News
Amid ongoing disruptions in Parliament, Congress has called for the expunging of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey's "defamatory" comments linking the Gandhis to US billionaire George Soros. Congress's deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, urged Speaker Om Birla to remove the remarks from the records to ensure smooth proceedings. The party expressed its readiness to engage in the Winter Session's legislative business once a decision is made. The BJP, however, stood by Dubey’s statements, further alleging ties between Soros and the Nehru-Gandhi family.
Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha witnessed chaos after All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) Member of Parliament Kalyan Banerjee accused the Union government of failing to fund COVID-19 vaccination drives in states. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai objected, alleging the West Bengal government obstructed vaccine transport during the pandemic. Proceedings were adjourned until 4:40 p.m. amidst heated exchanges.
The Lok Sabha discussed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, proposing greater centralisation and granting statutory status to the National Crisis Management Committee and High Level Committee.
Lower House clears Railways (Amendment) Bill to strengthen Railway Board framework: The Lok Sabha has passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, despite disruptions. Introduced by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 9 August, the Bill provides statutory backing to the Railway Board and authorises the Central government to determine its composition, including the number of members, their qualifications, and terms of service. Provisions also include approval for operating superfast trains via Thawe Junction in Bihar, addressing long-standing regional demands. The Bill consolidates the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into the Railways Act, 1989, simplifying the legal framework.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2 pm today following clashes between Union Government and Opposition members over allegations of Congress links to George Soros-backed organisations. The session included Question Hour and Zero Hour before tensions escalated when Congress member Gaurav Gogoi accused the ruling BJP of deflecting from the Manipur violence by raising the Soros issue. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal countered by alleging Congress ties to groups aiming to destabilise the country. The exchange led to BJP member Sandhya Ray, who was in the chair, to adjourn the proceedings.
Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated in the Lok Sabha that the government is willing to introduce legislation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) if there is public demand.
Separately, Vaishnaw highlighted that the Centre is executing the world’s largest railway station redevelopment project, involving 1,300 stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme.
The Lok Sabha began its session with Question Hour today, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Agenda for the day: Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will introduce The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will seek further consideration of The Railway Amendment Bill, 2024, while Home Minister Amit Shah is set to present The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposing changes to the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) was adjourned during the pre-noon session as Opposition and treasury benches clashed over the impeachment notice against House Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. No business was conducted before the adjournment.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju criticised the Congress for seeking a debate on the Adani issue, accusing it of shielding leaders tied to foreign foundations. Opposition protests led to the adjournment of Rajya Sabha proceedings until noon, following a no-confidence motion against Vice President and House Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The Rajya Sabha resumed today following a day of disruptions in the House.
Agenda for the day: Question Hour and pending discussions from the previous day.