Parliament Winter Session Day 14 LIVE: BJP MP Jagadambika Pal Supports Uniform Civil Code Implementation

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 11 am on Saturday

Congress MP Hibi Eden quoted Dr BR Ambedkar, saying that it is important to protect the Constitution, especially for those who are elected. He added, "Today, the Constitution is in danger. Despite differences of opinion between Ambedkar and Nehru, the Constitution was upheld. But where was the RSS at that time? Now, they want to enforce the caste-based laws of Manusmriti."

BJP MP Jagadambika Pal said that elected officials are responsible for following the Constitution. Responding to the Opposition’s concerns about reservation, he points out that it was the Modi government that introduced the Economic Weaker Section (EWS) quota to include more deserving candidates. He also supports the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Pal said, “It’s not enough to just carry a copy of the Constitution; you must also follow it.”

Lok Sabha resumes as TMC MP Sougata Roy tells the treasury benches to use parliamentary rules to respond to Mahua Moitra's speech. Roy accuses Union Minister Kiren Rijiju of threatening Moitra, suggesting that she should stay silent or they would silence her. Congress MP KC Venugopal calls on Rijiju to apologize for threatening Moitra. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is in charge of the session, asks members to stick to debating the main issue.

Ruckus Leads To Lok Sabha Adjournment Until 6:15 pm

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for half an hour amid a ruckus. Earlier, TMC MP Mahua Moitra flayed the use of agencies like the CBI and ED to target opposition leaders, promote crony capitalists and suppress the media. Moitra called for these institutions to hold the government accountable. Her comments about Judge Loya's death led to protests from BJP lawmakers, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju promising disciplinary action against her.

During a debate on the Constitution, CPI(M) leader Sachinanantham R accused the BJP and RSS of trying to change it. He claimed that some government-backed groups wanted to replace the Constitution with the Manu Smriti.

Samajwadi Party MP Awadesh Prasad assured that as long as INDIA alliance MPs are present, the Constitution will be safeguarded.

LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary expressed disappointment that the Congress government had removed Dr Ambedkar's photo from the Central Hall. She said, "While India is seeing growth in FDI, the Opposition keeps flaying the government. Their SDI (Social Development Index) is increasing." She also accused the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar of going against Constitutional values.

Dr Amol Kolhe, NCP-SP MP slammed the political slogan-mongering in the Lok Sabha. He said, "Instead of focusing on which businessman is linked to which politician or funding which party, we should be discussing important issues like jobs and the agrarian crisis. He also pointed out how critics were being silenced and how valuable time of the judiciary was being wasted on unnecessary matters like what's hidden under mosques or behind temples.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa flayed lawmakers for not recognising Punjab's role in India's fight for freedom. He pointed out that out of more than 100 leaders, who were hanged, 90 were from Punjab. "We take pride in breathing freely in Independent India because of their sacrifices," he stated. Randhawa highlighted that Punjab is currently facing a proxy war with Pakistan, which is using drones to smuggle drugs into the state.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant took potshots at BJP for toppling several governments and alleged that Governors were indulging in political bias. He pointed out unemployment, violence in Manipur and women's safety.

Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan aka Lalan Singh took the previous Congress governments to task for misusing Article 356 and toppling state governments.

He alleged that they imposed the Emergency in 1975 at midnight to remain in power. All Opposition leaders were sent to jail. Fundamental rights were denied and these people are fighting for reservation? asks Ranjan. He assured that reservation will be protected by PM Modi, pointing out how most Congress MPs have walked out.

In the Lok Sabha debate on the Constitution, DMK leader TR Baalu stated that socialism and secularism are not just words in the Preamble, but core values that represent India's democratic and fair vision. He explained that the Constitution is more than just a set of laws; it’s a guiding vision from the leaders of Independent India. Baalu also pointed out issues like mob lynching and discrimination, which he believes go against the Constitution’s values of equality and justice, urging the government to take action to protect these principles.

During the Lok Sabha debate on the Constitution, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee took the floor, raising a critical question: "Has the Constitution failed, or have we failed the Constitution?" He acknowledged the contributions of leaders from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi in shaping the nation's journey, emphasising the collective efforts in building the Constitution.

However, he argued that the pressing issue today is not the Constitution itself, but rather the failure to uphold its core principles. Highlighting secularism as a fundamental value enshrined in the Preamble, which has been respected by all previous Prime Ministers, Banerjee expressed concern that the secular fabric of the country is increasingly under threat, particularly in the last decade. He accused the current central government of promoting an aggressive form of Hinduism, undermining the Constitution's secular spirit.

SP leader Akhilesh Yadav in his speech emphasised the critical role of the Constitution and raised concerns over national and social issues. Yadav called the Constitution the 'lifebreath of democracy' and a protector of the poor and oppressed. He praised Babasaheb Ambedkar for creating a system based on equality, unity, and justice. He also asked the government to share data on the income of people below the poverty line to understand their situation better.

He also raised concerns about alleged Chinese intrusions, saying India's borders are shrinking, and demanded answers. he also supported the demand for a caste census, saying it is necessary for fair policies and reducing inequalities in society.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav has started speaking in the Lok Sabha as the Constitution debate is underway.

Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi made her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha on Friday, taking the BJP_led government to task over several issues, including rising crimes against women, Dalits, and minorities. "This government is working to weaken the reservation policy through lateral entry and privatisation. Had the Lok Sabha election results not come as they have, the government would have started the work on changing the Constitution," Gandhi said.

"The truth is that they are chanting 'Constitution' because they realised that the people of this country will keep the Constitution alive," said the Lok Sabha member from Wayanad.

She said the people were demanding a caste-based census and even the ruling party was talking about it because of the election results.

"When the entire opposition called for a caste-based census, they talked about cattle and 'mangalsutra' getting stolen," the Congress MP said in an apparent reference to the Lok Sabha election campaign.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. The BJP won 240 seats on its own against the halfway mark of 272. (PTI)

Senior BJP Leader Rajnath Singh on Friday said the contribution of several leaders in the making of the Constitution was deliberately ignored and hit out at the Congress, asserting that a particular party always tried to "hijack and appropriate" the framing of the Constitution.

The defence minister initiated the debate in the Lok Sabha as the House took up a two-day 'Discussion on the glorious journey of 75 years of the Constitution of India'.

He pointed out that the Constitution had talked about religious freedom and it had been specified that the state will not have a religion and will be secular.

"This was stated by those who were dubbed communal by the people of the Congress," he said. Read More.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that last of the disengagement agreements between India and China pertained to Depsang and Demchok and he had mentioned it in his detailed statement on the recent developments in the India-China border areas.

Responding to a question by Congress MP Manish Tewari in the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar said that the understanding envisages that Indian security forces would be going to all the patrolling points in Depsang and would be going to the eastward limit which has India's patrolling limit in that part.

Manish Tiwari had asked a question on a paper presented by a senior IPS officer to the Conference of Director-Generals and Inspector-Generals of Police in 2023. According to Tiwari, in that paper, it was pointed out that 26 out of the 65 patrolling points from Korakoram Pass to Chumar were inaccessible to the Indian security forces as a consequence of Chinese transgressions. Tiwari asked whether the all those 26 patrolling points which were ostensibly inaccessible have become accessible or not.

In response to his question, Jaishankar said, "What somebody wrote as a paper is for that somebody to answer for. I can answer for the government. Now let me, let me sir through you, remind the honorable member, I gave a very detailed statement on the disengagement and recent developments in the India-China border areas. In that statement, I highlighted that the last of the disengagement agreements had taken place which pertained to Depsang and Demchok."

He further said, "I also would like to convey to the Honourable Member, it was in the statement as well, that the understanding envisages that Indian security forces would be going to all the patrolling points in Depsang and would be going to the limit, eastward limit which has historically been our patrolling limit in that part. We have also, the same statement made it clear that we have had some previous disengagement agreements. Those disengagement agreements also had certain provisions where both sides on a temporary basis had agreed to put certain restraints on themselves. So I think the position is very clear in that statement, and I would urge the honorable member to read that statement again."

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am, 16th December amid a ruckus in the House

In response to a query about tuberculosis, Anupriya Patel, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, stated that efforts are being made to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in every state. She emphasised that vulnerable populations, including those with co-morbidities, are being identified and provided with support. Patel highlighted that a differentiated approach is being taken for high-risk and drug-resistant patients, which involves longer treatment regimens. She explained that there are three types of treatment regimens available, noting that outcomes have improved for the shorter regimen lasting 9-11 months, with treatment success rates increasing from 68% to 75%.

K.C. Venugopal inquired about plans to scale up measures to eliminate TB by 2025. In her response, Patel mentioned that funds allocated for addressing the disease have increased from Rs 3,400 crores between 2014 and 2022. She stated that the incidence rate of TB in India has decreased and is now lower than the global average. Patel encouraged Venugopal to involve his constituency in the government’s 100-day campaign to eliminate TB, insisting that the government is leaving no stone unturned in this endeavour.

Members of several opposition parties on Friday moved a notice in the Rajya Sabha for the impeachment of Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav over his alleged controversial remarks at a recent event, sources said.

The notice for moving an impeachment motion was signed by 55 opposition MPs, including Kapil Sibal, Vivek Tankha, Digvijaya Singh, John Brittas, Manoj Kumar Jha and Saket Gokhale.

The MPs met the Rajya Sabha secretary general and handed over the notice for impeachment, the sources said.

The notice for the motion was moved under the Judges' (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and Article 218 of the Constitution, seeking initiation of proceedings for impeachment of Justice Yadav.

The notice mentioned that the speech/lecture delivered by Justice Yadav in an event organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) prima facie showed that he "engaged in hate speech and incitement to communal disharmony in violation of the Constitution of India".

It also mentioned that the judge prima facie showed that he targeted minorities and displayed bias and prejudice against them.

It went on to further state that the judge showed that Justice Yadav entered into public debate or expressed his views in public on political matters relating to a uniform civil code, in violation of the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life, 1997.

At a VHP function on December 8, Justice Yadav said the main aim of a uniform civil code was to promote social harmony, gender equality and secularism.

A day later, videos of the judge speaking on provocative issues, including the law working according to the majority, were circulated widely on social media, prompting strong reactions from several quarters, including opposition leaders.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took note of news reports over the purported controversial statements of Justice Yadav function and sought details from Allahabad High Court on the issue.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar congratulates D. Gukesh for becoming the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship

The Upper House observes a minute of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the tragic attack on Parliament in 2001.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Friday gave a suspension of business notice to discuss the Manipur situation in Rajya Sabha. Singh in his notice highlighted the 19-month-long "ethnic violence" in Manipur which resulted in the burning of hundreds of houses, the killing of innocent people and the displacement of thousands of families. "Respected Sir, the ethnic violence in Manipur for the last 19 months has exposed the failure of law and order in the State and the Government's negligence towards the safety of women. Hundreds of houses were burnt, many innocent people were killed, and thousands of families were displaced in this violence that started in May 2023.

Women and children bore the brunt of this crisis," Singh said in the notice. The AAP MP expressed concern that despite the Supreme Court order, the state government has failed to take concrete steps to submit a report on properties affected by violence and rehabilitation plans. "The brutal incident with a woman in Jiribam district on 7 November 2024, in which the victim was tortured and killed, presents another horrific picture of the deteriorating situation in Manipur. The Supreme Court has ordered the state government to submit a report on the properties affected by the violence and the rehabilitation plans, but no concrete steps have been taken in this direction so far," Singh said in the notice.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla makes a speech on the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001. He pays tributes to the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack.

Lok Sabha commences session at 11 a.m

The proceedings of Rajya Sabha begin.

On the debate on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha today, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We have put this condition that there should be a discussion on the Constitution. Many unconstitutional things are going on, many autonomous bodies are being misused, the governance in the country is not good, so we want a debate so that everyone can know how the governance is going on"

On 'One Nation, One Election',he said, "We will see what is in the bill. How they will do it, we will see all the things and then we will react to it..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other top political leaders and ministers of the country on Friday reached the Parliament and paid their tributes to the fallen Jawans on the 23 years of the Parliament Attack.Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and others paid tribute to the fallen jawans, at the Parliament, on the 23 years of the Parliament Attack.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also paid the floral tributes. The tributes reminded everyone about the horrific terror attack on the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001.

It may be recalled that it was on December 13, 2001, that Jagdish, Matbar, Kamlesh Kumari; Nanak Chand and Rampal, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Delhi Police; Om Prakash, Bijender Singh and Ghanshyam, Head Constables in Delhi Police; and Deshraj, a gardener, CPWD, had sacrificed their lives while defending the Parliament against the terrorist attack.

The perpetrators belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-- two Pakistan-raised terrorist organisations-- attacked the Parliament on December 13, 2001, that led to the deaths of five Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service personnel, one CRPF Constable and a gardener and led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan, resulting in the 2001-2002 India-Pakistan standoff.

A total of five terrorists, who infiltrated the Parliament in a car with Home Ministry and Parliament labels, were killed on the December 13, 2001 attack.

The Lok Sabha will begin a two-day debate on Friday to mark 75 years of the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reply to the debate on Saturday.The Business List of the Lower House mentions, "Discussion on the glorious journey of 75 years of the Constitution of India."Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will initiate the debate on the Constitution.The BJP and Congress have issued a three-line whip for all its members to be present in the House on December 13-14.The discussions will begin soon after the Question Hour, which is also listed in the agenda of the House. As per the Lok Sabha schedule, papers will be laid by seven ministers on various issues related to their departments and various committees will also present their reports.Both parties held their strategy meetings on Thursday.As per reports, PM Modi held a strategy meeting, which was attended among others by Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh besides BJP chief J.P. Nadda. The Home Minister also held a meeting with senior BJP Ministers.The opposition Congress met at the party headquarters. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, besides other senior leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh, were in the meeting.The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 25, is likely to end on December 20. The session so far has witnessed a ruckus on various issues, including the Congress' link with Soros. The debate on the Constitution has been the key demand of the opposition during this session.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 11 am on Saturday

Congress MP Hibi Eden quoted Dr BR Ambedkar, saying that it is important to protect the Constitution, especially for those who are elected. He added, "Today, the Constitution is in danger. Despite differences of opinion between Ambedkar and Nehru, the Constitution was upheld. But where was the RSS at that time? Now, they want to enforce the caste-based laws of Manusmriti."

BJP MP Jagadambika Pal said that elected officials are responsible for following the Constitution. Responding to the Opposition’s concerns about reservation, he points out that it was the Modi government that introduced the Economic Weaker Section (EWS) quota to include more deserving candidates. He also supports the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Pal said, “It’s not enough to just carry a copy of the Constitution; you must also follow it.”

Lok Sabha resumes as TMC MP Sougata Roy tells the treasury benches to use parliamentary rules to respond to Mahua Moitra's speech. Roy accuses Union Minister Kiren Rijiju of threatening Moitra, suggesting that she should stay silent or they would silence her. Congress MP KC Venugopal calls on Rijiju to apologize for threatening Moitra. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is in charge of the session, asks members to stick to debating the main issue.

Ruckus Leads To Lok Sabha Adjournment Until 6:15 pm

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for half an hour amid a ruckus. Earlier, TMC MP Mahua Moitra flayed the use of agencies like the CBI and ED to target opposition leaders, promote crony capitalists and suppress the media. Moitra called for these institutions to hold the government accountable. Her comments about Judge Loya's death led to protests from BJP lawmakers, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju promising disciplinary action against her.

During a debate on the Constitution, CPI(M) leader Sachinanantham R accused the BJP and RSS of trying to change it. He claimed that some government-backed groups wanted to replace the Constitution with the Manu Smriti.

Samajwadi Party MP Awadesh Prasad assured that as long as INDIA alliance MPs are present, the Constitution will be safeguarded.

LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary expressed disappointment that the Congress government had removed Dr Ambedkar's photo from the Central Hall. She said, "While India is seeing growth in FDI, the Opposition keeps flaying the government. Their SDI (Social Development Index) is increasing." She also accused the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar of going against Constitutional values.

Dr Amol Kolhe, NCP-SP MP slammed the political slogan-mongering in the Lok Sabha. He said, "Instead of focusing on which businessman is linked to which politician or funding which party, we should be discussing important issues like jobs and the agrarian crisis. He also pointed out how critics were being silenced and how valuable time of the judiciary was being wasted on unnecessary matters like what's hidden under mosques or behind temples.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa flayed lawmakers for not recognising Punjab's role in India's fight for freedom. He pointed out that out of more than 100 leaders, who were hanged, 90 were from Punjab. "We take pride in breathing freely in Independent India because of their sacrifices," he stated. Randhawa highlighted that Punjab is currently facing a proxy war with Pakistan, which is using drones to smuggle drugs into the state.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant took potshots at BJP for toppling several governments and alleged that Governors were indulging in political bias. He pointed out unemployment, violence in Manipur and women's safety.

Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan aka Lalan Singh took the previous Congress governments to task for misusing Article 356 and toppling state governments.

He alleged that they imposed the Emergency in 1975 at midnight to remain in power. All Opposition leaders were sent to jail. Fundamental rights were denied and these people are fighting for reservation? asks Ranjan. He assured that reservation will be protected by PM Modi, pointing out how most Congress MPs have walked out.

In the Lok Sabha debate on the Constitution, DMK leader TR Baalu stated that socialism and secularism are not just words in the Preamble, but core values that represent India's democratic and fair vision. He explained that the Constitution is more than just a set of laws; it’s a guiding vision from the leaders of Independent India. Baalu also pointed out issues like mob lynching and discrimination, which he believes go against the Constitution’s values of equality and justice, urging the government to take action to protect these principles.

During the Lok Sabha debate on the Constitution, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee took the floor, raising a critical question: "Has the Constitution failed, or have we failed the Constitution?" He acknowledged the contributions of leaders from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi in shaping the nation's journey, emphasising the collective efforts in building the Constitution.

However, he argued that the pressing issue today is not the Constitution itself, but rather the failure to uphold its core principles. Highlighting secularism as a fundamental value enshrined in the Preamble, which has been respected by all previous Prime Ministers, Banerjee expressed concern that the secular fabric of the country is increasingly under threat, particularly in the last decade. He accused the current central government of promoting an aggressive form of Hinduism, undermining the Constitution's secular spirit.

SP leader Akhilesh Yadav in his speech emphasised the critical role of the Constitution and raised concerns over national and social issues. Yadav called the Constitution the 'lifebreath of democracy' and a protector of the poor and oppressed. He praised Babasaheb Ambedkar for creating a system based on equality, unity, and justice. He also asked the government to share data on the income of people below the poverty line to understand their situation better.

He also raised concerns about alleged Chinese intrusions, saying India's borders are shrinking, and demanded answers. he also supported the demand for a caste census, saying it is necessary for fair policies and reducing inequalities in society.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav has started speaking in the Lok Sabha as the Constitution debate is underway.

Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi made her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha on Friday, taking the BJP_led government to task over several issues, including rising crimes against women, Dalits, and minorities. "This government is working to weaken the reservation policy through lateral entry and privatisation. Had the Lok Sabha election results not come as they have, the government would have started the work on changing the Constitution," Gandhi said.

"The truth is that they are chanting 'Constitution' because they realised that the people of this country will keep the Constitution alive," said the Lok Sabha member from Wayanad.

She said the people were demanding a caste-based census and even the ruling party was talking about it because of the election results.

"When the entire opposition called for a caste-based census, they talked about cattle and 'mangalsutra' getting stolen," the Congress MP said in an apparent reference to the Lok Sabha election campaign.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. The BJP won 240 seats on its own against the halfway mark of 272. (PTI)

Senior BJP Leader Rajnath Singh on Friday said the contribution of several leaders in the making of the Constitution was deliberately ignored and hit out at the Congress, asserting that a particular party always tried to "hijack and appropriate" the framing of the Constitution.

The defence minister initiated the debate in the Lok Sabha as the House took up a two-day 'Discussion on the glorious journey of 75 years of the Constitution of India'.

He pointed out that the Constitution had talked about religious freedom and it had been specified that the state will not have a religion and will be secular.

"This was stated by those who were dubbed communal by the people of the Congress," he said. Read More.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that last of the disengagement agreements between India and China pertained to Depsang and Demchok and he had mentioned it in his detailed statement on the recent developments in the India-China border areas.

Responding to a question by Congress MP Manish Tewari in the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar said that the understanding envisages that Indian security forces would be going to all the patrolling points in Depsang and would be going to the eastward limit which has India's patrolling limit in that part.

Manish Tiwari had asked a question on a paper presented by a senior IPS officer to the Conference of Director-Generals and Inspector-Generals of Police in 2023. According to Tiwari, in that paper, it was pointed out that 26 out of the 65 patrolling points from Korakoram Pass to Chumar were inaccessible to the Indian security forces as a consequence of Chinese transgressions. Tiwari asked whether the all those 26 patrolling points which were ostensibly inaccessible have become accessible or not.

In response to his question, Jaishankar said, "What somebody wrote as a paper is for that somebody to answer for. I can answer for the government. Now let me, let me sir through you, remind the honorable member, I gave a very detailed statement on the disengagement and recent developments in the India-China border areas. In that statement, I highlighted that the last of the disengagement agreements had taken place which pertained to Depsang and Demchok."

He further said, "I also would like to convey to the Honourable Member, it was in the statement as well, that the understanding envisages that Indian security forces would be going to all the patrolling points in Depsang and would be going to the limit, eastward limit which has historically been our patrolling limit in that part. We have also, the same statement made it clear that we have had some previous disengagement agreements. Those disengagement agreements also had certain provisions where both sides on a temporary basis had agreed to put certain restraints on themselves. So I think the position is very clear in that statement, and I would urge the honorable member to read that statement again."

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am, 16th December amid a ruckus in the House

In response to a query about tuberculosis, Anupriya Patel, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, stated that efforts are being made to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in every state. She emphasised that vulnerable populations, including those with co-morbidities, are being identified and provided with support. Patel highlighted that a differentiated approach is being taken for high-risk and drug-resistant patients, which involves longer treatment regimens. She explained that there are three types of treatment regimens available, noting that outcomes have improved for the shorter regimen lasting 9-11 months, with treatment success rates increasing from 68% to 75%.

K.C. Venugopal inquired about plans to scale up measures to eliminate TB by 2025. In her response, Patel mentioned that funds allocated for addressing the disease have increased from Rs 3,400 crores between 2014 and 2022. She stated that the incidence rate of TB in India has decreased and is now lower than the global average. Patel encouraged Venugopal to involve his constituency in the government’s 100-day campaign to eliminate TB, insisting that the government is leaving no stone unturned in this endeavour.

Members of several opposition parties on Friday moved a notice in the Rajya Sabha for the impeachment of Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav over his alleged controversial remarks at a recent event, sources said.

The notice for moving an impeachment motion was signed by 55 opposition MPs, including Kapil Sibal, Vivek Tankha, Digvijaya Singh, John Brittas, Manoj Kumar Jha and Saket Gokhale.

The MPs met the Rajya Sabha secretary general and handed over the notice for impeachment, the sources said.

The notice for the motion was moved under the Judges' (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and Article 218 of the Constitution, seeking initiation of proceedings for impeachment of Justice Yadav.

The notice mentioned that the speech/lecture delivered by Justice Yadav in an event organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) prima facie showed that he "engaged in hate speech and incitement to communal disharmony in violation of the Constitution of India".

It also mentioned that the judge prima facie showed that he targeted minorities and displayed bias and prejudice against them.

It went on to further state that the judge showed that Justice Yadav entered into public debate or expressed his views in public on political matters relating to a uniform civil code, in violation of the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life, 1997.

At a VHP function on December 8, Justice Yadav said the main aim of a uniform civil code was to promote social harmony, gender equality and secularism.

A day later, videos of the judge speaking on provocative issues, including the law working according to the majority, were circulated widely on social media, prompting strong reactions from several quarters, including opposition leaders.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took note of news reports over the purported controversial statements of Justice Yadav function and sought details from Allahabad High Court on the issue.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar congratulates D. Gukesh for becoming the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship

The Upper House observes a minute of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the tragic attack on Parliament in 2001.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Friday gave a suspension of business notice to discuss the Manipur situation in Rajya Sabha. Singh in his notice highlighted the 19-month-long "ethnic violence" in Manipur which resulted in the burning of hundreds of houses, the killing of innocent people and the displacement of thousands of families. "Respected Sir, the ethnic violence in Manipur for the last 19 months has exposed the failure of law and order in the State and the Government's negligence towards the safety of women. Hundreds of houses were burnt, many innocent people were killed, and thousands of families were displaced in this violence that started in May 2023.

Women and children bore the brunt of this crisis," Singh said in the notice. The AAP MP expressed concern that despite the Supreme Court order, the state government has failed to take concrete steps to submit a report on properties affected by violence and rehabilitation plans. "The brutal incident with a woman in Jiribam district on 7 November 2024, in which the victim was tortured and killed, presents another horrific picture of the deteriorating situation in Manipur. The Supreme Court has ordered the state government to submit a report on the properties affected by the violence and the rehabilitation plans, but no concrete steps have been taken in this direction so far," Singh said in the notice.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla makes a speech on the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001. He pays tributes to the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack.

Lok Sabha commences session at 11 a.m

The proceedings of Rajya Sabha begin.

On the debate on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha today, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We have put this condition that there should be a discussion on the Constitution. Many unconstitutional things are going on, many autonomous bodies are being misused, the governance in the country is not good, so we want a debate so that everyone can know how the governance is going on"

On 'One Nation, One Election',he said, "We will see what is in the bill. How they will do it, we will see all the things and then we will react to it..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other top political leaders and ministers of the country on Friday reached the Parliament and paid their tributes to the fallen Jawans on the 23 years of the Parliament Attack.Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and others paid tribute to the fallen jawans, at the Parliament, on the 23 years of the Parliament Attack.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also paid the floral tributes. The tributes reminded everyone about the horrific terror attack on the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001.

It may be recalled that it was on December 13, 2001, that Jagdish, Matbar, Kamlesh Kumari; Nanak Chand and Rampal, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Delhi Police; Om Prakash, Bijender Singh and Ghanshyam, Head Constables in Delhi Police; and Deshraj, a gardener, CPWD, had sacrificed their lives while defending the Parliament against the terrorist attack.

The perpetrators belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-- two Pakistan-raised terrorist organisations-- attacked the Parliament on December 13, 2001, that led to the deaths of five Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service personnel, one CRPF Constable and a gardener and led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan, resulting in the 2001-2002 India-Pakistan standoff.

A total of five terrorists, who infiltrated the Parliament in a car with Home Ministry and Parliament labels, were killed on the December 13, 2001 attack.

The Lok Sabha will begin a two-day debate on Friday to mark 75 years of the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reply to the debate on Saturday.The Business List of the Lower House mentions, "Discussion on the glorious journey of 75 years of the Constitution of India."Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will initiate the debate on the Constitution.The BJP and Congress have issued a three-line whip for all its members to be present in the House on December 13-14.The discussions will begin soon after the Question Hour, which is also listed in the agenda of the House. As per the Lok Sabha schedule, papers will be laid by seven ministers on various issues related to their departments and various committees will also present their reports.Both parties held their strategy meetings on Thursday.As per reports, PM Modi held a strategy meeting, which was attended among others by Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh besides BJP chief J.P. Nadda. The Home Minister also held a meeting with senior BJP Ministers.The opposition Congress met at the party headquarters. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, besides other senior leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh, were in the meeting.The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 25, is likely to end on December 20. The session so far has witnessed a ruckus on various issues, including the Congress' link with Soros. The debate on the Constitution has been the key demand of the opposition during this session.