Winter Session of Parliament, Day 1: As it happened

New Delhi: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Thursday attacked the NDA govt by saying the basic ideals of Indian Constitution are under threat today in response to Rajnath Singh's jibe at actor Aamir Khan.

Here are the live updates:-

26 November 2015

13:00 IST

Congress struggled for the Constitution but today we see the basic ideals of our Constitution are under threat: Sonia Gandhi.

Those who have no respect for the Constitution and have no role in the making of the Constitution are claiming to be safeguarding the Constitution: Sonia.

12:45 IST

What we have been witnessing from past few months is completely against the values that have been ensured by our Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

It is undeniable that our Constitution upholds secularism: Sonia Gandhi in Lok Sabha.

There is no doubt that the Constitution gave an equal voice to the poor and gave secular values to the country: Sonia Gandhi in Lok Sabha.

When Dr. Ambedkar came back to India after studies, he had only one aim - to provide respect to the poorest of the poor: Sonia Gandhi

Constitution Committee was guided by 4 eminent personalities at all levels - JL Nehru, Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Azad: Sonia Gandhi

It took 3 years to write the constitution. There were serious debates on it: Sonia Gandhi.

12:40 IST

Mahatma Gandhiji made a huge contribution in this struggle: Sonia Gandhi

Indian Constitution is a result of decades of struggle: Sonia Gandhi.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi takes the debate on Indian Constitution forward.

12:37 IST

I reaffirm my govt's commitment to the Constitution of India: Rajnath Singh

Whoever is born from the womb of mother India, they are all Indians and we are all brothers: Rajnath Singh

We're committed to Women Empowerment: Rajnath Singh

We are committed to 25% reservation in police and para-military forces: Home Minister.

Our govt under the leadership of PM Modi has introduced several welfare schemes to fulfill the dreams of Dr Ambedkar and Sardar Patel.

The govt under PM Modi introduced Swachhata Abhiyaan sending a message that there are no menial jobs: Rajnath.

Wielding broom is considered as a menial job in our country, we all know how people who do this job are looked down upon: Rajnath Singh

Congress leader M Kharge objects to Home Minister's remarks, says Dr Ambedkar wanted to add secular word while framing the Constitution but he faced opposition.

Fundamental rights are lungs and soul of our Constitution: Rajnath Singh

There cannot be any dilution on reservation, it's not a political issue, it's a constitution provision for the socio-economic reasons: HM

Any word from 'Preamble' should not be misused for political reasons: HM

12:12 IST

If there's any word which is being misused in Indian politics, that is 'Secular': Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Baba Saheb Ambedkar did not use the word 'secular' in the preamble. That's because India was 'panth-nirpeksh' (secular) traditionally: Rajnath Singh

Dr. Ambedkar didn't find it necessary to insert 'Socialist' & 'Secular' words in Preamble because he felt it's already in our basic nature: HM.

Opposition is reacting without listening to my complete statement: Rajnath Singh.

12:07 IST

Uproar in Lok Sabha by Opposition over Rajnath Singh's remark on amendments brought in 'Preamble'

'Socialist' and 'Secular' these two words were inserted in the Constitution by the members of the constituent assembly based on their collective understanding: Rajnath Singh

Our founding fathers believed that 'Preamble' is soul of the Constitution and no changes should be made to that: HM.

Dr Ambedkar introduced concept of reservation for equality, he said it's a socio-political necessity: Rajnath Singh.

Like Dr Ambedkar and Sardar Patel, Nehru ji too played an essential role in establishing democracy in the country: Rajnath Singh

People try to present Dr. Ambedkar ji as a Dalit leader, but I don't think he should be restricted to such a narrow purview: Rajnath Singh.

12:00 IST

If Sardar Patel was 'unifying force', then  Dr Ambedkar worked as the 'binding force' for India: Singh  

If Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji played the role of a ''unifying force'' then Dr. Ambedkar worked as a ''binding force'' for India: Rajnath

Despite facing adverse situations during his lifetime, Ambedkar ji never said that he will leave India: Singh

Constitution has played a pivotal role in keeping the nation united: Singh

Ambedkar ji had to face a lot of criticism, but he kept on presenting an objecting point of view for a unified India: Rajnath Singh.

11:57 IST

An achievement on Dr Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary that we're having discussion on commitment to Constitution in temple of democracy: Rajnath Singh

Today we express our commitment towards the Indian Constitution: Rajnath Singh.

Your opening remark was perfect, I congratulate you for that: Rajnath Singh to LS Speaker

Home Minister Rajnath Singh initiates 2-day discussion on 'commitment to Constitution' in Parliament as part of Dr Ambedkar's 125 birth anniversary celebration.

11:37 IST

It is the ''pran vayu'' (oxygen) of our democracy: Mahajan

Our Constitution has stood the test of time: LS Speaker

11:28 IST

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan makes opening remarks on Constitution Day highlighting the contribution made by the members of the constituent assembly.

LS Speaker pays tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar marking the two-day celebration of the making of Indian Constitution.

11:24 IST

Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after obituary references.

We support GST bill,but Govt should look into amendments suggested by the opposition: Tariq Anwar,NCP

Government holding discussions with all parties, overall consensus has been reached on GST: MA Naqvi

Opposition is divided over the GST bill. We are with the government on the Bill. We want it to be passed. This is important for the country and I hope Congress also realises it and supports GST: TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay.

11:22 IST

Only debate on intolerance is not enough, we need action against Mahesh Sharma, VK Singh, Giriraj Singh, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, it is only then that an honest debate on intolerance can take place. After Bihar, Opposition is united. We have become the voice of India: JD-U leader KC Tyagi.

We want discussion on intolerance, reservation, price rise and Nepal. We are not against the GST. Bihar is not a producing state, we need GST but we are with the Opposition: JD-U leader KC Tyagi.

I pay my tributes to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and embodied by our founding fathers, whose legacies are profound. Not just as MPs, but as citizens of India, we are custodians of the Constitution and must remain committed to fulfilling its objectives: Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia.

11:09 IST

Lok Sabha observes a minute silence on honour the martyrs of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Both Houses of Parliament convene, MPs pay tribute to late parliamentarians.

11:06 IST

On GST, in principle TMC has been consistent, we want GST to pass as a practical GST: Derek O’Brien, TMC

TMC has put in a notice in Rajya Sabha to condemn the terrorist acts in Europe,Asia and Africa: Derek O’Brien, TMC

We believe that Parliament is a great forum to debate, deliberate and legislate. Agitation is last option: Derek O'Brien,TMC

NDA govt. has full majority still its floor management is so weak: Sharad Yadav, JDU

The Govt is assuring us that GST bill will strengthen the economy, so we support it: Mayawati

'Ye session chalega', assures Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

11:04 IST

PM Modi inaugurates 'Making of the Constitution' exhibition in Parliament premises.

PM Narendra Modi at the 'making of constitution' exhibition in Parliament.

09:56 IST

I want all Indians to imbibe the greatness of Dr Ambedkar: PM

Our constitution is a ray of hope, where H stands for harmony, O for opportunity, P for people's participation and E for equality: PM Modi

Parliament is for the debate and discussion, I am hopeful that all parliamentarians will live up to people's expectations during the Winter Session: PM

We are also ready for debates, but all parties must work for the nation: PM Modi

I met leaders from all parties and everyone agreed that Parliament must function smoothly: PM

PM Modi address media in the Parliament complex just ahead of the commencement of the Winter Session.

09:40 IST

We'll be observing Constitution day today. Appeal to all parties to take inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar's contribution: Venkaiah Naidu.

Govt is ready to discuss each and every issue in Parliament. Govt willing to discuss issue of so called 'intolerance': Naidu.

People do not want confrontational politics, they want collaborative politics: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

09:33 IST

Home Minister Rajnath Singh to initiate 2-day discussion on 'commitment to Constitution' in Parliament as part of Dr Ambedkar's 125 birth anniversary celebration.

09:07 IST

"No mention of our Constitution is complete without remembering the stellar contribution of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. I salute him," Modi tweeted.

No mention of our Constitution is complete without remembering the stellar contribution of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. I salute him.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2015

PM Modi also paid tribute to BR Ambedkar.

Through a tweet, PM today appealed to the countrymen to uphold ideals and values of the Constitution and create an India that will make its founding fathers proud.

PM Narendra Modi greets people on Constitution Day.

Greetings to people of India on the historic occasion of 1st Constitution Day. May this day inspire you to know more about our Constitution.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2015

This day is a tribute to all those great women & men who worked tirelessly to give India a Constitution we are very proud of.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2015

Another issue which is likely to trigger a confrontation between the government and the opposition is the GST bill. Keen to pass key reform bills like GST and ensure a smooth session, government yesterday reached out to opposition parties saying it "does not support or condone" Dadri like incidents and is aware of their concerns.

An all-party meeting held here in the backdrop of cine actor Aamir Khan's remarks on 'intolerance' saw opposition parties making a strong pitch for an early discussion on the issue, insisting that the returning of awards by writers, artistes and filmmakers should not be taken lightly. Assuring the members on this count, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, "Government is ready to discuss all issues including that of the so-called intolerance though it falls in the domain of states. We do not support or condone such incidents."

PM Modi, who attended the meeting briefly, said Parliament should run meaningfully and constructively to fulfill the people's expectations. Modi assured the Opposition leaders that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will talk to them to address their concerns, if any, on the key reform measure.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was in Bengaluru, said, "We are going to raise the issue of intolerance. What is happening in the country is distrubing and the Prime Minister is silent." CPI-M General Secreatry Sitaram Yechury said he has given a notice in Rajya Sabha seeking passage of a one-line resolution by the House condemning the incidents of "intolerance" and asking the government to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

With PTI inputs