Budget Session LIVE updates: Lok Sabha is adjourned amid ruckus over Arun Jaitley's speech on Andhra

The House is adjourned for the day as ruckus continues

Govt sympathetic to issues of Andhra people

Jaitley says the government is extremely sympathetic to issues of the people of Andhra Pradesh amid ruckus in the House.

Ruckus begins in Parliament

Ruckus begins in the Parliament as Sumitra Mahajan requests members to let Jaitley finish. Jaitley says,"They must learn to listen if they have questions."

'We have been able to stabilise GST'

Within a matter of months, we have been able to stabilise GST; we reduced rate with increase in revenue.

We know how to bite the bullet when tough decisions have to be taken, says Jaitley

How can same tax slab be implemented on a luxurious item & a necessity, asks Jaitley

In every Budget, I tried to give middle-class relief

India's growth was 7.1 % before demonetisation and now the GDP fallen. This is also the impact of GST. On Budget, Jaitley says in every Budget he has tried to give relief to the middle class. 

You prepared incomplete draft Aadhaar law; BJP improvised it to make it usable: Jaitley to Congress

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Arun Jaitley, responding to the discussion on the Union Budget, said "You (Congress) have been talking about Aadhaar but all you could achieve was formulate how such an ID would be created. You were not able to pass a law, you had no vision whatsoever to use it in the way we have, Your draft law was silent on privacy, whereas we have a full chapter on citizens' privacy and the iron balls around Aadhaar," Jaitley argued. 

'Data speaks for itself,' Arun Jaitley's response to Chidambaram's 12 questions on economy

"The narratives which we had inherited & the narrative which we have now is entirely different. Nobody at that time mentioned that India is the fastest growing economy. It has only happened now. Data speaks for itself," Jaitley said. 

Arun Jaitley speaks in Lok Sabha, defends Union Budget 2018

BJP defends Budget 2018 behind shield of Congress era scams

BJP MP Ganesh Singh defended the budget and said the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi should reply to the issues raised by the prime minister on Wednesday. "You are asking about the Rafale deal but who will reply on Bofors and the submarine scam. "There have been many misdeeds during the Congress rule and the prime minister is trying to taking the country on the path of the development. People of the country are looking towards the prime minister," Singh said.

Budget did not address key issues like farmers plight: TMC's Dinesh Trivedi

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TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi on Thursday criticised the Union Budget calling it a "jumla" (rhetoric) and alleged that several issues like the plight of farmers, better health services and education are yet to be addressed. Disapproving of remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against his predecessors Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi in the Lok Sabha while replying to the debate on presidential address on Wednesday, Trivedi said there could be a difference of opinion but there should not be biases. 

Chaos in Rajya Sabha as debate on Union budget rages on

On one hand, TDP MPs stormed the Well in Rajya Sabha seeking special package for Andhra Pradesh, on the other hand, BJP members continued there sloganeering against the Congress party seeking their apology. 

'Look in the mirror before complaining about us,' Bhupender Yadav tells Chidambaram 

Yadav said that the former finance minister was heard complaining about the fiscal deficits in the BJP's regime. Quoting a poetic verse, Yadav said that Chidambaram should look in the mirror and pay some attention to the fiscal deficit figures of his government before complaining about ours.  

BJP's Bhupender Yadav rakes up Aircel-Maxis case in response to Chidambaram's 12 questions on economy 

P Chidambaram poses 12 questions to Modi govt on state of economy

'Where have all the jobs gone?,' P Chidambaram answers

Mocking the government's economic policies, Chidambaram said that we are the only country that claims that the jobs have gone down but the GDP has gone up.

"Where have all the jobs gone? what is this mystery? I will tell you," Chidambaram said as he read out a data about a slew of vacancies across government departments.  

Will Keep Laughing, No GST On it: Renuka Chowdhury on PM Modi’s 'Ramayana Jibe'

Hitting out at the PM outside Parliament, Chowdhury said, “My party is with me. I will continue to laugh as there is no GST on laughter.” 

On Tuesday, during the reply, Modi had questioned the Congress's claim of being the originator of the biometric national ID Aadhaar when he said that the then home minister LK Advani had in 1998 spoken about an all-purpose national ID in Rajya Sabha. This led to Chowdhury bursting into loud laughter. 

BJP MPs drown out Chidambara's voice but proceedings continue amid chaos

Chidambaram started speaking, using the economic growth metric's used in the prime minister's speech as a takeoff point, his voice barely audible on television over slogans of "Pradhan mantri ka apman nahi sahega Hindustan" and "Congress Valo Maafi mango Maafi mango."

Meanwhile, from whatever we could make out of the former finance minister's speech, he asked 12 questions related to the state of the economy as he claimed that the real GDP of the country, in various sectors, has not changed since 2014. The real GDP values are adjusted for inflation, while the nominal GDP figures are not. 

Opposition, Treasury benches spar in Upper House; BJP members create ruckus during Chidambaram's speech

The ruckus in Rajya Sabha continued even after the House was reconvened. The BJP leaders were seen protesting and raising slogans in the time allotted to P Chidambaram to speak. 

At this, the Chair requested the MPs to restore order to the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar stood up and said that the members' are agitated and will continue to register there grievances, but this should not deter the former finance minister and Congress member from speaking. He said that after all the prime minister's speech was disrupted all through on Wednesday. 

'Parliamentary Affairs Minister is leading the disruption of Rajya Sabha': Congress

Congress MP Anand Sharma said, "It is unprecendented in the history of Parliament that the Parliamentary Affairs Minister is leading the disruption of the Rajya Sabha. He is not the right person to tell us we are not supporting democracy. We cannot be bullied." 

Rajya Sabha adjourned again for 10 minutes after MPs create ruckus

'NDA MPs disrupting House as they have no answers to questions': Derek O'Brien

"BJP MPs are disrupting the House because they have no answers to the Budget questions," says TMC leader Derek O'Brien. 

Congress MPs demand the BJP apologise for remarks against Renuka Chowdhury

BJP, Congress disrupt proceedings in Rajya Sabha

"It is a total failure of the government to run this House," says Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of Opposition. 

"Opposition is unnecessarily is accusing that the government does not want to run the House. We want to discuss the General Budget," says Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar.  

Rajya Sabha resumes session

Rajya Sabha proceedings to resume shortly

Defence received very little allocation this Budget, says Tej Pratap Yadav, Samajwadi Party MP

"In 2017, there were situations where citizens didn't feel safe. Defence has received very less allocation in the Union Budget 2017-18. In times like this when China is all set in the border areas, the governement should be more considerate towards security."

More than a Budget, it sounds like election manifesto, says Tej Pratap Yadav

Samajwadi MP from Uttar Pradesh, Tej Pratap Yadav said, "More than a Budget, it sounds like sounding the poll bugle for 2019 general election."

"With relation to income tax, people from the middle classes faced disappointment. Meanwhile, the government provided a five percent tax reduction for corporates," he said. 

Rich are getting richer, says SAD MP Prem Chandumajura

SAD MP Prem Singh Chandumajura says, "73 percent of wealth is with the one percent rich. The rich are getting richer and the poor, poorer".

'Aligarh Muslim University doesn't provide SC reservation,' says BJP MP Vinod Sonkar

BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar says in the Lok Sabha, "In all its years of existence, Aligarh Muslim University doesn't provide reservation to SCs. When Indira Gandhi annoucned nationalisation of banks, she said it would benfit the poor. But it wasn't until the Jan Dhan scheme was announced that 30 lakh people had a bank account."

'Oppose GST on state-executed projects'

AIADMK MP J Jayavardhan says in the Lok Sabha, "I oppose GST imposed on projects executed by states. It is an additional burden."

"I also request the Government of India to allocate funds to open an AIIMS in Tamil Nadu. Also, the Centre has not provided any allocation for Cyclone Ockhi relief in this Budget," he added. 

'Budget not friendly for middle-class families'

Rajan Baburao Vichare, a Shiv Sena MP said in the Lok Sabha: "This year's Budget is not middle-class friendly."

'Muslims are also loyal to this country'

"Muslims are also citizens of this country. They are also loyal," says TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi in the Lok Sabha.

'Why just NCR? Talk about pollution in entire country'

"Entire needs lot of incentive that if we don't have pure air, water, our next generation will be affected. None of this has been mentioned in this year's Budget," says Trivedi.

'Budget comes out of only jumlas': TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi in Lok Sabha

'In West Bengal, we live and deliver Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas': TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi

TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi says in the Lok Sabha, "Every body is against notebandi. It is not going to be good for the poor. Raghuram Rajan predicted the 2008 meltdown. If you want to have 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', you have to have the trust of the people. I must tell you, in West Bengal we live and deliver with this slogan. What Bengal thinks today, the rest of the country thinks of it tomorrow."

'Narendra Modi is sensitive to the issues raised by the people of Andhra Pradesh'

Ananth Kumar, Parliamentary Affairs minister in the Lok Sabha said, "Narendra Modi is very sensitive to the issues raised by the people of the Andhra Pradesh. The finance minister Arun Jaitley will address his concerns in his reply to the House. I request TDP MPs, led by Chandrababu Naidu, to have a healthy debate."

Meanwhile, TDP MPs increase the volume of their protests saying they don't believe them. 

'Highly objectionable; will file for privilege': Renuka Chowdhury on Kiren Rijiju posting a video of PM Modi's remarks

Rajya Sabha adjourned again till 2 pm due to disorder in House of Andhra Pradesh issue

'You can't eat the cake and have it again': Rajya Sabha chair

"You ask me to suspend Question Hour but then ask me to hold it. You can't eat the cake and have it again," said Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu.

Ananth Kumar asks TDP, YSR Congress leaders to facilitate discussion on Budget

Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar asks TDP, YSR Congress MPs, protesting in the Lok Sabha, to go back to their seats and proceed with the discussion on the Union Budget, amid loud protests. 

'If we are incapable of protecting rights of Andhra people, why are we sitting here?'

KVP Ramachandra Rao, Congress MP says in the Rajya Sabha, "I'm representing the anguished people of Andhra Pradesh. I'm worried about the propriety. The House that passed the AP Reorganisation Act, is incapable protecting the rights of our own people, what are we supposed to do sitting here?"

Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act passed unscientifically

YS Chowdary, MoS said in the Rajya Sabha: "The AP Reorganisation Act was passed unscientifically. It cannot be partly cooperative. In last three and half years, we could not fulfill some promises."

Session resumes in Rajya Sabha

"As a chairman, I will not suspend Question Hour. But since there is a broad consensus, we will move on to discussion on the General Budget," says Venkaiah Naidu.

Most road accidents occur due to bike riders not wearing helmets

In response, Road and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari says, in 2017, 4,60,000 accidents took place in the country. Most accidents occur due to riders not wearing helmets on bikes. Education, engineering, enforcement and emergency clear — these are four aspects we take into account. 787 black spots have been identified. 

Road accidents on a rise in Telangana

AP Jeetendra Reddy, an MP from Telangana says roads in Telangana have not been constructed with safety in mind. Road accidents in the state have been on a rise. In 2014, 4,89,400 accidents took place in the state. In Mehboobnagar district, at least one person dies on the roads every day. 

8,117 panchayats connected with internet in Rajasthan

Responding to a question, Panchayati Raj minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that 8,117 gram panchayats in Rajasthan have internet connectivity.

Lok Sabha resumes proceedings after a brief adjournment

TDP, YSR Congress MPs still continue to raise slogans in the Lower House, shouting "We want justice" for Andhra Pradesh.

Congress MPs seek apology from Narendra Modi 

Congress MPs in the Rajya Sabha seek an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comments on MP Renuka Chowdhury on Wednesday.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourns Lok Sabha till 11.45 am amid protests

YSR Congress MPs protest inside Parliament

Andhra Pradesh received less than what Baahubali movie made: TDP MP Jayadev Galla

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm due to Congress protests

The Congress MPs in the Rajya Sabha raised a protest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on MP Renuka Chowdhury on Wednesday. Due to this, the House chair adjourned the session till 12 pm. 

Modi on Wednesday took a dig at fiesty Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, saying her laughter reminded him of epic serial 'Ramayana'.

As Question Hour progresses in Lok Sabha, TDP MPs continue to raise slogans in background

Union minister for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore answers questions on fast food advertising on social media

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 noon due to disruptive protests from Opposition  

TDP MPs protest in Lok Sabha over special status and Union Budget allocation

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan leads obituary references to deceased MPs Narsingh Narain Pandey and Raghunath Jha

Obituary reference to former Rajya Sabha MP Frida Topno

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Rajya Sabha chair M Venkaiah Naidu leads the session with an obituary reference to the deceased MP Frida Topno, who passed away on 6 February. 

Session in both Houses to begin shortly

RECAP: Modi says MP Renuka Chowdhury's laughter reminds him of a character in Ramayana

Congress condemns Modi's remarks on MP Renuka Chowdhury's laugh

TDP MPs protest in Parliament; demand special package for Andhra Pradesh

RECAP: TDP urges Centre to fulfill its promises, threatens to leave alliance

Participating in a debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Jayadev Galla said they have been fulfilling the "alliance dharma" (with the National Democratic Alliance) since 2014, and after five Union Budgets have been presented, this is the last chance for Andhra Pradesh to get what it was promised ahead of its bifurcation to carve out a separate state of Telangana.

Galla hinted that if the party's demands are not meant, the TDP will leave the alliance. "We are allies - we fought the 2014 general elections together, based on the promises made to the people of Andhra Pradesh," he said. - IANS

'Modi's speech shows he is ready to take over a Opposition leader': Chattisgarh Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel

TMC leader Derek O'Brien slams Centre over lack of funding on cervical cancer

Bandh in Andhra Pradesh over budgetary allocation

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have tightened the security in view of the shutdown called by the Left parties on Thursday to protest the injustice meted out to the state in the Union Budget 2018-19. The Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India-Marxist and several other smaller parties have called for the shutdown. YSR Congress and Congress have backed the shutdown call.

The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has also called for protests across the state to express solidarity with its MPs, who have been trying to stall the proceedings in both the Houses of Parliament to demand justice to the state.

TDP MPs expected to protest in Parliament complex today

Today, MPs of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are expected to hold protests in the Parliament complex over financial allocation for Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget 2018-19, according to media reports.

Day after Narendra Modi's speech, session in both Houses expected to be stormy

Updates for 8 February, 2018 begin here

OROP a Congress policy, says former defence minister AK Antony

"The Prime Minister's speech was factually wrong when he said One Rank One Pension scheme for retired soldiers was an NDA scheme. It was initiated by former prime minister Manmohan Singh," Antony said. 

Ruckus in Rajya Sabha as House votes on amendments to Motion of Thanks on President's address

Political calculations stall development; India must move towards one nation one poll

"We are not able to take the real benefit of federal structure because of repeated elections. Polls draw near in one or another state every six months and it creates undue pressure on both state and central governments. Politcal calculations take over policy decisins that shoudl be made for welfare," Modi said. 

Modi slams Congress argument to take off imprisonment clause in triple talaq Bill

'Keep women empowerment above politics,' Modi on Congress' criticism of triple talaq bill

​"Look at what all you (Congress) mocked - Swachh Bharat, Make in India, surgical strikes, Yoga Day. You are free to mock as you please, you are bound by  your politics. But why are you blocking the bill for OBC Commission? Why are you blocking Triple Talaq Bill? Are you not sensitive to the aspirations of OBCs,' PM Modi asks the Congress," Modi said. 

What stopped Congress from bringing triple talaq bill in past 60 years, asks Modi

"I have heard Congress party vociforously batting for change in triple talaq law, what specific changes nobody knows. But if you feel so strongly about bringing changes to the triple talaq Bill, then you should have brought the law yourself when you were in power for so many years. What stopped you," Modi said.

Congress ignored Sardar Patel's memory for years, invoked him for political gain: Modi on Gujarat elections

"During Gujarat elections, I could see that everywhere Congress used Sardar Patel's name. I was actually happy that we got to see the day when the Congress party actually valued him, Modi said as BJP members chuckled. But after the elections, in none of the programs, you mentioned or used Patel's or Dr. Ambedkar's name. When you accuse us for something, when you point one finger at us, remember that four fingers are pointing at you too," Modi said. 

He also asked the Opposition why it took them so long to honour Patel and Ambedkar with a Bharat Ratna. 

Rahul Gandhi taunts Modi's 'long-winded talk' wonders if PM will break silence on Rafale deal

Congress culture to take credit, refuse responsibility: Modi

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"You complain that I don't give enough credit to your party and its legacy. Well, starting projects and then putting them on the backburner is your legacy and I give you credit for it," Modi said. 

He said that the past governments implemented schemes in a hurry due to political compulsions. "You said that we are name-changers and not game-changers, but I would add we are actually aim-chasers," Modi said. 

Congress-mukt Bharat was Mahatma Gandhi's dream

"Congress was taking about the old India and new India. They said that they wanted the old India back, I want to ask them what India do they want. The India where army's jeep scam happened or the one where submarine corruption took place," Modi said. 

He said that the BJP wants the nation run on Gandhi's idols. The prime minister then added on a lighter vein that it was Mahatma Gandhi who had once remarked that after Independence, Congress has lost its relevance, it should be disbanded. Modi said that when his party talks about Congress-mukt bharat, they are building upon Gandhi's ideals only. 

Congress' Renuka Chaudhary disrupts Modi's speech; Chairman expunges remarks, asks media to not report 'unruly behaviour, lose talk'

'Opposition obsessed with Modi but in criticising me they cross the line,' says PM

"Opposition has the political right to criticise me, but in the enthusiasm to criticise BJP, they cross the line and inadvertently criticise India. This is not good for nation," Modi said.  

Lots more needs to be done in healthcare: Modi

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Prime minister said that in introducing new healthcare schemes, his intention was to improve on the existing infrastructure. He said that this does not mean Ghulam Nabi Azad or previous governments, did not do anything. But no one can deny that a lot more needs to be done in the healthcare sector," Modi said. 

Comparing Ayushman Bharat to Britain and US wrong: Modi

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"Ghulam Nabi Azad ji mentioned Ayushman Bharat in his speech and compared it to the models tried in Britain and US. This is wrong. Somethings that have failed there can work in our nation and vice versa. The scheme is for the nation and all Opposition parties are invited to form task forces and give us any suggestions for the scheme's improvement," Modi said.

Narendra Modi starts address in Rajya Sabha

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his speech in Rajya Saha. He thanked the members for debating on the President's address. Modi said that as many as 38 members have expressed their views and he listened to all of them. 

Congress raises Rafale deal issue in Rajya Sabha 

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue of Rafale deal. "Are there two different definitions of corruption, one for Congress and one for you," Sharma said. He said that the government was using the government machinery to act against its opponents. Questioning why the government was shying away from revealing basic facts about the Rafale deal, Sharma said that scrapping the old deal has not been sufficiently justified. 

'BJP arrogant to overlook others' contribution in past'

Listing out accomplishments of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira gandhi, Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the BJP is too arrogant to actually acknowledge the contribution made by his predecessors but India has not forgotten. He wondered when Modi said that he inherited a stagnant economy and a 'pichda bharat', was he talking about a different India.

'BJP's math of five years seems to have gone wrong,' says Congress leader Anand Sharma 

Sharma said that the JP wants only to speak not to hear. They don't want to hear any Opposition or be answerable to any questions. All they talk about is new schemes that will only yield result by 2022. Has the BJP forgotten math? You are answerable in 2019, who will report to the people in 2022, only time will tell. 

'President's address most dry speech ever,' says Congress' Anand Sharma

Reacting to the President's address, Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the address was the most dry speech by a president since Independence. "Devoid of prose or comment on concrete achievements, the President's address was only making new promises," Sharma said. 

Rajya Sabha debates on Motion of Thanks on President's address

WATCH: The LIVE proceedings of Rajya Sabha, where Modi is expected to speak soon

WATCH: Rahul Gandhi speaks to media after Narendra Modi's speech in LS

Courtesy: Debobrat Ghose

Sonia Gandhi reacts to Modi's speech

"Nothing new in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said...People are interested to know about the questions," said Sonia Gandhi reacting to prime minister's speech

Shiv Sena asks Modi to talk about policies, not Congress

Shashi Tharoor slams Modi's speech

Narendra Modi did not address Andhra Pradesh issue

"Narendra Modi left the MPs in lurch over the Andhra Pradesh issue. We thought the MPs will get some respite in Budget 2018. But yet nothing happened. Congress works for the sake of some ideals. BJP leaders do not walk the talk," Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge said on Wednesday. 

We are following what Arun Jaitley said in Opposition, says Congress

"Arun Jaitley had said that protest is a form of democracy. So we are doing the same thing now. We have raised some pertinent points on various issues. May be the BJP needs to do some research to know how the Parliament functioned during Vajpayee era," Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi said. 

What Congress did in Lok Sabha was appalling, says Supriyo 

"The two hours speech was historic.The data he had was a black and white data to show what the Congress has done. It is appalling that the Congress continued to shout and create ruckus in the Parliament. This happened when the prime minister was giving a vote of thanks to the president's speech," Babul Supriyo told News18. 

Rahul's potshot at Modi

Narendra Modi will be speaking in the Rajya Sabha shortly

Rahul Gandhi slams Narendra Modi over his speech

Reacting to the speech made by the prime minister in the Lok Sabha, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that there was nothing new in Modi's statements. "We wanted to listen to Modi's speech. One is Andhra issue which we raised. Then there is the issue of Rafale deal. Something has gone wrong there. He spoke for over an hour but did not talk on it. He gave a political and campaign type speech. He did not talk on employment crisis. he did not talk of farmer distress. This is about protecting the poor. His speech are basically focussed on Congress party," he said. 

BJP's official Twitter handle slams Congress over NPAs 

Let us work towards 'New India'

"We have to create a New India. Let us work together to fulfill the dreams of the people," said Modi while hailing ASEAN leaders presence during Republic Day. With that Modi concluded his speech in the Lok Sabha. 

Lok Sabha stands adjourned till 3 pm

Modi makes faux pas in parliament 

While referring to the 1972 Shimla Agreement, he said that Indira Gandhi negotiated the deal with Benazir Bhutto. However, it was her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who negotiated the deal.

Modi raises Doka La issue in Lok Sabha

"When there was standoff at Doka La, you (Congress) were talking to the Chinese," says Narendra Modi while hitting back at the Congress. 

Modi's message to Opposition 

"The more you spill dirt over us, the more BJP will strengthen. I urge the Opposition to continue to do so. I don't mind," Modi said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. 

Modi talks of tax benefits for middle-class

Modi takes on UPA over NPA issue

"I want to tell people. What is this NPA issue. They should know that it is UPA which is responsible for the NPAs. They made such laws which created pressure on banks to give loans to cronies in India. These cronies used to restructure debts but banks never got any money back. If I had to play politics, then I would have done it on the first day itself. But that would have created a crisis in India. So, I was silent for the sake of the country. This NPA is your deeds," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. 

We helped middle-class save their electricity bill, says Modi

"We distributed 28 crores led bulbs to middle-class families which saved their electricity bill by Rs 15,000 crore, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech. 

We are committed to serve the aspirational middle-class

"There are rumours and disinformation about BJP being against the middle class. They are aspirational class. They want best quality education, quality of life, housing and other facilities. This is my government's endeavour. We have given various tax benefits to the middle class" says Narendra Modi over reports of middle-class being angry over the Budget 2018. 

We will increase farmer incomes by 2022

"You doubt that farmer incomes will increase by 2022 because you never though of such a scheme. Such ideas cannot happen with a small and parochial mind," Narendra Modi said while answering Opposition's criticism over farmer issues. 

Congress insulted Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy

Modi takes pot shots at Congress over Aadhaar programme

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Modi said that the Congress feared that he would scrap the programme. However, after he continued with the programme, the Opposition is raising issues of poor implementation. 

WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking in Parliament

Lok Sabha debates over employment issue in India

Employment is increasing but you had closed your eyes as you are busy singing your songs. Atal ji has said ‘chhote Mann se koi bada nahi hota aur toote Mann se koi khada nahi hota: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

Modi talks of aviation policy in India

"Those who were talking of 21st Century India in the1980s could not bring an aviation policy for the country despite being in power. We converted 16 airstrips for operational use. We have seen the potential in bringing aviation in Tier I and II cities too. India has given order to buy over 900 aircrafts in India. We use technology to fasten the pace of development," says Modi

Middle class Indians are aspirational

"Irrespective of who heads the government, the aspirations of the brimming middle class youth should always be the top priority," says Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha. 

Will you deny employment claims of non-BJP, non-NDA governments too? asks Modi

"The West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala and Karnataka governments claim that nearly 1 crore Indians have got employment in these states. So will you not consider that employment. I am not talking of BJP or NDA government. But will you ever say that the employment stats provided by non-BJP governments are wrong?" Modi said while talking about employment issue in India. 

Even Congress has contributed to the country, says Modi

"We cannot deny that every party has contributed to the country. But Congress Prime Ministers have not said it during their speech in Red Fort. But I, as the prime minister, have always said that even Congress governments have helped in developing the country. 

Was it an election or coronation: Modi

"In December, did we witness an 'election' or coronation for the post of Congress President?" Modi taunts Rahul Gandhi over his elevation as Congress party president.

Modi questions Congress' commitment to democracy

"How did the Congress act in Kerala, how did they treat the Akali Dal in Punjab, how did they behave in Tamil Nadu? Why did Congress dismiss so many state governments at their will. This is no commitment to democracy," Modi in Lok Sabha. 

Modi slams Congress for not acknowledging his developmental works

Modi invokes Sardar Patel in Lok Sabha

Modi ups the ante and said that if Sardar Patel had been India’s first leader, Jammu and Kashmir wouldn’t be “divided” today. He said ruckus created by the Opposition won't be able to suppress my speech in Lok Sabha.

We created more rail lines, road in last three years

"In the previous government, 11 kilometres of national highway was created everyday. In the last three years, we have created 22 kilometres national highways.  every day, When it comes to railway lines too, we created 2100 kilometres of new lines in three years, while UPA created only 1,100 kilometres of line in their final three years," Modi said. 

Democracy not due to Nehru but existed before too, says Modi

"India did not get democracy due to Pandit Nehru, as Congress wants us to believe. Please look at our rich history. There are many examples of rich democratic traditions that date back centuries ago. Democracy is integral to this nation and is in our culture," Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech. 

Modi invokes Mani Shankar Aiyar 'Aurangazeb' comment 

"When your former PM Rajiv Gandhi insulted T Anjiah at Hyderabad airport. You people should not talk about democracy. Your leader says that if Jehangir goes, then there is Shah Jahan. If not Shah Jahan, then you will have Aurangazeb. Is this democracy?" Modi said while criticising it over the lack of democracy in the party. 

Narendra Modi slams Congress' obsession with Nehru-Gandhii family

"You had no Opposition at your time. you had the opportunity to do something for the country. But you (Congress) spent your time in serving only the Nehru-Gandhi family. Had you worked for the people, we would have been an advanced country by now," Modi said. 

Ruckus in Lok Sabha

Opposition continues to raise slogan as Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in Lok Sabha.

Congress responsible for Partition 

Hitting back at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Congress has been responsible for dividing the country for politcal gains. "We too supported Telangana and the bifurication of Andhra Pradesh. But we never did it for political gains." He said that Congress's actions have led to issues between the two states. 

Modi lauds Vajpayee

Atal Bihari Vajpayee palyed a key role in creating new states in India. We created Chhattisgrah, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. His deft handling of the creation meant there were no issues with the separation. 

Updates for 7 February begin

Please give us back our old Bharat, Gandhi's Bharat: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Concluding his speech, Azad taunted the BJP  on its promise of new India. "We don't need your new India. We are better off without it. Please return our old India where there was no fear, Gandhi's Bharat where Hindus and Muslims could die for each other," Azad said. 

Ghulam Nabi Azad lambastes NDA schemes claims Modicare hollow promise, beti padhao beti padhao being strangled in lack of funds

Slamming the flagship schemes of the NDA government, Azad said that the healthcare scheme introduced in the Budget is not going to yield any results for the common man. He said that the healthcare scheme was, in essence, a health insurance scheme which would benefit insurance companies and not the common man. He said that looking at the preceding examples of much richer nations, he can predict that the scheme will prove to be another hollow promise. 

He also said that the much touted Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme was being strangled in the lack of fund. Citing data he said, when the scheme was to be implemented in 161 districts the Budget was 200 crore, now when you plan to expand it to 640 districts, it is 280 crore. "What is the math," he said.

Swacchh Bharat repackaged version of nirmal bharat scheme

"You are so adept at repackaging that we are impressed. We were idiots, we didn't know anything about packaging, forget repackaging. We have just known how to work, politics of press conferences and publicity is your speciality," Azad said. 

He said that the Swacchh Bharat scheme was a rebranded version of the Nirmal Bharat scheme introduced by the UPA, and its state is such that 550 Crore rupees were spent on just publicity. 

If this is your new India, we are ashamed of this new India: Ghulam Nabi Azad tells BJP

Ghulam Nabi Azad counters Amit Shah speech, says BJP just renamed UPA speech

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad countered the claims made in Amit Shah's speech. He said that the BJP government has only rebranded the schemes made by UPA government.

BJP chief Amit Shah concludes his maiden Rajya Sabha speech

'Demonetisation helped close 3 lakh shell companies'

Speaking of demonetisation, Amit Shah said: "Notebandi is a huge jab at black money. We have worked to close over 3 lakh shell companies". 

'Some people see victory even in defeat': Shah takes a jibe at Congress' electoral defeats across the country

Saved Rs 57,000 crores from DBT: Shah

"Every year from DBT, the country has saved Rs 57,000 crores. I believe that this is a very big achievement," says Shah.

World saw India from a different perspective at the time of surgical strikes, says Amit Shah

'When we go to Congress, people will ask them why they opposed the OBC bill': Amit Shah

'Rajya Sabha stalling passing of triple talaq bill'

"Triple talaq was challenged several times in the various courts across the country. When Narendra Modi government brought the triple talaq bill in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition stalled it. If you don't protest, we will bring it back tomorrow," says Shah as members erupt in protest. 

Modernising security forces for internal security is our priority: Shah

'We have handled the Kahmir issue very well,' claims Shah

"For India, Kashmir is a very important issue. Today, Kashmir is the most secure state in the country. Terrorists are spending their days behind Tihar jail's bars. We have handled the Kashmir issue very well," says Shah.

Amit Shah talks about 2016's surgical strikes

"Sleeping jawans lost their lives. People were enraged. Narendra Modi made no statement but within 10 days, he decided upon the surgical strike and took revenge upon the erring agents," says Shah.

NDA govt implemented 'One Rank, One Pension' within one year 

"No one dared touch the subject of One Rank One Pension except around elections. When NDA came to power, we introduced One Rank, One Pension within one year," says Shah. 

Ayushmaan Bharat to be called 'Namo healthcare'

"One can go through all the democracies in the world, but none of them had the courage to give health insurance of Rs 5 lakh to 50 crore people," said Shah. "I know some people will make noise about this but we have decided to call Ayushmaan Bharat as Namo healthcare now."

'Gabbar Singh Tax is being used to pay people's pensions, schemes etc,'

"We are in power today, tomorrow you can be too. Our mentality is not such that we don't believe it can't happen. It is a democracy. I want to appeal to everybody that GST is an excellent economic reform. What is Gabbar Singh Tax? Gabbar Singh was a villain in Sholay. This Gabbar Singh Tax is used to pay people their pensions, schemes etc," says Amit Shah.

GST is largest economic recovery in the world: Shah

NDA has written off Rs 37,000 worth of losses, claims Shah

'Business will increase due to GST': Shah

"14% revenue growth was not an empty promise. Its a constitutional guarantee we have given. People revolted against GST because people had no faith, but we created that faith. I have studied about GST in-depth and I can tell you businesses are going to grow," says Shah. 

GST is world's most progressive economic reform, says Amit Shah

Modi govt upheld the spirit of 'Garibi Hatao', claims Shah

"So many people came to power from the slogan of 'Garibi Hatao' but the task of removing poverty and raising the living standards of the poor has been done by the Modi government," claims Shah. 

16,000 villages electrified since 2014: Amit Shah

'Poor will be given free electricity by 2022', promises Amit Shah

Have delivered electericity, health services, toilets to every household

"Delivering electricity to every poor household, delivering health services, delivering toilets, delivering employment... I am proud that this government is moving in that direction," says Amit Shah. 

Congress did not minimum wage in the country

"The Congress, backed by the left-government, did not even increase the minimum wage as much as the Narendra Modi government has done," says Shah. 

'Problem of unemployment in the country': Amit Shah

"I believe there is a problem of unemployment in the country... We just had eight years of rule but why you (Congress) could not solve this problem in your 55 year-rule?" says Amit Shah. 

'It's better to sell pakodas, than not work at all': Amit Shah

"What sort of mentality is this? There is no shame in selling pakodas. Comparing him to a beggar is shameful," says Shah.

'One crore 30 lakh people have given up gas subsidy'

"I am elated to say that one crore 30 lakh people given up their gas subsidy on the  request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," says Shah. 

'NDA govt are govts of Gandhi and Deendayal'

"When Modi was elected a house leader, he gave a historic speech, stating that these governments would be the government of Gandhi and the Deendayal. I am proud to say that for three and a half years, this government has been running on the principle of Antyodaya," says Amit Shah. 

31 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened under NDA govt, says Amit Shah

'For first time since Independence, non-Congress party given mandate by the public'

In 3 and half years, we have done a lot: Amit Shah

"It's been three and a half years and looking back, we are surprised. Our democratic history is 70 years. Many governments have come and gone. The Narendra Modi government has achieved a lot in this short span of time," said Shah.

"This government works for the upliftment of the poor. And the first thing we did is introduce the 'Jan Dhan' bank accounts," said Shah. 

Amit Shah makes his debut speech in Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha resumes session

Amit Shah proceeds to deliver Motion of Thanks to President's Address.

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day after paying tribute to deceased BJP MP Hukum Singh

Rajya Sabha adjourned over Uttar Pradesh fake encounter issue

Admonishing the protesting Samajwadi Party MPs, Rajya Sabha Chair M Venkaiah Naidu said: "You have just come to seek publicity," thus, adjourning the Rajya Sabha.

Derek O'Brien raises fuel price issue in Rajya Sabha

You cannot force the Chair like this: Venkaiah Naidu to Opposition

Opposition in Rajya Sabha uproar over Noida fake encounter case

Sloganeering demanding adjournment of the Rajya Sabha takes place in the House. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu admonishes MPs. Meanwhile, TMC Derek O'Brien begins speaking while Opposition members continue shouting in the House. 

Rajya Sabha in session now

Visuals of TDP MPs protesting outside Parliament 

TDP protests near Parliament over budgetary allocation for Andhra Pradesh

TDP MPs held a silent protest in front of the Gandhi statue near the Parliament, reported CNN-News18.

Opposition to raise LoC ceasefire violation issue in Parliament

TDP turns up the heat on BJP, wants special discussion on budgetary allocation for Andhra Pradesh

Congress MP Rajni Patil give zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha over women reservation in Parliament

Samajwadi Party gives adjournment notice in Rajya Sabha over fake encounter issue

27 years after Bofors, report may be finalised this budget session

OBC bill could come up for discussion

Besides the triple talaq legislation, which criminalises instant talaq by Muslim men, the government is also likely to make a pitch for the passage of the OBC bill, which seeks to give a constitutional status to the OBC commission.

The BJP hopes to consolidate its support among backward classes by according constitutional status to the OBC commission, which, it believes, will give it more teeth.

MPs who won Rajasthan, West Bengal by polls to take oath in Lok Sabha today

Judiciary crisis likely to be discussed

According to reports, the Congress and some Opposition parties have made it clear that they will press for discussion in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the "crisis in judiciary" following the issues raised by four senior judges of the Supreme Court in an unprecedented press conference in January this year.

Only Rajya Sabha to function today, says TMC leader Derek O'Brien

Triple talaq bill likely to be discussed in Rajya Sabha today 

'Key debates in Parliament this week include response to Union Budget, President's address': TMC leader Derek O'Brien

BJP claims Congress blocking passage of triple talaq bill, OBC bill

TDP disgruntled over budget allocations for Andhra Pradesh

The dissatisfied Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Sunday decided to retain alliance with BJP after top leaders from the saffron party, including Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, called up Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and brokered peace, for now.

"Our state is in a disadvantageous position due to bifurcation (of united Andhra Pradesh). People are dissatisfied because there is no specific mention of state issues in the Union Budget. All this was discussed," TDP leader and Union minister Y Satyanarayana Chowdary said.

Parliament to resume session today at 11 am

The Budget Session of the Parliament is set to resume on Monday after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tabled the Union Budget 2018-19 on 1 February, the Narendra Modi's government's last full Budget before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.