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Parliament disrupted again as 2G Case verdict peps up Congress, gives it fresh ammo

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8 years ago

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Parliament disrupted again as 2G Case verdict peps up Congress

The 2G scam case against Congress-led UPA falling through in court provided additional ammunition to the Opposition against the ruling BJP and pepped up an already aggressive Congress targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his bizarre accusation of his predecessor Dr Manmohan Singh conspiring with Pakistan to influence Gujarat polls.

The mood manifested in the Parliament where the Congress stepped up its attack, once again forcing the Rajya Sabha to be adjourned after 2 pm. Lok Sabha, where the BJP has a majority, continued to function, although amid protests and disruptions.

The ruckus in Rajya Sabha denied cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar his maiden attempt to speak in the House. Tendulkar was to initiate a short duration discussion on the right to play and the future of sports in India, but the protests led Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to adjourn the House for the day. In cricketing parlance, Sachin was sent back to the pavilion without getting a chance to open his account.

The signs were clear from the morning. As soon as the Rajya Sabha met to start its work for the day, Congress members shouted slogans, drowning the voices of other members and forcing Naidu to adjourn the proceedings till 2 PM.

Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad sought an explanation from Modi for the ‘false propaganda’ on the 2G scam to come to power in 2014. He said the Congress has, since the past week, been seeking an explanation from the Prime Minister over his allegations against Singh during the Gujarat polls. After the acquittal of all the 2G case accused, “we want to ask where did all the allegations (of scam) go,” he said.

“The BJP had run a propaganda on the 2G spectrum scam that had helped it “move from that side (opposition side in Rajya Sabha) to this side (ruling side) and us from that side (ruling side) to this side (opposition benches),” Azad said.

Naidu disallowed Azad’s submission saying he had not given any notice. Citing a May 22, 1990 ruling of then Rajya Sabha Chairman Shankar Dayal Sharma, Naidu said that the Chair’s ruling on not allowing suspension of a Question Hour or allowing a discussion was final.

With Congress members refusing to relent and even coming out into the Well of the House, even moving up in front of treasury benches at one point, Naidu finally adjourned the House till 2 pm, after several attempts to silence the agitated MPs and make them return to their seats.

Normally, in case of disruptions in the first hour of the sitting, the Chair adjourns proceedings till noon, and the adjournment till 2 pm was unusual.

After 2 pm, Sachin Tendulkar was to get his turn and make his maiden speech. However, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Naresh Agarwal said he had a point of order: whether CAG reports can be leaked to newspapers before they are tabled. “Can we summon people responsible for tarnishing those in constitutional offices on the basis of CAG reports,” he wanted to know. The question was in the context of the acquittal of all 2G case accused.

He also asked whether the image of those in constitutional offices can be tarnished on the basis of CAG reports when ‘99 per cent of the points’ raised in them are settled after they reach the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for scrutiny.

After this, when Naidu sought to initiate the discussion on sports saying this was Tendulkar’s maiden speech and he should be heard, several Congress MPs got up and raised the issue of the PM’s remark and demanding his apology, shouting slogans: ‘Desh ko gumrah karna band karo’ (stop misleading the nation).

Naidu’s admonitions failed to restore order in the House. As the protests continued, a livid Naidu asked Tendulkar to proceed. The cricketer got up, but could only look on as noisy protests went on. Naidu decided it was best to adjourn the proceedings for the day.

Thursday, being the Question day for the Prime Minister’s Office in Rajya Sabha, Modi was expected to be present during Question Hour slated at noon.

Meanwhile, a report from news agency ANI said that BJP’s Vinay Sahasrabuddhe has given a notice under rule 267 in Rajya Sabha demanding suspension of business today to discuss “serious situation arising out of the use of derogatory language against PM by senior leaders of Congress”

In Lok Sabha, too, Congress raised the issue of Modi’s remarks against Dr Singh, protesting the Speaker’s decision not to allow them to raise the matter.

The Congress members trooped into the Well during the Question Hour and raised slogans, even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan went ahead with the proceedings. Leading the Congress charge was Jyotiraditya Scindia. Little over 30 minutes into the Question Hour, he expressed concern about not being given the chance to raise the issue.

Mahajan said she would not allow them and asserted that the issue was something that was raised at a public meeting and this was an elected House.

An agitated Scindia said the party has been raising the issue for four days but they were not being given an opportunity to speak. “Where is justice,” he asked and wondered “what kind of Parliament is this? Give us a minute (to speak).”

He also took a swipe at the ruling party saying they want to listen to only ‘Mann ki Baat’, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s monthly radio address.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was seen thumping the desk when Scindia was speaking amid the din. Congress MPs kept up the tempo raising slogans: ‘Pradhan Mantri maafi maango (Prime Minister, apologise)’, ‘Taanashahi bandh karo (stop authoritarianism)’ and ‘Shame, shame’.

“It is a serious issue, the allegation was against an ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an ex-Vice President and ex-Army chief,” Scindia said referring to Modi’s remarks at a recent election rally in Gujarat.

Scindia said the voice of opposition was being muffled in the House and questioned if the Government would decide what issues can be raised in the Lok Sabha.

Communist Party of India-Marxist MP Mohammed Salim and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav also came out in support of Congress.

The Speaker, however, did not permit the issue to be raised and proceeded with routine business. Congress members then staged a walkout in protest, with party leader Kharge saying the walkout was being done to “preserve the dignity of the country”.

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Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.

Published

24 hours ago

on

December 4, 2025

By

Rahul Gandhi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

  • A private dinner with PM Modi
  • Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
  • Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
  • A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

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TMC MLA Humayun Kabir suspended after Babri Mosque replica proposal sparks row

TMC suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he proposed building a Babri mosque replica in Murshidabad, a move that drew criticism from the party and sparked political tension.

Published

1 day ago

on

December 4, 2025

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Trinamool Congress on Thursday suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he publicly announced plans to construct a replica of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Party leaders said Kabir had earlier been cautioned for making such statements but continued to push ahead with the controversial proposal.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said the MLA’s remarks were unacceptable, stressing that the party stood firmly by its secular stance. “We noticed that one of our MLAs suddenly declared he would build the Babri masjid. We had warned him before. As per the party’s decision, we are suspending him,” he said.

Kabir vows to continue project, may form new party

Kabir had planned to lay the foundation stone for the mosque replica in Beldanga on December 6. Sources indicated he is likely to resign from Trinamool on Friday and float a new party while continuing with the project.

The choice of date and nature of the project drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool leadership. Hakim alleged the move reflected a “divisional politics” strategy aligned with the BJP. “Why December 6? He could build a school or college. This is divisional politics,” he said.

Sources also said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was “hugely annoyed” by Kabir’s remarks and informed him that the party would not support or associate with such activities.

Governor raises concerns, administration on alert

West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose questioned why action was not being taken if the MLA’s statements risked creating a law-and-order issue. He said intelligence inputs suggested attempts to turn Murshidabad into a “hub of scandal,” adding that authorities would not remain silent if communal tensions were provoked.

Officials confirmed that while Kabir has permission to hold the December 6 event, the administration is maintaining a high-level alert in Murshidabad.

Minutes after his suspension, Kabir withdrew from Mamata Banerjee’s rally in the India–Bangladesh border district, where she was protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

BJP attacks Kabir over remarks

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo condemned Kabir’s comments, claiming they were intended to “create communal tensions.” He said any attempt to raise structures linked to historical rulers would trigger disputes similar to the Babri Masjid conflict.

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Karnataka Power Shift: What Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar compromise formula means

A closer look at the emerging ‘compromise formula’ between Karnataka’s top leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, and how it may shape the state’s political future.

Published

6 days ago

on

November 29, 2025

By

A possible settlement between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged, signalling a calmer phase in the leadership tussle within the state Congress. While the final decision rests with the party leadership in Delhi, details of the so-called “compromise formula” are gradually becoming clearer.

Breakfast diplomacy calms tensions

After weeks of speculation over friction between the two top leaders, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met over breakfast today. The meeting, aimed at projecting unity, served as a symbolic reset after their strained ties over the chief ministership question.

Analysts believe the optics were crucial — the Congress successfully avoided a public showdown by diffusing tensions before they escalated further.

A transition of power likely, say analysts

According to political observers, the compromise indicates a strong possibility of Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister in a smooth transition, potentially as early as March–April 2026.
For now, sources say the arrangement requires Shivakumar to continue as Deputy Chief Minister without pushing for immediate change.

In return, the formula reportedly includes more cabinet positions for leaders loyal to Shivakumar and continuation of his role as the state Congress chief. Siddaramaiah is also expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s face for the 2028 Assembly election.

Why the Congress prefers this route

Replacing Siddaramaiah abruptly would not only upset internal balance but could also weaken the party, given his stature and mass appeal. Shivakumar, despite his influence, does not have the numbers within the legislature to force a takeover, making compromise the most viable path.

Siddaramaiah has already stated that this will be his final term as Chief Minister. With his legacy secure and his position as one of Karnataka’s tallest leaders intact, he appears willing to enable a dignified transition when the time comes.

Variables that could shape the final outcome

The success of the formula depends on three key factors:

1. Trust between the two leaders

Whether Shivakumar believes Siddaramaiah will keep his word remains uncertain. Karnataka’s political history is full of last-minute shifts, giving rise to the phrase “natak in Karnataka”.

2. Decision-making by the Congress high command

Delhi’s leadership must ensure the transition happens on time and without internal resistance, especially in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly polls.

3. Caste equations and political alignment

Siddaramaiah is the strongest face of the AHINDA bloc, while Shivakumar represents the OBC Vokkaliga community. The Congress cannot afford to alienate either group, making the timing and execution of any transition extremely delicate.

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