Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Akhilesh Yadav participates in Constitution debate, hits out at Centre

During his speech in the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav affirmed that his party would conduct a caste census whenever they have the chance. He emphasized the importance of the caste census in addressing social inequalities and ensuring that resources are allocated fairly among all communities.

In his speech in the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns over growing economic inequality since 2014. He stated that the gap between the rich and poor has widened significantly in recent years. Yadav also accused the government of preventing Muslims from casting their votes during the Uttar Pradesh by-elections, further criticising the state’s handling of electoral processes.

In his address in the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav emphasised the importance of the Indian Constitution, calling it “our shield and protector of the oppressed and marginalized.” He highlighted that the Constitution plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of the underprivileged and ensuring justice for all citizens.

During her speech in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government for allegedly favoring one individual, stating, “All opportunities are being given to one person. The government has handed over all cold storage facilities to Adani.”

In her speech in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra suggested holding a ballot to resolve ongoing political debates, stating, “Conduct elections through a ballot, and the truth will be revealed.” 

During her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a strong stance against the central government. She questioned the government’s focus on praising Jawaharlal Nehru, asking, “Is all the responsibility of the country on Nehru ji? Those who talk about Nehru, what are they doing themselves?” 

In her speech in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sharply criticised the government’s position on the caste census. Referring to the ruling party’s approach, she said, “They win elections by narrowly escaping defeat… a caste census is the need of the hour, yet they trivialise it by discussing things like mangalsutras.” 

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shared a poignant story from Sambhal. She recounted meeting the bereaved family of a tailor, whose two children, Adnan and Uzair, had lost their father when police shot him dead. Priyanka highlighted that one of the children, Adnan, who was just 17 years old, expressed his determination to become a doctor and fulfill his late father’s dream of educating his children. 

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "A few people from the bereaved families of Sambhal had come to meet us. There were two children among them - Adnan and Uzair. One of them was my son's age and the other was younger, 17 years of age. Their father was a tailor. The tailor had just one dream - that he would get his children educated, one son would become a doctor and the other too would be successful...The Police shot their father dead. The 17-year-old Adnan told me that he would grow up to be a doctor and realise his father's dream. This dream and hope was instilled in his heart by the Constitution of India..."

In her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the current government of undermining the Constitution of India. Speaking during the discussion on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption, Priyanka asserted that the government’s actions were eroding the core values enshrined in the Constitution.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in her maiden address in the Lok Sabha, brought attention to critical issues, including the Unnao rape case and the need for a caste census. Highlighting the injustice faced by the victim in the Unnao case, she called for stronger action and accountability. Priyanka also emphasised the importance of conducting a caste census to ensure fair representation and address socio-economic disparities in the country. 

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emphasised the importance of dialogue and discussion in India during her speech in the Lok Sabha. Speaking on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, she highlighted that the Constitution serves as the voice of the nation, guiding its democratic values and principles. 

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing discussion on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

Her address, which marks a significant milestone in her parliamentary career, focused on the importance of the Constitution and its enduring role in shaping India’s democracy. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, praised its resilience and enduring relevance. “Many postcolonial democracies and their Constitutions did not last long. But the Indian Constitution, despite all challenges, continues to play an important role in maintaining the world’s largest democracy without losing its basic spirit,” Singh stated.

Addressing the House, Rajnath Singh reflected on the significance of the milestone, stating, “We, the people of India, adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949. I heartily congratulate this House and all citizens of the country on the completion of 75 years of adopting the Constitution.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking during the parliamentary debate on the Constitution, emphasised the need to acknowledge all contributors to India’s constitutional legacy.

"There have been attempts to black out the role of some individuals and leaders who played a significant part in upholding the Constitution," Singh stated. He called for a more inclusive recognition of the efforts made by various leaders, thinkers, and freedom fighters in shaping the nation and its guiding document.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during the parliamentary debate on the Constitution, highlighted the contributions of key freedom fighters and thinkers in shaping India’s foundational document.

“Thoughts of leaders such as Madan Mohan Malviya, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, and Veer Savarkar have significantly strengthened the Constitution of India,” Singh stated. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised that the Constitution of India is not merely a legal document, but an embodiment of the nation’s deep-rooted civilisational values. Speaking during a parliamentary debate, Singh highlighted the importance of understanding the Constitution as a reflection of India’s cultural and historical legacy, rather than associating it with any single political ideology. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has strongly criticised Congress, asserting that the Constitution of India was not given by any one political party. Speaking during the ongoing parliamentary debate, Singh highlighted that the Constitution is a collective achievement of the nation, transcending individual party affiliations.

His remarks come amid the ongoing discussions in Parliament about the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, where political parties have been engaging in debates over its significance and application in today’s context.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today expressed his gratitude to be a part of the historic Amrut Mahotsav, marking the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution. This milestone celebrates the country's journey as a sovereign democratic republic since January 26, 1950.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today expressed his gratitude to be a part of the historic Amrut Mahotsav, marking the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution. This milestone celebrates the country's journey as a sovereign democratic republic since January 26, 1950.

"We are fortunate to be witness to Amrut Mahotsav (75th anniversary) of our Constitution," said Rajnath.

"Constitution is more than just a set of laws, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh," he added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh initiated a debate on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha today, marking the 75th anniversary of its adoption. The special discussion, scheduled to take place over two days, will see participation from over 12 leaders from the BJP, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will reply to the discussion on the evening of December 14 evening.

A ruckus broke out in the Rajya Sabha today as opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The motion sparked a heated debate, with Dhankhar and opposition leaders engaging in a war of words.

Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "I am a farmer's son, I will not show weakness. I will sacrifice my life for my country. You (opposition) have only one job 24 hours a day, why is a farmer's son sitting here...look what you are saying. I have tolerated a lot...you have the right to bring a motion but you are insulting the Constitution..."  Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge says, "You are encouraging the (BJP) members to speak against members of other parties... I am also a son of farmer. I have faced more challenges than you... You are insulting our party leaders, you are insulting the Congress... We have not come here to listen to your praises, we have come here for discussion..." - ANI

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till December 16 after a heated exchange between the treasury and opposition benches over the no-confidence motion against the Chairman. The session saw members from both sides raising slogans and disrupting proceedings, making it impossible for the House to continue its work.

Here is the list of probable ministers of parties to speak in parliament:

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a three-line whip to all its Rajya Sabha MPs, directing them to be present in the House on December 16 and 17, 2024. This move comes ahead of the crucial debate on the Constitution, scheduled to take place in the Rajya Sabha on these two days.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav emphasised the importance of safeguarding India’s Constitution, stating that it is our collective responsibility to ensure its protection. He further highlighted that the Constitution is the guiding force for the nation, offering a clear path for governance and justice.

Yadav remarked, “It is our responsibility to protect the Constitution, as it is the very document that guides us in the right direction.” 

A significant update has emerged regarding the ongoing Constitution debate in the Lok Sabha. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be allocated 5 hours and 18 minutes to present its views during the discussion.

The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill, which aims to hold simultaneous elections for the Parliament and State Assemblies. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has raised concerns over the proposed legislation, calling it an “attack on federalism.”

Bihar Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary has expressed support for the One Nation, One Election bill, which was recently passed by the Union Cabinet, but acknowledged the complexities involved in its implementation.

Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has voiced his support for the One Nation, One Election initiative, calling it a significant step toward reducing election expenses and ensuring efficient governance.

“Why are they [the Opposition] protesting against One Nation, One Election? Even Indira Gandhi supported the same approach during her time. This initiative will not burden the government treasury,” Narayanaswamy said, highlighting the financial strain of frequent elections.

On the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament Attack, Union Minister Giriraj Singh expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident and criticized those who, according to him, honored the attackers. “It is very unfortunate that the temple of democracy was attacked. The attacker, Afzal Guru, was honored by the ‘tukde-tukde gang,’” Singh remarked, underscoring the gravity of the attack on Parliament.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, commenting on the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, said the party would react after carefully examining the details of the bill.

“We will see what the bill entails, how they plan to implement ‘One Nation, One Election,’ and its specifics. Only after reviewing it thoroughly will we provide our response,” Kharge stated.

Today, December 13, marks the 23rd anniversary of the Parliament attack that shook the nation in 2001. The attack, carried out by five militants affiliated with Pakistan-based extremist groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed the lives of nine individuals, including six Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service personnel, and a gardener.