickering, and sometimes an atmosphere of conflict and sometimes, there has been an atmosphere of joy as well. All these memories are our shared memories, our shared heritage and hence, its pride is also our shared," he added. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "...When I first entered this building (Parliament) as an MP, I bowed down and honoured the temple of democracy. It was an emotional moment for me. I could have never imagined that a child belonging to a poor family, living on the railway platform would ever be able to enter the Parliament. I never imagined that I would get so much love from people." 

PM Modi said India will be proud that when it was the president (of the G20), the African Union became its member. "I cannot forget the emotional moment when the announcement was made, the African Union President said that perhaps he will break down while speaking. You can imagine the fortune India had the fortune to fulfill such a huge hopes and expectations...It is India's strength that it (unanimous Declaration) became possible...Under your chairmanship the P20 - Summit of G20 Parliament Speakers - you announced, will have our full support," he added. 

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi also talked about the recent success of the G20 Summit in the country. Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20...I express my gratitude to you. G20's success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India's success, not that of an individual or a party...It is a matter for all of us to celebrate..."

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said, "This is the time to move forward while remembering the parliamentary journey of 75 years."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Special Session of Parliament. "All of us are saying goodbye to this historic building. Before independence, this House was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After independence, this gained the identity of Parliament House. It is true that the decision to construct this building was taken by foreign rulers but we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen," he added. 

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Parliament. The Special Session has commenced.

The proceedings of Lok Sabha began amid a ruckus in the House by the Opposition. 

BJP leader Dinesh Sharma took oath as a Member of the Parliament (MP) in Rajya Sabha today. 

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrived at the Parliament to participate in the special session. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Tomorrow, on Ganesh Chaturthi, we will move to the new Parliament. Lord Ganesha is also known as ‘Vighnaharta’, now there will be no obstacles in the development of the country... 'Nirvighna roop se saare sapne saare sankalp Bharat paripoorn karega'...This session of Parliament may be short, but it is historic in scope".

PM Narendra Modi said that this session of the Parliament is short but going by the time, it is huge. "This is a session of historic decisions. A speciality of this session is that the journey of 75 years is starting from a new destination...Now, while taking forward the journey from a new place...we have to make the country a developed country by 2047. For this, all the decisions of the time to come will be taken in the new Parliament building...," he added. 

Before the commencement of the Special Session of Parliament, PM Narendra Modi interacted with the media and spoke about the recent achievements of the country. "Success of Moon Mission --- Chandrayaan-3 has hoisted our Tiranga, Shiv Shakti Point has become a new centre of inspiration, and Tiranga Point is filling us with pride. Across the world, when such an achievement is made, it is viewed by linking it to modernity, science and technology. When this capability comes before the world, several opportunities and possibilities knock at the doors of  India," he added. 

A meeting of Floor leaders of the I.N.D.I.A bloc's parties were held at LoP in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's office in Parliament House to chalk out the strategy for the Special Session of Parliament. 

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury termed the Special Session of Parliament as "absurd." "I have been saying this from the beginning that this is quite absurd. Why the government decided to pass so many bills in this Special Session, needs to be clarified by them. Special Sessions are usually called for a special agenda and discussions are held only on that issue, but no clarity has been given by the Govt if this is a special session or a regular session... We are worried about the real intention of the govt. We do not have any problem with PM Modi speaking in the Parliament. I have raised all the 9 points in the all-party meeting yesterday that were put up by our party," he added.

Aam Aadmi Party issued a whip for all its MPs in the Rajya Sabha for the special session of Parliament. “All members of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Rajya Sabha are hereby, informed that some very important issues will be taken up in the Rajya Sabha in the upcoming special session. In view of this, all members of the Aam Aadmi Party are requested to be positively present in the house from 11 AM onwards until the adjournment of the House from 18th September to 22nd September 2023 and support the stand of the party," the party's order read. 

RJD MP Manoj Jha questioned the government's move to call the special session of Parliament. "This is not a Special Session at all. Some astrologer must have said something and the PM believes in all that...They are bringing normal Bills that could have waited till the Winter Session...Don't say that you have no agenda. The agenda is very clear. We would like to see what the other agendas are. But there is nothing special about it," he added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has left for Parliament to attend the first day of the special session. The announcement of the Special Session came as a surprise in political circles with the parties gearing up for assembly polls in five states later this year. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will start a discussion in Lok Sabha on Parliament's 75-year journey today. According to sources, he is expected to speak in the House soon after it meets on the first day of the session at 11 am. The prime minister will start the discussion on "Parliamentary journey of 75 years starting from Samvidhan Sabha - Achievements, Experiences, Memories and Learnings," the sources added. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with the media ahead of the first day of the special session of Parliament. He is likely to address the media at around 10:10 am today. 

According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to speak today in the Lok Sabha. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said a total of eight bills have been listed for consideration and passage during the session.

Congress MP Shakti Singh Gohil questioned the government for not showing the draft of the bill and the business to members of Parliament. "It is said in our parliamentary practice and procedure that members should be shown the draft of the bill and government business...When a special session is being called the members should be told in advance about the business...It is for the first time that there will be no question hour or zero hour in this session..." 

Ahead of the special session of Parliament, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor hit out at the central government. He said, "Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had written a letter stating nine points but there has been no response..." On Sanatana Dharma, he said, "Our party believes in 'Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava'. We respect every religion..."

The Women's Reservation Bill seeks to reserve 33 per cent of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. Despite being a crucial step towards gender parity and inclusive governance, the Bill has remained in legislative limbo for far too long. During the all-party meet on Sunday, several political parties, including from the ruling NDA and the Opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc, made a strong pitch for the passage of the women's reservation bill during the five-day Parliament session. 

The BJP has issued a whip to all party MPs to be present in Parliament from September 18-22 to discuss important legislative business. During the session, the government has also listed the bill on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners to be taken up for consideration and passage. The bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha during the last Monsoon session.

Besides the discussion on Parliamentary Journey, the other listed business for Lok Sabha includes 'The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023' and 'The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023', already passed by Rajya Sabha on 3 August 2023. In addition, 'The Post Office Bill, 2023' has also been listed in the Lok Sabha business, according to an official bulletin. The bill was earlier introduced in Rajya Sabha on 10 August 2023.
 

Congress demanded that the Women's Reservation Bill be passed during the special session of parliament, a resolution undertaken at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) stated. It stated that parliamentary debate and scrutiny have all but disappeared and far-reaching legislation is hurriedly pushed through without proper scrutiny and discussion. "The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment etc.) Bill introduced in Parliament will severely compromise the independence of the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections," it said.

All members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been called for a group photograph on Tuesday morning (September 19).  According to the bulletin issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, all MPs have been called for a group photograph at 9.30 am on Tuesday. An official said arrangements are in place at the inner courtyard of the old building for the group photo. MPs have also been issued new identity cards to enter the new Parliament building. The catering will also shift to the new building on September 19.

According to a Lok Sabha bulletin, the function will commemorate the rich legacy of the Parliament of India and resolve to make Bharat a developed nation by 2047. The government's legislative business will commence from September 20 in the new building. The Special Session of the Parliament will be held from September 18 to 22. The Special Session will see a discussion on Parliament’s 75-year journey, starting from the Samvidhan Sabha that first met on December 9, 1946.