Parliament Winter Session: PM Modi remembers Vajpayee, says Rajya Sabha may be 2nd House but not secondary

IANS Photo

New Delhi: Parliament Winter Session, which kickstarted on Monday, is expected to face many heated debates as Opposition parties look to corner the government on economic slowdown and situation in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. 

The central government is likely to push for passage of almost 35 legislations in the session, including the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, which amends the definition of illegal migrants, and the Personal Data Protection Bill.

Currently, there are 43 bills pending in Parliament. Of these, 12 bills are listed for consideration and passage, and seven are listed for withdrawal. Twenty-seven bills are listed for introduction, consideration, and passage.

Ahead of the Winter Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media and said the government is looking forward to a 'frank' discussion on all matters. 

Here are the latest updates on Parliament's Winter Session:

18 November 2019

15:13 IST

Today I want to appreciate two parties, NCP and BJD. These parties have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms. They have never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively. Other parties including mine can learn from them: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

14:49 IST

The Rajya Sabha is about checks and balance. This is absolutely essential for our democracy. Debates have to be many and effective. But, there is also a difference between: Checking and clogging. Balance and blocking: PM

14:46 IST

Today I want to appreciate two parties, NCP and BJD. These parties have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms. They have never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively. Other parties including mine can learn from them.

14:46 IST

The Central and State Govts shouldn't compete but work in tandem to take the nation forward. The development of states and the nation aren't two separate things and are directly linked to each other. This house teaches and inspires this emotion best: PM Modi 

14:45 IST

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, during the 200th session of the Rajya Sabha in 2003, had said 'No one should make the mistake of treating our second House (Rajya Sabha) as the secondary house. It should remain being the supporting house for India's development: PM

14:45 IST

Our Constitution inspires us to work for a Welfare State. It also motivates us to work for the welfare of states. The Rajya Sabha, as the Council of States enables us to further the spirit of cooperative federalism: PM 

14:44 IST

Who can forget that it was through the Rajya Sabha that a stalwart like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar could contribute even more to national progress: PM Modi

14:44 IST

We can never forget the role of the Rajya Sabha when Bills pertaining to Articles 370 and 35(A) were passed. This House has worked to further unity: PM Modi

14:43 IST

Whenever it has been about good of the nation, Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion. It was widely believed that Triple Talaq bill would not pass here but it did.Even GST became a reality after it was passed in this house: PM Modi

14:38 IST

There was a long period in our country when there was nothing special like Opposition. During that period, people sitting in government got huge benefit. But even at that time, there were experienced people in the House who did not allow autocracy in the governance system. It is memorable for all of us: PM Modi

14:38 IST

It was the maturity of this House that passed the Triple Talaq bill, a major move in women empowerment. It was this brave house that passed the Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections in India as well: PM Modi

14:37 IST

If we analyse the 250 sessions of the Rajya Sabha, it has passed several Bills that have gone on to become Laws in the country, defining governance in the country: PM Modi

14:34 IST

Rajya Sabha has witnessed many historic moments till now. MPs come and go but House has stayed. Rajya Sabha is eternal and diverse in nature. It has played diverse role in India: PM Modi

14:32 IST

Rajya Sabha MPs have guided India to greatness: PM Modi

14:30 IST

Rajya Sabha allows an opportunity to people away from electoral politics to contribute to the country and its development. This House values experience of those who excel in their respective professions without contesting elections: PM Modi

14:28 IST

Rajya Sabha is the soul of India's federal structure. It signifies the growth of the nation: PM Modi

14:27 IST

It is a pride to be part of Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha is grounded but Rajya Sabha can look beyond and far: PM Modi

14:24 IST

The House has seen many historic moments, it has made history also and has seen history being made as well. It is a far-sighted house: PM Modi

14:23 IST

PM Modi says it is a proud moment for him to attend the 250th session of Rajya Sabha.

14:23 IST

PM Modi begins address at Parliament, congratulates all MPs on 250th session of Rajya Sabha.

14:06 IST

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 3 pm. The Chit Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2019, will be introduced by MoS Finance Anurag Singh Thakur at 3 pm. 

14:05 IST

Debate on pollution will be taken in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

14:04 IST

Standby for PM Narendra Modi's address on 250th session of Rajya Sabha on Monday. 

13:02 IST

Visuals: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury at Parliament today. 

Delhi: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury at the Parliament today. Winter session of Parliament has commenced today. #WinterSession pic.twitter.com/gB1HxbRTcG

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

13:02 IST

Lakshadweep MP Faizal PP Mohammaed in Lok Sabha: 

This is regarding development of Lakshadweep, most officers deputed there are from DANICS (NCT of Delhi,Andaman& Nicobar Islands,Lakshadweep,Daman&Diu&Dadra&Nagar Haveli Civil Service), they do not understand the local issues.

We have sent a proposal to MHA to extended service of DANICS to local people so that issues peculiar to Lakshadweep can be addressed properly and the area gets developed. We request MHA to look at the proposal seriously.

12:47 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak in Rajya Sabha at 2pm today on the occasion of 250th session of the Upper House of Parliament. 

12:33 IST

Bengali actress and Trinamool MP Nusrat Jahan is not attending the Parliament session today. She was admitted to Apollo Hospital in West Bengal's Kolkata on Sunday night due to some respiratory issue.

12:23 IST

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm today after the obituary references concluded.

12:21 IST

AAP MP Bhagwant Mann asks BJP MP and MoS Finance Anurag Thakur, "Is the government willing to acknowledge that the country is going through economic slump?"

Question Hour in Lok Sabha: AAP MP Bhagwant Mann asks to BJP MP & MoS Finance Anurag Thakur, "Kya sarkaar yeh maan ne ke liye tayar hai ki desh aarthik mandi se guzar raha hai?" pic.twitter.com/HhQ1jOaOA2

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

12:16 IST

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut pays tribute to Arun Jaitley: 

Sangharsh ka doosra naam Arun Jaitley tha, aur unke har sangharsh mein main unke saath raha. We used to follow all his orders. We learnt from Arun Jaitley what are relations and how to maintain them. Arun Jaitley's demise is a loss to the nation but it is also a big loss to Shiv Sena. I pay my tribute to him on behalf of my Uddhav ji and my party: Sanjay Raut

12:14 IST

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raise Kashmiri leaders' detention issue: 

It has been 108 days today since Farooq Abdullah Ji was detained. Yeh kya zulm ho raha hai? We want that he should be brought to the Parliament. It is his constitutional right: Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Lok Sabha.

12:14 IST

'Free Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti' slogans raised by Opposition MPs in Lok Sabha.

Delhi: Opposition MPs in Lok Sabha raise slogans, "Vipaksh par hamla bandh karo, Farooq Abdullah ji ko riha karo, We want justice". #WinterSession pic.twitter.com/F0IdPG2NGA

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:56 IST

Visuals: Rajya Sabha MP and Olympic medalist Mary Kom arrives at Parliament as Winter Session kickstarts today.

Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP & Olympic medalist, Mary Kom arrives at the Parliament. #WinterSession pic.twitter.com/mJqKNDspt2

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:56 IST

Members of Shiv Sena walk out of Lok Sabha in protest over farmers' issue in Maharashtra. 

11:49 IST

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar arrives at Parliament in an electric car, says, "Government is gradually switching to electric cars as they are pollution-free. I appeal to people to contribute to fight pollution- start using public transport, electric vehicles etc".

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar arrived at Parliament in an electric car today, he says, "Government is gradually switching to electric cars as they are pollution-free. I appeal to people to contribute to fight pollution- start using public transport, electric vehicles etc". pic.twitter.com/sCHG1H2KwJ

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:48 IST

Congress, DMK and National Conference leaders protest in Well of House over ongoing situation in Kashmir.

11:46 IST

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad pays tribute to former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha, says "People like Arun Jaitley are not a loss to a party alone but the entire country. I pray that his soul rests in peace."  

11:42 IST

Visuals: Shiv Sena leaders hold protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Parliament premises, demand unseasonal rains in Maharashtra be declared as natural calamity.

Delhi: Shiv Sena leaders hold protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Parliament premises, demanding to declare unseasonal rains in Maharashtra as natural calamity pic.twitter.com/RvEHPOGMzl

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:41 IST

Shiv Sena members of Parliament are seated in Treasury benches in Lok Sabha. Sena, recently snapped its ties with BJP after their fallout ovet power-sharing and rotational Chief Minister's post in Maharashtra.

11:39 IST

Congress MP from Assam Gaurav Gogoi protests in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament premises against rising air pollution levels.

Delhi: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi protests in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament premises against rising air pollution levels. #WinterSession pic.twitter.com/BnvSg7AMUJ

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:38 IST

Congress, DMK protest in House against government over economic slowdown, Kashmir issue

11:31 IST

Newly-elected members take oath in House.

MPs Prince Raj (Samastipur, Bihar), Himadri Singh (Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh), Shriniwas Dadasahib Patil (Satara, Maharashtra) and DM Kathir Anand (Vellore, Tamil Nadu) take oath in Parliament. 

11:28 IST

Shiv Sena too gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over loss of crops due to heavy rains in Maharashtra. 

11:28 IST

Congress gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over crisis in Kashmir, detentions of several leaders.

11:27 IST

Visuals: BJP MP Mansukh Mandaviya reached the Parliament today, riding a bicycle.

Delhi: BJP MP Mansukh Mandaviya reached the Parliament today, riding a bicycle. pic.twitter.com/tbNXfpfSuP

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:27 IST

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla pays tribute to Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Ram Jethmalani.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla pays tribute to Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Ram Jethmalani pic.twitter.com/bXygif7YEJ

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:26 IST

Breaking: Winter Session of Parliament begins. 

Parliament pays tribute to Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram Jethmalani, Gurudas Gupta - former and sitting members of the House who passed away. 

Rajya Sabha remembers Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram Jethmalani, Gurudas Gupta - former and sitting members of the House who passed away. #WinterSession pic.twitter.com/29OXegOdZf

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:26 IST

Visuals: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari arrives at the Parliament, riding a bicycle. 

Delhi: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari arrives at the Parliament, riding a bicycle. #WinterSession pic.twitter.com/WYp9iZOpS6

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2019

11:26 IST

Trinamool Congress gives Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over detention of National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah.