The Parliament's winter session set off on a stormy note on Monday with Opposition members raising slogans against BJP government over TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s expulsion on ‘cash for query’ issue.
Winter Parliament Session: TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s expulsion after the ‘cash for query’ probe would likely remain at the center of the debate inside the both Houses.
The Parliament's winter session set off on a stormy note on Monday with Opposition members raising slogans against BJP government over TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s expulsion on ‘cash for query’ issue.
The matter was expected to remain at the center of the debate inside the both Houses.
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 12 noon on Monday after a protest by BSP member Danish Ali, who demanded action against BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri for purportedly making derogatory remarks against him.
During the Question Hour, Ali raised the issue of his complaint against Bidhuri for alleged derogatory remarks made in the last session. Ali, with a placard around his neck, caught the attention of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, who promptly brought it to the Speaker's notice and requested Ali to remove it.
The Speaker informed Ali that it violated Parliamentary rules to bring placards into the House and directed the BSP MP to leave immediately.
With the thumping wins in three states, the buoyant BJP would try to corner the Congress-led Opposition on the floor of both Houses.
Besides, from TMC leader Moitra's expulsion demand, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023 to overhaul the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, are among the key legislations likely to be taken up during the session.
Other bills include one to regulate the appointments of the Chief Election Commission and other election commissioners.
Besides, the Narendra Modi government plans to expand reservation for women in legislative bodies to cover Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry assemblies and has listed two new bills for this purpose in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.
The winter session is effectively the last window for the government to clear legislations before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will be conducted in 15 sittings till December 22.
Government to introduce the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 that will provide 1/3rd reservation of seats for women in the state.
It will also introduce for passage The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2023 to insert provisions for providing reservations for women in the Legislative Assembly of Puducherry.
The above two bills are among 7 new bills that are part of the government’s legislative agenda this session.
Of the total number of 33 pending bills, 12 are listed for consideration and passage. Among these are the three criminal law amendment bills that were referred to a Standing Committee after introduction in Lok Sabha earlier.
Also, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 introduced in the Rajya Sabha will be taken up for consideration and passage during the winter session.
PM Modi urged the opposition not to vent its frustration of the assembly polls defeat inside Parliament and move forward with positivity as that may change the people's perspective towards them.
Speaking with the media outside Parliament building ahead of the Winter Session, he said the session was a "golden opportunity" for the opposition.
"The country has rejected negativity. We always have dialogue with opposition friends at the start of session, we always seek cooperation of everyone. This time also all such processes have been completed," he said.
This "temple of democracy" is a very important platform for people's aspirations and strengthening foundation of developed India, Modi said and urged all members to come well prepared and called for a thorough discussion on bills so that good suggestions come to the fore.
But if discussion does not take place, the country misses those things, Modi said.
"If I speak on basis of the assembly poll results, this is a golden opportunity for opposition friends. Instead of making plans for venting frustration over defeat, they should learn from this defeat, leaving behind the habit of negativity of the last nine years, if they move forward with positivity this session, the country will change its perspective towards them. A new door could open for them," he said.
"They are in the opposition but still I am giving them good advice," he added.
Modi urged the opposition to come forward with a positive mindset.
"Everyone's future is bright, there is no need to lose hope but please don't vent the frustration of the defeats suffered outside inside Parliament. There would be frustration and disappointment, also your colleagues would need to show their strength but don't make this temple of democracy that platform," the prime minister said.
"I say on the basis of my experience, I would say change your (opposition) direction a bit, leave the habit of opposing for the sake of opposing. Support constructive things that are in country's interest, debate the shortcomings that are there and you will see that the hatred among the people over such things, that may change into love," he said.
Modi said it is a chance for the opposition and they should extend cooperation in Parliament.
"I want to say from the political point of view that it is in your (opposition) interest also to give a message of positivity to the country. It is not good for democracy that your image is of hate and negativity," he said.
In democracy, the opposition is equally important and should be capable, Modi said.
The prime minister said, "2047 -- the country does not want to wait long for becoming developed. This is the feeling in every section of the society. Respecting this sentiment, all members should take forward Parliament proceedings, this is my request to them".
In his remarks to the media, he said the results of assembly polls were encouraging for those committed to people's welfare and the country's bright future.
Those who move on principle of empowerment of four 'castes' of women, youth, farmers, poor get overwhelming support, the prime minister said.
When there is commitment to people's welfare then the word anti-incumbency becomes irrelevant, he said, adding that some call it pro-incumbency, good governance or transparency that is being experienced in the country.
The BJP swept Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh on Sunday inflicting a resounding defeat on the Congress to tighten its stranglehold in the Hindi heartland.
The Congress ousted the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana to make it 3-1 for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the latest round of Assembly elections billed as a semi-final before next year's poll showdown.
The Winter session of Parliament is scheduled to have 15 sittings till December 22