Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Congress President Rahul Gandhi speak in the Lok Sabha. (LSTV grab via PTI)The Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon on Thursday after a brief discussion on the MHA snooping order. The house was adjourned following protest by AIADMK and TDP members over various issues. The Congress is likely to resume its attack over the Rafale fighter jet deal in the Lok Sabha, a day after the House witnessed stormy scenes with Rahul Gandhi and Arun Jaitley leading the debate from both sides of the aisle. On Wednesday, initiating the discussion on the Rafale issue, the Congress chief targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he “does not have guts” to come to field questions on the issue and “hides” in his room.
Gandhi also sought permission to play a tape purportedly of a Goa minister on the Rafale issue but failed to receive the Speaker’s nod. At a press conference later, he used an audio clip to allege that Goa Chief Minister and former defence minister Manohar Parrikar was “blackmailing” Modi with a file on the Rafale deal.
In Parliament, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley demanded if he (Rahul) can authenticate the tape, but the Congress leader said he would not do so. Jaitley said the Congress chief’s allegations were rejected by the Supreme Court. “Some people naturally dislike the truth. The French government dismissed the Congress’ allegations,” Jaitley said.
Discussion underway in Rajya Sabha over various issues
The proceedings of the upper house of the Parliament started with a discussion on the Cauvery waters dispute. AIADMK member today protested on the issue outside the Parliament in the morning. There was also discussion on UPSC language selection, Navodaya schools and pension scheme.
Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon
The proceedings of Lok Sabha were adjourned till 12 noon after a brief discussion on MHA's snooping order.
Congress leaders move adjournment motion over MHA order allowing 10 central agencies to monitor any computer resource
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, Sunil Kumar Jakhar & Rajiv Satav move adjournment motion over the order of Ministry of Home Affairs allowing 10 central agencies to monitor any computer resource.
Meanwhile, AIADMK members protest against Cauvery dam at Parliament
RJD MP gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over eradication of Ahir or Yadav regiment from the Indian Army
Rahul keeps his questions ready for PM on 'Rafale deal' exam
Rahul dares Modi on “one-on-one” debate on the Rafale deal or “any strategic issue”
Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, daring him to a “one-on-one” debate on the Rafale deal or “any strategic issue”. Addressing a press conference hours after the Congress released a taped conversation yesterday, where Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane purportedly quotes Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar as saying that files on Rafale were in his bedroom, Rahul also indicated that the Congress could come out with more audio clips. Saying that the tape is “authentic”, he said, “there might be other tapes…there might be many other tapes of that nature doing the rounds…I don’t know.” READ MORE