Amid deliberations in extend the Budget session, government is pushing more Bills to be passed in the current sitting.
Here are the live updates:
K. R. Anjunan has a long list to thank. From Jayalalithaa, Venkaiah Naidu, Harivansh, Arun Jaitley, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Iranai, Tamil Nadu CM and Depury Cm, AIADMK floor leader Navaneethakrishanan and all Rajya Sabha members.
He says he is happy to utilise all the MPLAD funds for the benefit of downtrodden.
R. Lakshmanan says the parliament gave me the opportunity to serve the people. I came with empty hand and leaving with lessons of sixty years.
D. Raja makes his farewell speech. "This may be my last speech in this House," he says. "So you won't speak on bills today?" the Chair asks.
We consider the parliament is the supreme institution in our democracy. I wish the parliament remains as how it was visualised by Ambedkar and other reformers, he says.
He recalls the contribution of Communist MPs. Parliament is the highest forum to take up the consideration of people. I am only retiring from this House. I will continue my work for the people.
"We, the people should be our understanding. In a country like ours, very diverse. People must be safeguarded. Politically marginalised people must be treated as human beings. Citizens don't need empathy or sympathy. They need to have their human rights and democratic rights."
Ambedkar said we have to achieve to get one person one value. We must achieve that, he says. Why can't we empower our people, Mr. Raja says.
Mr. Raja speaks on women's reservation bill and women empowerment. He also takes up the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils. He thanks everyone, from the Chairman, Secretary General to the parliamentary staff, watch and ward, and sanitary workers.
"Raja has only retired, he is not tired," the Chair says.
Dr. Maithreyan speaks. After a long stint of 14 and half years. This is my sunset years, he says. Turning emotional, Dr. Maithreyan remembers the Jayalalalithaa. He also remembers Arun Jaitley and wishes him a speedy recovery. He also thanks Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr. Maithreyan says the only thorn in his heart was that this House didn't take notice of the Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka. I urge this House shouldn't pass any condolence message when the need arises, he says.
He thanks the Chairperson, Leader of Opposition, AIADMK leader, Jairam Ramesh, Ram Gopal Yadav, Naresh Agrawal, CM Ramesh, T.K. Rangarajan and others.
He recalls the times of Anna and Jayalalithaa. "It is my turn to look at Tamil Nadu from India's prism," Dr. Maithreyan says recalling Chidambaram's phrase.
Leader of the House Thaawarchand Gehlot recalls his association with D. Raja and Dr. Maithreyan. I pray for their better futute. All these five members have dedicated their lives for the society.
Rajya Sabha assembles. M. Venkaiah Naidu lauds six members from Tamil Nadu, who are retiring today. "The House will miss their vivacious, aggressive and progressive action," the Chair says.
The members retiring today are D. Raja, K.R. Arjunan, Dr. R. Lakshmanan, T. Rathnavel, and Dr. Maithreyan
Leader of Oppostion Ghulam Nabi Azad says he will miss many of these members, especially D. Raja. "He gets to make three-four speeches everyday," Mr. Azad says. "That's because he is Raja!" the Chair says.
I still don't know why Dr. Maithreyan entered into politics! He is an onclogist. He could earn ₹2 crore, but he is here earning ₹2000 per day. He chose service over money. I wish the AIADMK gives him another term," Mr. Azad says.