Parliament Winter Session Day 16 LIVE | Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Urges Election Commission To Hold Global 'EVM Hackathon'

Independent MP Kapil Sibal said that the Indian Constitution is a wonderful document. "I am worried about the pollution that has entered the political framework," Sibal said.

"No democracy can survive without institutions. We have an institution of a Governor. Institution of Election Commission. I wish there was a whitepaper on the functioning of the Election Commission.

He also said there is digital inequality in the country.

Shiv Sena MP from Maharashtra Milind Deora said, "We can have personal political differences but India is not above the Constitution."

"I will speak about five points which have strengthened the Constitution in the recent past," said Deroa, son of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader late Murli Deora.

"The abrogation of Article 370 ensured uniform application of laws in the county. The biggest benefit of abrogation of Article 370 is the Kashmiri youth and I say this from my own experience. I visited Jammu and Kashmir three times after 2019," added Deora.

"In my opinion, the fifth way is the Indian Constitution.. is the use of UPI platform and Aadhar cards," he added.

Deora lashed out at the Opposition for demanding paper ballots in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "I have fought five elections. My first election was in 2004. I believed in EVMs in them and I believe them now. Today some people are saying remove EVMs and bring paper ballots. Paper ballots came with the risk of booth capturing. The issue of human errors. In 2017, the Election Commission organised the EVM Hackathon."

He also urged the Election Commission of India to organise a global EVM Hackathon. He also said that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reviewed democracy in Shiv Sena.

Praful Patel, NCP MP from Maharashtra said, "Congress was formed after independence. The common man of this country gave us freedom. If we are living in a democracy despite diversity, the credit should be given to the Constitution. "

The former Union Minister also said that the Emergency was the black spot on democracy. "We were studying in college and people were deprived of their lives," Patel said as he lashed out at the Opposition.

"I will also say that in our country, there is a discussion about rights as per the population. You speak about caste census. ST and SC reservation is part of the Constitution. When the recommendations of the Mandal came, Congress was in power. When VP Singh became the Prime Minister, at that time, the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented," added Patel, who supported Ajit Pawar.

"I want to say that the Opposition opposed Article 370. Article 370 was a temporary provision in the Constitution., It was removed by the strong government as the things had changed," added Patel.

According to Patel, after Narendra Modi came to power, article 356 has not been misused. YSRCP MP LS Niranjan Reddy and BJP member from Rajasthan Ghanshyam Tiwari also took part in the discussion.

In his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik, a Congress member from Rajasthan, said the way ruling party members are speaking, it feels that they only made the Constitution and they gave the country independence.

"Did Jawaharlal Nehru commit any crime by spending nine years in jail? Was it a crime by Jawaharlal Nehru that he laid the foundation for modern India?" Wasnik asked.

Wasnik also trained his guns at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. "Have you seen any woman heading the RSS in 100 years?" he asked

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) member from Odisha Debashish Samantaray said that Naveen Babu (Naveen Patnaik) ruled for five decades. "Now there is a change in government and we accept it," Samantaray said.

He also listed out the works done by Naveen Patnaik while he was in power in Odisha. "It is the responsibility of both the Houses to keep the sanctity of the Constitution," added Samantaray.

V Vijaysai Reddy, YSRCP MP from Andhra Pradesh said Jagan Mohan Reddy has not violated directives principal of state policy. He listed out the benefits implemented for SC by YSRCP government from 2019-2024.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged the government to 'raise its voice' against the attacks on Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, she also questioned the removal of a photo depicting the surrender of the Pakistani Army during the 1971 war from the Army headquarters. She saluted the bravery of soldiers and praised Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's leadership during the conflict.

Debates of the Constituent Assembly show that erstwhile leaders of RSS were against the Constitution, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said on Monday. He said it was clear from debates of the Constituent Assembly that erstwhile leaders of RSS were against the Constitution. "Those who hated the flag, Ashok Chakra and the Constitution are today teaching lessons to us on the Constitution," Kharge said. He also saidthe BJP is against reservation which is why they are against cast census. (PTI)

In his RS speech, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the BJP, stating, "Those who didn't fight for the country cannot understand the importance of freedom and the Constitution." He criticised PM Modi, calling him the 'number one liar', and highlighting unfulfilled promises, like the Rs 15 lakh pledge. Karge also questioned the governemnt/s actions over the past 11 years in strengthening the Constitution.

Congress walks out of Lok Sabha over the removal of the 1971 surrender painting from Army headquarters.

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the Rajya Sabha, questioned the BJP's intentions, asking whether the party truly supports the Constitution. He also accused the BJP of lacking interest in solving basic issues.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking in Rajya Sabha, paid tribute to soldiers killed in the 1971 India-Bangladesh War and honoured Indira Gandhi's role in liberating Bangladesh. On Bangladesh Liberation Day, Kharge urged BJP leaders to draw inspiration from Indira Gandhi, calling her the 'Iron Lady' and suggesting they could learn from her efforts to protect minorities in the region.

Nirmala Sitharaman demanded a written apology from Congress MP Jairam Ramesh after he accused her of lying, a claim she strongly denied. 'I never lie', she asserted, adding, "Accusing others of lying seems ingrained in Congress DNA." Speaking in Rajya Sabha, she criticised Congress for opposing certain GST provisions in Maharashtra and failing to introduce the GST amendment during their tenure.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accused Congress of misusing constitutional amendments to protect power, not strengthen democracy. She said, "The amendments were not about strengthening democracy but about protecting those in power." Her comments on Congress consolidating familial power and jailing the opposition sparked a heated uproar, with opposition members strongly protesting her statements in the Upper House.

BJP Chief JP Nadda intervened in the Rajya Sabha debate to counter Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. Nadda stated, "In 1976, Indira Gandhi attempted to crush democracy while in power." He highlighted the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act introduced by the Janata Party government under Morarji Desai, which reversed authoritarian measures imposed during Gandhi's tenure.

Nirmala Sitharaman criticised Congress in the Rajya Sabha for introducing the first Constitutional amendment to curb freedom of speech. She explained that in 1950, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Communist magazine Cross Roads and the RSS magazine Organiser. In response, the Congress-led interim government introduced the amendment to restrict free expression. She also said that 21 MPs belonging to all opposition parties were jailed.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during the Rajya Sabha speech, highlighted how poet Majrooh Sultanouri and actor Balraj Sahni were jailed for anti-Nehru remarks, accusing Congress of curbing free speech through Constitutional amendments.

Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the Constitution's resilience, noting that while over 50 countries rewrote their Constitutions post- World War II. India has endured, adapting through amendments without losing its core spirit.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman initiated a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, outlining four key criteria for evaluating constitutional amendments:

Social Impact: Assessing whether the amendment's intent and outcome genuinely benefit society.

Economic Benefits: Ensuring economic intent aligns with societal welfare

Legislative Process: Evaluating the process followed in enacting the amendment.

Constitutional Spirit: Checking alignment with the Constitution's principles.

Nirmala Sitharaman initiated the Rajya Sabha debate on the Constitution by honouring the members of the Constituent Assembly, particularly it 15 women members. She lauded the Constitution's journey since 1949, emphasising its role in shaping India's democratic success. Highlighting the nation's progress, she stated, "Extremely proud of the way India's democracy is growing." The discussion marks 75 years since the Constitution's adoption and reflects on its evolution and significance."

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman begins a discussion in Rajya Sabha marking 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949.

Newly elected members have begun taking their oath in the Rajya Sabha, marking the commencement of their tenure in the Upper House of Parliament.

BSP Chief Mayawati criticised Congress and SP for opposing SC/ST promotion quotas and backed the centre's 'One Nation One Election' bills, calling them cost-effective. She also demanded reservations for SC, ST, and OBC be included in the Ninth Schedule.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has raised a suspension of business notice, urging a discussion on Delhi's rising crime and worsening law and order, calling it a threat to citizens and public representatives.

Congress MP raised an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. In 2024, 350 fishermen and 49 boats have been apprehended, marking the highest in six years.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will initiate a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the significance and evolution of the Constitution, marking its adoption on November 26, 1949.

The government has postponed introducing the 'One Nation One Election' bills in the Lok Sabha until after financial business is addressed. Originally scheduled for Monday, the bills- the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill are now expected to be introduced later this week, following the passage of supplementary demands for grants.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien stated that his party wants a smooth debate of the Constitution's 75th anniversary, provided the BJP does not disrupt the proceedings. He blamed the ruling party for recent disruptions in the Upper House, which led to multiple adjournments and clashes.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has raised a notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the removal of an iconic 1971 war photograph from the Army headquarters. The photograph depicting the surrender during the Bangladesh war has been replaced with a new painting titles 'Karam Kshetra' (Field of Deeds), showcasing Pangong Lake and India's military strength along the India-China border.

Independent MP Kapil Sibal said that the Indian Constitution is a wonderful document. "I am worried about the pollution that has entered the political framework," Sibal said.

"No democracy can survive without institutions. We have an institution of a Governor. Institution of Election Commission. I wish there was a whitepaper on the functioning of the Election Commission.

He also said there is digital inequality in the country.

Shiv Sena MP from Maharashtra Milind Deora said, "We can have personal political differences but India is not above the Constitution."

"I will speak about five points which have strengthened the Constitution in the recent past," said Deroa, son of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader late Murli Deora.

"The abrogation of Article 370 ensured uniform application of laws in the county. The biggest benefit of abrogation of Article 370 is the Kashmiri youth and I say this from my own experience. I visited Jammu and Kashmir three times after 2019," added Deora.

"In my opinion, the fifth way is the Indian Constitution.. is the use of UPI platform and Aadhar cards," he added.

Deora lashed out at the Opposition for demanding paper ballots in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "I have fought five elections. My first election was in 2004. I believed in EVMs in them and I believe them now. Today some people are saying remove EVMs and bring paper ballots. Paper ballots came with the risk of booth capturing. The issue of human errors. In 2017, the Election Commission organised the EVM Hackathon."

He also urged the Election Commission of India to organise a global EVM Hackathon. He also said that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reviewed democracy in Shiv Sena.

Praful Patel, NCP MP from Maharashtra said, "Congress was formed after independence. The common man of this country gave us freedom. If we are living in a democracy despite diversity, the credit should be given to the Constitution. "

The former Union Minister also said that the Emergency was the black spot on democracy. "We were studying in college and people were deprived of their lives," Patel said as he lashed out at the Opposition.

"I will also say that in our country, there is a discussion about rights as per the population. You speak about caste census. ST and SC reservation is part of the Constitution. When the recommendations of the Mandal came, Congress was in power. When VP Singh became the Prime Minister, at that time, the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented," added Patel, who supported Ajit Pawar.

"I want to say that the Opposition opposed Article 370. Article 370 was a temporary provision in the Constitution., It was removed by the strong government as the things had changed," added Patel.

According to Patel, after Narendra Modi came to power, article 356 has not been misused. YSRCP MP LS Niranjan Reddy and BJP member from Rajasthan Ghanshyam Tiwari also took part in the discussion.

In his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik, a Congress member from Rajasthan, said the way ruling party members are speaking, it feels that they only made the Constitution and they gave the country independence.

"Did Jawaharlal Nehru commit any crime by spending nine years in jail? Was it a crime by Jawaharlal Nehru that he laid the foundation for modern India?" Wasnik asked.

Wasnik also trained his guns at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. "Have you seen any woman heading the RSS in 100 years?" he asked

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) member from Odisha Debashish Samantaray said that Naveen Babu (Naveen Patnaik) ruled for five decades. "Now there is a change in government and we accept it," Samantaray said.

He also listed out the works done by Naveen Patnaik while he was in power in Odisha. "It is the responsibility of both the Houses to keep the sanctity of the Constitution," added Samantaray.

V Vijaysai Reddy, YSRCP MP from Andhra Pradesh said Jagan Mohan Reddy has not violated directives principal of state policy. He listed out the benefits implemented for SC by YSRCP government from 2019-2024.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged the government to 'raise its voice' against the attacks on Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, she also questioned the removal of a photo depicting the surrender of the Pakistani Army during the 1971 war from the Army headquarters. She saluted the bravery of soldiers and praised Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's leadership during the conflict.

Debates of the Constituent Assembly show that erstwhile leaders of RSS were against the Constitution, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said on Monday. He said it was clear from debates of the Constituent Assembly that erstwhile leaders of RSS were against the Constitution. "Those who hated the flag, Ashok Chakra and the Constitution are today teaching lessons to us on the Constitution," Kharge said. He also saidthe BJP is against reservation which is why they are against cast census. (PTI)

In his RS speech, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the BJP, stating, "Those who didn't fight for the country cannot understand the importance of freedom and the Constitution." He criticised PM Modi, calling him the 'number one liar', and highlighting unfulfilled promises, like the Rs 15 lakh pledge. Karge also questioned the governemnt/s actions over the past 11 years in strengthening the Constitution.

Congress walks out of Lok Sabha over the removal of the 1971 surrender painting from Army headquarters.

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the Rajya Sabha, questioned the BJP's intentions, asking whether the party truly supports the Constitution. He also accused the BJP of lacking interest in solving basic issues.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking in Rajya Sabha, paid tribute to soldiers killed in the 1971 India-Bangladesh War and honoured Indira Gandhi's role in liberating Bangladesh. On Bangladesh Liberation Day, Kharge urged BJP leaders to draw inspiration from Indira Gandhi, calling her the 'Iron Lady' and suggesting they could learn from her efforts to protect minorities in the region.

Nirmala Sitharaman demanded a written apology from Congress MP Jairam Ramesh after he accused her of lying, a claim she strongly denied. 'I never lie', she asserted, adding, "Accusing others of lying seems ingrained in Congress DNA." Speaking in Rajya Sabha, she criticised Congress for opposing certain GST provisions in Maharashtra and failing to introduce the GST amendment during their tenure.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accused Congress of misusing constitutional amendments to protect power, not strengthen democracy. She said, "The amendments were not about strengthening democracy but about protecting those in power." Her comments on Congress consolidating familial power and jailing the opposition sparked a heated uproar, with opposition members strongly protesting her statements in the Upper House.

BJP Chief JP Nadda intervened in the Rajya Sabha debate to counter Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. Nadda stated, "In 1976, Indira Gandhi attempted to crush democracy while in power." He highlighted the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act introduced by the Janata Party government under Morarji Desai, which reversed authoritarian measures imposed during Gandhi's tenure.

Nirmala Sitharaman criticised Congress in the Rajya Sabha for introducing the first Constitutional amendment to curb freedom of speech. She explained that in 1950, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Communist magazine Cross Roads and the RSS magazine Organiser. In response, the Congress-led interim government introduced the amendment to restrict free expression. She also said that 21 MPs belonging to all opposition parties were jailed.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during the Rajya Sabha speech, highlighted how poet Majrooh Sultanouri and actor Balraj Sahni were jailed for anti-Nehru remarks, accusing Congress of curbing free speech through Constitutional amendments.

Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the Constitution's resilience, noting that while over 50 countries rewrote their Constitutions post- World War II. India has endured, adapting through amendments without losing its core spirit.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman initiated a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, outlining four key criteria for evaluating constitutional amendments:

Social Impact: Assessing whether the amendment's intent and outcome genuinely benefit society.

Economic Benefits: Ensuring economic intent aligns with societal welfare

Legislative Process: Evaluating the process followed in enacting the amendment.

Constitutional Spirit: Checking alignment with the Constitution's principles.

Nirmala Sitharaman initiated the Rajya Sabha debate on the Constitution by honouring the members of the Constituent Assembly, particularly it 15 women members. She lauded the Constitution's journey since 1949, emphasising its role in shaping India's democratic success. Highlighting the nation's progress, she stated, "Extremely proud of the way India's democracy is growing." The discussion marks 75 years since the Constitution's adoption and reflects on its evolution and significance."

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman begins a discussion in Rajya Sabha marking 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949.

Newly elected members have begun taking their oath in the Rajya Sabha, marking the commencement of their tenure in the Upper House of Parliament.

BSP Chief Mayawati criticised Congress and SP for opposing SC/ST promotion quotas and backed the centre's 'One Nation One Election' bills, calling them cost-effective. She also demanded reservations for SC, ST, and OBC be included in the Ninth Schedule.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has raised a suspension of business notice, urging a discussion on Delhi's rising crime and worsening law and order, calling it a threat to citizens and public representatives.

Congress MP raised an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. In 2024, 350 fishermen and 49 boats have been apprehended, marking the highest in six years.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will initiate a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the significance and evolution of the Constitution, marking its adoption on November 26, 1949.

The government has postponed introducing the 'One Nation One Election' bills in the Lok Sabha until after financial business is addressed. Originally scheduled for Monday, the bills- the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill are now expected to be introduced later this week, following the passage of supplementary demands for grants.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien stated that his party wants a smooth debate of the Constitution's 75th anniversary, provided the BJP does not disrupt the proceedings. He blamed the ruling party for recent disruptions in the Upper House, which led to multiple adjournments and clashes.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has raised a notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the removal of an iconic 1971 war photograph from the Army headquarters. The photograph depicting the surrender during the Bangladesh war has been replaced with a new painting titles 'Karam Kshetra' (Field of Deeds), showcasing Pangong Lake and India's military strength along the India-China border.