Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Home Minister Amit Shah Lashes Out At Congress, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi And Rahul Gandhi

Shah spoke about how Jawaharlal Nehru insulted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. He said that the BJP made five memorials for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar including the ones at Mhow, London, Nagpur and Mumbai.

Shah also elaborately on the Abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "Your shop of polarisation ended after we abrogated Article 370," Shah said.

Shah further said that the title Veer for Vinayak Savarkar has been conferred by the people.

"I want to state on record, from 1857 to 1947, only one person has been awarded two sentences it is Veer Savarkar," Shah said. The Union Home Minister quoted how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi lauded Savarkar for his courage.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the members of the Constitution Assembly studied different Constitutions across the globe. While speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Shah, also a senior BJP leader said, "I want to thank the Chairman for allowing me to participate in this important debate."

"After a long freedom struggle, we attained independence. After 75 years since we adopted the Constitution... I want to thank Sardar Patel, because of him, the country is unity."

Shah further said, "Change is the truth of life and this was accepted by the Constitution Assembly. Some leaders have come and at the age of 54 call them youth."

"The BJP ruled for 16 years - six years by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and 10 years by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress changed the Constitution 77 times. BJP also changed the Constitution. What was the difference between the two parties," Shah said.

Shah said he would take major four Constitutional changes by both Congress and BJP. "The first Constitutional amendment was brought for Jawaharlal Nehru. On November 5, 1971, the 24th Amendment and the Parliament were given rights to curb the rights of citizens," Shah added. He said that the 39th Constitutional Amendment crossed all the limits. "The election of Indira Gandhi was declared unconstitutional by Allahabad High Court," Shah recalled.

Shah also took a dig at the Opposition for their loss in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls.

"Our Prime Minister says he is a Pradhan Sevak and someone says no fingers can be pointed out at the ruler," Shah said as he lashed out at former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Shah said that the BJP government brought laws to end Triple Talaq. "We do not indulge in vote bank politics. By ending triple talaq, we helped Muslim women," Shah said.

He also said by spreading lies and flying the Constitution, Congress garnered voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "In Lok Sabha, people did not know. In Maharashtra, they distributed copies of the Constitution and one journalist found that it was empty. People understood that they carried false Constitution and people taught them a lesson," Shah said.

Shah also recalled the dark days of Emergency. "We respect the Constitution. The Prime Minister proposed the idea of Constitution Day, to which a Congress leader asked what is the need, we already have January 26," Shah said.

Shah also narrated a poem by Dushyant Kumar about the Emergency, which was imposed in 1975. Shah listed out the achievements of the Narendra Modi government.

"I will state how Congress is anti-reservation," Shah said referring to the Kakasaheb Kalelkar Commission report. "In 1980, the Mandal Commission report came and it was implemented 10 years after when Congress lost power. Rajiv Gandhi made the biggest speech in the Lok Sabha, which was against giving reservations to OBC," Shah said.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his work in the last 10 years. He also took potshots at Congress saying the grand old party has betrayed the country.

In his trademark poetry style, Athawale said, "Constitution is completing 75 years and the world is looking at India." "He said Congress is jealous of Narendra Modi, as he is the Prime Minister and belongs to OBC community," added Athawale.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that the government does not believe in the Constitution. "I come from a regional party in Maharashtra. This government has undermined the Constitution," said Chaturvedi.

CAR-Indian Institute of Millet Research is coming up at Barmer in Rajasthan with a budgetary outlay of Rs 8.50 crore, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday. So far, Rs 2.5 crore expenditure has been incurred on infrastructure development, equipment and farm implements, etc. Two scientists, including a Center Head, have been deployed, he said in his written reply to the Lok Sabha.

The Rajasthan government has allotted 98.8 acres of land for the institute. The minister said the state government has said ten applications have been considered for subsidy for setting up export-oriented processing units of Jeera and Isabgol in Jodhpur.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the lower-than-expected GDP growth of 5.4 per cent in the second quarter was a "temporary blip" and the economy will see healthy growth in the coming quarters.

Replying to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants, she said India has seen "steady and sustained" growth and its GDP growth rate has averaged 8.3 per cent in the last three years . India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world, Sitharaman added.

The second quarter growth is only a "temporary blip", and the economy will see healthy growth in the coming quarters, Sitharaman said. The finance minister further said there is no broad-based slowdown in the manufacturing sector. Half of the sectors within the overall manufacturing basket continue to remain strong.The Indian economy grew 6.7 per cent in the first (April-June) quarter and 5.4 per cent in the July-September period.

About inflation, Sitharaman said it is better controlled in the NDA regime, whereas under the UPA, it touched double digits. Retail inflation in April-October 2024-25 stood at 4.8 per cent, the lowest since the Covid pandemic, she noted.Sitharaman said the unemployment rate has come down from 6 per cent in 2017-18 to 3.2 per cent now.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP in Rajya Sabha Sanjay Singh launched a blistering attack on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Speaking on the debate of the Constitution, Sanjay Singh said, "They are giving birth to inequality."

"Today, 5 per cent of people own 60 per cent of the country's wealth. Our Constitution speaks about Secularism. The PM, the MPs, and the Ministers take oath as per the Constitution but do not abide by it. BJP goes to mosques to worship gods. They are searching for Gods in mosques. The NDA government has started an India digging scheme," added Sanjay Singh.

Sanjay Singh also tore into the BJP for their spending in the education sector.

He also listed out the achievements of the Delhi government headed by Chief Minister Atishi. "We have given free power in Delhi and this happened for the first time. We provided free water and medical treatment to the people. We gave ladies free bus services. When Arvind Kejriwal will become Chief Minister of Delhi, every woman will be given Rs 2,100," he added.

He said, "give me ED and CBI for three hours and everyone will go to jail". Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that this will not go on record.

There was a debate between JP Nadda, Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha and Sanjay Singh. "Is there (Donald) Trump government here for 10 years? I want to ask Narendra Modi and Amit Shah...How did any Bangladesh come to Delhi? Was your government unaware of it," Sanjay Singh said.

Singh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's friend (Gautam) Adani steals power in India and supplies power to Bangladesh.

The Deputy Chairman also said this sentence would not go on record. He also said that no Dalit or Adivasi has headed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

There was a ruckus by the treasury benches after Sanjay Singh said, "Galli Galli Mei Shor Hai, Narendra Modi Chor Hai (There is a ruckus in lanes and Narendra Modi is a thief)'. Deputy Chairperson Harivansh said this sentence would also not go on the record.

He also spoke about the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi. "A man was murdered in court in Delhi and this is happening in the national capital, where the President, Vice President and Prime Minister stay," he alleged.

Congress MP from Maharashtra Rajni Patil thanked former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who introduced the Panchayat Raj Bill.

"India's Constitution has celebrated 75 years. In 1996, when the Women's Reservation Bill came in the Lok Sabha, BJP's Uma Bharti tore the Bill. Why RSS does not have a woman chief till now, same with BJP," she said.

The BJP takes the name of Emergency but they have imposed undeclared emergency in the last 10 years. "In 2000, former RSS chief K Sudarshan had spoken about changing the Constitution," she alleged.

"They attacked the Constitution through the Electoral Bonds. They had stolen the government in Maharashtra," she alleged.

Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that the Tribal Ministry was created by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Speaking during the debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, Yadav launched a blistering attack on Congress and the Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

"When I was hearing yesterday, Tiruchi Siwa said that Makar Dwar is written in the Parliament and he could not understand it. The word Makar is written in Tamil. We respect all Indian languages," the senior BJP leader said.

"It is not a matter of debate. We are respective every classical language and every language," Bhupendra Yadav.

Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 3 pm following the introduction of 'One Nation One Election' bills.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly referred to as the Bill on "One Nation, One Election" to permit holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, was introduced in the Lok Sabha with 269 voting in favour and 198 against.

Key points on the 'One Nation One Election' Showdown In Lok Sabha

• When ONOE bills came up in Cabinet, PM Modi said this should be referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament: Home Minister Amit Shah
• IUML leader E T Mohammed Basheer, Shiv Sena member Anil Desai oppose introduction of ONOE bills.
• ONOE bill gives 'illegal' powers to Election Commission to advise the President: Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi.
• TDP declares 'unwavering' support to ONOE bills: TDP member and Union minister Chandrashekhar Pemmasani.
• ONOE bills to indirectly introduce presidential style of democracy, finish off regional parties: AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.
• Supriya Sule of NCP-SP says either withdraw ONOE bill or refer it to parliamentary committee.
• Opposition has allergy towards reforms, support ONOE bills: Shiv Sena member Shrikant Shinde.
• CPI(M) member Amra Ram opposes ONOE bills, says they attack basic structure of Constitution.
• ONOE bills in line with Constitution, do not assault basic structure doctrine: Law Minister Meghwal.
• Objections to ONOE bills political in nature: Law Minster Meghwal
• Opposition seeks division of votes as law minister moves motion to introduce ONOE bills in Lok Sabha.
• Voting through electronic system underway in Lok Sabha
• Voting by paper slips is underway for some members in Lok Sabha after electronic voting on the introduction of 'One Nation One Election' bills

Several Congress MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in Parliament premises on Tuesday, demanding justice for Hindus and Christians facing atrocities in Bangladesh. The MPs protested with handbags which had 'Stand with minorities of Bangladesh' written on it. They raised slogans urging the government to ensure justice for minorities in Bangladesh.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a cream-coloured handbag to Parliament on which it was written: "Bangladesh ke Hindu aur Isaiyon ke saath khade ho" (stand with the Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh). This comes a day after she expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, carrying a handbag with 'Palestine' emblazoned on it. Read More.

The government is making efforts continuously to increase the income of farmers and various schemes are in place for it, Union minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said on Tuesday.

The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister also told the Lok Sabha that the income of farmers is not less than that of the labourers.

Responding to supplementary during the Question Hour, Chauhan said that the government is continuously making efforts to increase the income of farmers and asserted that there will be no shortfall in fertiliser subsidy this year also.

The focus is on increasing production, reducing the cost of production and ensuring adequate prices for the produce, among others.

Earlier, Speaker Om Birla welcomed representatives from Armenia who were present in the House. They are on a visit to India.

Opposing the bills at the introductory stage, Manish Tewari of the Congress said they are against the basic structure as enshrined in the Constitution.

Members can oppose any bill at the introduction stage. Following this, the bill is introduced by the minister concerned through a voice vote.

Dharmendra Yadav (SP) said the bill is an attack on the federal structure outlined by the framers of the Constitution.

He said while a set of assembly polls cannot be held together, the government is talking of one nation, one election.

T R Baalu of the DMK questioned the expenditure it will entail in holding the massive exercise.

Kalyan Banerjee of the TMC said it hits the basic structure of the Constitution. He said the proposed insertion of an article is contrary to the present Constitution.

TDP's Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani supported the bill, saying his party extends unwavering support to the proposal.

The note issued by the Ministry Of Law and Justice read:

India’s democratic framework thrives on the vibrancy of its electoral process, enabling citizens to actively shape governance at every level. Since independence, over 400 elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies have showcased the Election Commission of India’s commitment to fairness and transparency. However, the fragmented and frequent nature of elections has sparked discussions on the need for a more efficient system. This has led to the resurgence of interest in the concept of "One Nation, One Election."

The High-Level Committee Report on Simultaneous Elections in India, released in 2024, provided a comprehensive roadmap for implementing this vision. Its recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet on 18th September 2024, marking a significant step towards electoral reform. Proponents argue that such a system could enhance administrative efficiency, reduce election-related expenditures, and promote policy continuity. As India aspires to streamline governance and optimise its democratic processes, the concept of "One Nation, One Election" has emerged as a key reform requiring thoughtful deliberation and consensus.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday moved in the Lok Sabha two bills which lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous polls in the country, with the opposition dubbing the draft laws as an attack on the basic structure.

Meghwal moved for the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly referred to as the Bill on "One Nation, one election" and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to align the elections of the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry and the NCT of Delhi.

Key Points

• Nation indebted to Constituent assembly members who shaped our Constitution
• Architects of Constitution knew this was not a nation in making, it was always a nation
• India is not just the largest democracy, but the mother of democracy
• As per Indian ethos, democracy comprises freedom, acceptability, equality and inclusivity, allowing citizens to lead a dignified life

With profound grief, I refer to the passing away of renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, said Chairman of Rajya Sabha in the upper House.

As the 'One Nation One Election' Bill is to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today Samajvadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav termed the word 'one' as undemocratic. In a detailed post on X, he wrote: "In democratic contexts, the word 'one' itself is undemocratic. Democracy favours plurality. The feeling of 'one' has no place for others. This violates social tolerance. The feeling of 'one' at the individual level gives birth to ego and turns power into dictatorship."

Proceedings of both the houses of parliament began at 11 am on Tuesday.

On One Nation, One Election Bill, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "One Nation, One Election is a very important issue for the nation. It's not for the party or any other individual, it's for the country. When the bill for One Nation, One Election will be introduced, I hope that the country will see Congress play a negative game. When India got independence, for 2 decades India had One Nation, One Election. It was only after Congress misused Article 356, then there were different elections between Parliament and some of the states...Does Congress mean to say that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's government for so long was illegal because that time, it was One Nation, One Election?...Does Congress mean that the country should keep on conducting elections month after month for 5 years? We must understand that we hold the election to serve the country and the people of this country..."

On One Nation One Election, Congress MP Manish Tewari said, "It militates against the basic structure of the constitution. India is a union of states, so therefore you cannot arbitrarily cut short the tenure of state assemblies. The fundamental principles of federalism envisage that the centre and the state are equal partners in the Indian constitutional scheme. How can you make the tenure of the state assemblies subject to the tenure of the national parliament? Under what provision of the Constitution do you get that leverage? So therefore there are very fundamental constitutional questions involved. That is why this bill is being opposed consistently or this idea has been opposed consistently since its inception...What is against the constitutional scheme is against the constitutional scheme, and under those circumstances, if you try and push it through, you will essentially be putting unconstitutional legislation through Parliament"

The Shiv Sena has issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members, asking them to remain present in the House on Tuesday, amid the bill for holding simultaneous polls listed for introduction in the Lower House of Parliament.

Sena MP Shrirang Barne, who is the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, issued the whip saying "some very important issue/legislative business" is to be discussed and passed in the House.

The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is an ally of the BJP.

A constitutional amendment bill for holding the Lok Sabha and assembly elections simultaneously has been listed for introduction in the Lower House on Tuesday and could be referred to a joint committee of the two Houses.

The Lok Sabha agenda said the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly being referred to as the Bill on "one nation, one election", will be introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

After its introduction, Meghwal will request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider consultations.

The minister will also introduce the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to align the elections of the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry and the NCT of Delhi.

The joint panel will be constituted on a pro-rata basis, based on the strength of MPs of various parties.

As the largest party, the BJP will get the chairmanship of the committee, besides several members, a functionary said on Monday.

Last week, the Union Cabinet decided to hold simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies but opted to leave "as of now" how local body polls will be held.

The Lok Sabha agenda said the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly referred to as the Bill on "One Nation, One Election", will be introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. After its introduction, Meghwal will request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider consultations.

The minister will also introduce the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to align the elections of the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry and the NCT of Delhi.

Shah spoke about how Jawaharlal Nehru insulted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. He said that the BJP made five memorials for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar including the ones at Mhow, London, Nagpur and Mumbai.

Shah also elaborately on the Abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "Your shop of polarisation ended after we abrogated Article 370," Shah said.

Shah further said that the title Veer for Vinayak Savarkar has been conferred by the people.

"I want to state on record, from 1857 to 1947, only one person has been awarded two sentences it is Veer Savarkar," Shah said. The Union Home Minister quoted how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi lauded Savarkar for his courage.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the members of the Constitution Assembly studied different Constitutions across the globe. While speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Shah, also a senior BJP leader said, "I want to thank the Chairman for allowing me to participate in this important debate."

"After a long freedom struggle, we attained independence. After 75 years since we adopted the Constitution... I want to thank Sardar Patel, because of him, the country is unity."

Shah further said, "Change is the truth of life and this was accepted by the Constitution Assembly. Some leaders have come and at the age of 54 call them youth."

"The BJP ruled for 16 years - six years by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and 10 years by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress changed the Constitution 77 times. BJP also changed the Constitution. What was the difference between the two parties," Shah said.

Shah said he would take major four Constitutional changes by both Congress and BJP. "The first Constitutional amendment was brought for Jawaharlal Nehru. On November 5, 1971, the 24th Amendment and the Parliament were given rights to curb the rights of citizens," Shah added. He said that the 39th Constitutional Amendment crossed all the limits. "The election of Indira Gandhi was declared unconstitutional by Allahabad High Court," Shah recalled.

Shah also took a dig at the Opposition for their loss in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls.

"Our Prime Minister says he is a Pradhan Sevak and someone says no fingers can be pointed out at the ruler," Shah said as he lashed out at former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Shah said that the BJP government brought laws to end Triple Talaq. "We do not indulge in vote bank politics. By ending triple talaq, we helped Muslim women," Shah said.

He also said by spreading lies and flying the Constitution, Congress garnered voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "In Lok Sabha, people did not know. In Maharashtra, they distributed copies of the Constitution and one journalist found that it was empty. People understood that they carried false Constitution and people taught them a lesson," Shah said.

Shah also recalled the dark days of Emergency. "We respect the Constitution. The Prime Minister proposed the idea of Constitution Day, to which a Congress leader asked what is the need, we already have January 26," Shah said.

Shah also narrated a poem by Dushyant Kumar about the Emergency, which was imposed in 1975. Shah listed out the achievements of the Narendra Modi government.

"I will state how Congress is anti-reservation," Shah said referring to the Kakasaheb Kalelkar Commission report. "In 1980, the Mandal Commission report came and it was implemented 10 years after when Congress lost power. Rajiv Gandhi made the biggest speech in the Lok Sabha, which was against giving reservations to OBC," Shah said.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his work in the last 10 years. He also took potshots at Congress saying the grand old party has betrayed the country.

In his trademark poetry style, Athawale said, "Constitution is completing 75 years and the world is looking at India." "He said Congress is jealous of Narendra Modi, as he is the Prime Minister and belongs to OBC community," added Athawale.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that the government does not believe in the Constitution. "I come from a regional party in Maharashtra. This government has undermined the Constitution," said Chaturvedi.

CAR-Indian Institute of Millet Research is coming up at Barmer in Rajasthan with a budgetary outlay of Rs 8.50 crore, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday. So far, Rs 2.5 crore expenditure has been incurred on infrastructure development, equipment and farm implements, etc. Two scientists, including a Center Head, have been deployed, he said in his written reply to the Lok Sabha.

The Rajasthan government has allotted 98.8 acres of land for the institute. The minister said the state government has said ten applications have been considered for subsidy for setting up export-oriented processing units of Jeera and Isabgol in Jodhpur.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the lower-than-expected GDP growth of 5.4 per cent in the second quarter was a "temporary blip" and the economy will see healthy growth in the coming quarters.

Replying to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants, she said India has seen "steady and sustained" growth and its GDP growth rate has averaged 8.3 per cent in the last three years . India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world, Sitharaman added.

The second quarter growth is only a "temporary blip", and the economy will see healthy growth in the coming quarters, Sitharaman said. The finance minister further said there is no broad-based slowdown in the manufacturing sector. Half of the sectors within the overall manufacturing basket continue to remain strong.The Indian economy grew 6.7 per cent in the first (April-June) quarter and 5.4 per cent in the July-September period.

About inflation, Sitharaman said it is better controlled in the NDA regime, whereas under the UPA, it touched double digits. Retail inflation in April-October 2024-25 stood at 4.8 per cent, the lowest since the Covid pandemic, she noted.Sitharaman said the unemployment rate has come down from 6 per cent in 2017-18 to 3.2 per cent now.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP in Rajya Sabha Sanjay Singh launched a blistering attack on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Speaking on the debate of the Constitution, Sanjay Singh said, "They are giving birth to inequality."

"Today, 5 per cent of people own 60 per cent of the country's wealth. Our Constitution speaks about Secularism. The PM, the MPs, and the Ministers take oath as per the Constitution but do not abide by it. BJP goes to mosques to worship gods. They are searching for Gods in mosques. The NDA government has started an India digging scheme," added Sanjay Singh.

Sanjay Singh also tore into the BJP for their spending in the education sector.

He also listed out the achievements of the Delhi government headed by Chief Minister Atishi. "We have given free power in Delhi and this happened for the first time. We provided free water and medical treatment to the people. We gave ladies free bus services. When Arvind Kejriwal will become Chief Minister of Delhi, every woman will be given Rs 2,100," he added.

He said, "give me ED and CBI for three hours and everyone will go to jail". Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that this will not go on record.

There was a debate between JP Nadda, Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha and Sanjay Singh. "Is there (Donald) Trump government here for 10 years? I want to ask Narendra Modi and Amit Shah...How did any Bangladesh come to Delhi? Was your government unaware of it," Sanjay Singh said.

Singh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's friend (Gautam) Adani steals power in India and supplies power to Bangladesh.

The Deputy Chairman also said this sentence would not go on record. He also said that no Dalit or Adivasi has headed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

There was a ruckus by the treasury benches after Sanjay Singh said, "Galli Galli Mei Shor Hai, Narendra Modi Chor Hai (There is a ruckus in lanes and Narendra Modi is a thief)'. Deputy Chairperson Harivansh said this sentence would also not go on the record.

He also spoke about the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi. "A man was murdered in court in Delhi and this is happening in the national capital, where the President, Vice President and Prime Minister stay," he alleged.

Congress MP from Maharashtra Rajni Patil thanked former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who introduced the Panchayat Raj Bill.

"India's Constitution has celebrated 75 years. In 1996, when the Women's Reservation Bill came in the Lok Sabha, BJP's Uma Bharti tore the Bill. Why RSS does not have a woman chief till now, same with BJP," she said.

The BJP takes the name of Emergency but they have imposed undeclared emergency in the last 10 years. "In 2000, former RSS chief K Sudarshan had spoken about changing the Constitution," she alleged.

"They attacked the Constitution through the Electoral Bonds. They had stolen the government in Maharashtra," she alleged.

Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that the Tribal Ministry was created by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Speaking during the debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, Yadav launched a blistering attack on Congress and the Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

"When I was hearing yesterday, Tiruchi Siwa said that Makar Dwar is written in the Parliament and he could not understand it. The word Makar is written in Tamil. We respect all Indian languages," the senior BJP leader said.

"It is not a matter of debate. We are respective every classical language and every language," Bhupendra Yadav.

Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 3 pm following the introduction of 'One Nation One Election' bills.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly referred to as the Bill on "One Nation, One Election" to permit holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, was introduced in the Lok Sabha with 269 voting in favour and 198 against.

Key points on the 'One Nation One Election' Showdown In Lok Sabha

• When ONOE bills came up in Cabinet, PM Modi said this should be referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament: Home Minister Amit Shah
• IUML leader E T Mohammed Basheer, Shiv Sena member Anil Desai oppose introduction of ONOE bills.
• ONOE bill gives 'illegal' powers to Election Commission to advise the President: Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi.
• TDP declares 'unwavering' support to ONOE bills: TDP member and Union minister Chandrashekhar Pemmasani.
• ONOE bills to indirectly introduce presidential style of democracy, finish off regional parties: AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.
• Supriya Sule of NCP-SP says either withdraw ONOE bill or refer it to parliamentary committee.
• Opposition has allergy towards reforms, support ONOE bills: Shiv Sena member Shrikant Shinde.
• CPI(M) member Amra Ram opposes ONOE bills, says they attack basic structure of Constitution.
• ONOE bills in line with Constitution, do not assault basic structure doctrine: Law Minister Meghwal.
• Objections to ONOE bills political in nature: Law Minster Meghwal
• Opposition seeks division of votes as law minister moves motion to introduce ONOE bills in Lok Sabha.
• Voting through electronic system underway in Lok Sabha
• Voting by paper slips is underway for some members in Lok Sabha after electronic voting on the introduction of 'One Nation One Election' bills

Several Congress MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in Parliament premises on Tuesday, demanding justice for Hindus and Christians facing atrocities in Bangladesh. The MPs protested with handbags which had 'Stand with minorities of Bangladesh' written on it. They raised slogans urging the government to ensure justice for minorities in Bangladesh.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a cream-coloured handbag to Parliament on which it was written: "Bangladesh ke Hindu aur Isaiyon ke saath khade ho" (stand with the Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh). This comes a day after she expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, carrying a handbag with 'Palestine' emblazoned on it. Read More.

The government is making efforts continuously to increase the income of farmers and various schemes are in place for it, Union minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said on Tuesday.

The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister also told the Lok Sabha that the income of farmers is not less than that of the labourers.

Responding to supplementary during the Question Hour, Chauhan said that the government is continuously making efforts to increase the income of farmers and asserted that there will be no shortfall in fertiliser subsidy this year also.

The focus is on increasing production, reducing the cost of production and ensuring adequate prices for the produce, among others.

Earlier, Speaker Om Birla welcomed representatives from Armenia who were present in the House. They are on a visit to India.

Opposing the bills at the introductory stage, Manish Tewari of the Congress said they are against the basic structure as enshrined in the Constitution.

Members can oppose any bill at the introduction stage. Following this, the bill is introduced by the minister concerned through a voice vote.

Dharmendra Yadav (SP) said the bill is an attack on the federal structure outlined by the framers of the Constitution.

He said while a set of assembly polls cannot be held together, the government is talking of one nation, one election.

T R Baalu of the DMK questioned the expenditure it will entail in holding the massive exercise.

Kalyan Banerjee of the TMC said it hits the basic structure of the Constitution. He said the proposed insertion of an article is contrary to the present Constitution.

TDP's Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani supported the bill, saying his party extends unwavering support to the proposal.

The note issued by the Ministry Of Law and Justice read:

India’s democratic framework thrives on the vibrancy of its electoral process, enabling citizens to actively shape governance at every level. Since independence, over 400 elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies have showcased the Election Commission of India’s commitment to fairness and transparency. However, the fragmented and frequent nature of elections has sparked discussions on the need for a more efficient system. This has led to the resurgence of interest in the concept of "One Nation, One Election."

The High-Level Committee Report on Simultaneous Elections in India, released in 2024, provided a comprehensive roadmap for implementing this vision. Its recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet on 18th September 2024, marking a significant step towards electoral reform. Proponents argue that such a system could enhance administrative efficiency, reduce election-related expenditures, and promote policy continuity. As India aspires to streamline governance and optimise its democratic processes, the concept of "One Nation, One Election" has emerged as a key reform requiring thoughtful deliberation and consensus.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday moved in the Lok Sabha two bills which lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous polls in the country, with the opposition dubbing the draft laws as an attack on the basic structure.

Meghwal moved for the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly referred to as the Bill on "One Nation, one election" and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to align the elections of the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry and the NCT of Delhi.

Key Points

• Nation indebted to Constituent assembly members who shaped our Constitution
• Architects of Constitution knew this was not a nation in making, it was always a nation
• India is not just the largest democracy, but the mother of democracy
• As per Indian ethos, democracy comprises freedom, acceptability, equality and inclusivity, allowing citizens to lead a dignified life

With profound grief, I refer to the passing away of renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, said Chairman of Rajya Sabha in the upper House.

As the 'One Nation One Election' Bill is to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today Samajvadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav termed the word 'one' as undemocratic. In a detailed post on X, he wrote: "In democratic contexts, the word 'one' itself is undemocratic. Democracy favours plurality. The feeling of 'one' has no place for others. This violates social tolerance. The feeling of 'one' at the individual level gives birth to ego and turns power into dictatorship."

Proceedings of both the houses of parliament began at 11 am on Tuesday.

On One Nation, One Election Bill, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "One Nation, One Election is a very important issue for the nation. It's not for the party or any other individual, it's for the country. When the bill for One Nation, One Election will be introduced, I hope that the country will see Congress play a negative game. When India got independence, for 2 decades India had One Nation, One Election. It was only after Congress misused Article 356, then there were different elections between Parliament and some of the states...Does Congress mean to say that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's government for so long was illegal because that time, it was One Nation, One Election?...Does Congress mean that the country should keep on conducting elections month after month for 5 years? We must understand that we hold the election to serve the country and the people of this country..."

On One Nation One Election, Congress MP Manish Tewari said, "It militates against the basic structure of the constitution. India is a union of states, so therefore you cannot arbitrarily cut short the tenure of state assemblies. The fundamental principles of federalism envisage that the centre and the state are equal partners in the Indian constitutional scheme. How can you make the tenure of the state assemblies subject to the tenure of the national parliament? Under what provision of the Constitution do you get that leverage? So therefore there are very fundamental constitutional questions involved. That is why this bill is being opposed consistently or this idea has been opposed consistently since its inception...What is against the constitutional scheme is against the constitutional scheme, and under those circumstances, if you try and push it through, you will essentially be putting unconstitutional legislation through Parliament"

The Shiv Sena has issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members, asking them to remain present in the House on Tuesday, amid the bill for holding simultaneous polls listed for introduction in the Lower House of Parliament.

Sena MP Shrirang Barne, who is the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, issued the whip saying "some very important issue/legislative business" is to be discussed and passed in the House.

The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is an ally of the BJP.

A constitutional amendment bill for holding the Lok Sabha and assembly elections simultaneously has been listed for introduction in the Lower House on Tuesday and could be referred to a joint committee of the two Houses.

The Lok Sabha agenda said the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly being referred to as the Bill on "one nation, one election", will be introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

After its introduction, Meghwal will request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider consultations.

The minister will also introduce the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to align the elections of the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry and the NCT of Delhi.

The joint panel will be constituted on a pro-rata basis, based on the strength of MPs of various parties.

As the largest party, the BJP will get the chairmanship of the committee, besides several members, a functionary said on Monday.

Last week, the Union Cabinet decided to hold simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies but opted to leave "as of now" how local body polls will be held.

The Lok Sabha agenda said the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly referred to as the Bill on "One Nation, One Election", will be introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. After its introduction, Meghwal will request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider consultations.

The minister will also introduce the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to align the elections of the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry and the NCT of Delhi.