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RS protests: Jaitley says Modi didn’t question Manmohan Singh’s commitment to nation

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8 years ago

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RS protests: Jaitley says Modi didn’t question Manmohan Singh’s commitment to nation

BJP goes on the defensive to broker peace with Congress-led Opposition, apologises on behalf of Modi while distancing from Hegde’s comments

 An end to the protests that have stalled Parliament proceedings, particularly in the Rajya Sabha, ever since the winter session began on December 15, was in sight on Wednesday. Union finance minister Arun Jaitley told the Upper House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not mean to question his predecessor, Dr Manmohan Singh, or former Vice President Hamid Ansari’s commitment to the nation.

 The submission by Jaitley, who is also the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, comes after Opposition members forced a wash out of the past six sittings of the Upper House demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for suggesting during the election campaign for Gujarat Assembly that Dr Singh, Ansari and the Congress party was ‘conspiring with Pakistan’ to oust the BJP from Gujarat.

 Modi’s statement – unsubstantiated as it was – had been squarely slammed by Dr Singh, who had accused the Prime Minister of “spreading falsehoods and canards”. Other dignitaries who were present at the said meeting – a dinner hosted at the residence of suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on December 6 for former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri – too had rubbished Modi’s allegation and said that there was no discussion on the Gujarat polls at the event.

 Modi’s studied silence on the controversy had only agitated the Opposition members further and they protested, demanding an apology from the Prime Minister, when the Parliament’s winter session began on December 15. The uproar had led to a logjam that has already consumed six sittings of the curtailed winter session which only has 15 working days to transact its legislative business.

 On Wednesday, the Treasury Benches facing heat from the Opposition over another controversial remark – Union Skill Development Minister Anant Kumar Hegde’s claim of the BJP being elected to power “to change the Constitution” and his assertion that “secularists do not know their parentage” – were forced to go on the defensive.

 With the Opposition resolute in its demand for an apology from Modi for his comments against Dr Singh and for the resignation of Hegde from the Union council of ministers, the Centre finally gave in.

 Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs, Vijay Goel told the Rajya Sabha that his party and its government was “committed to uphold the Constitution” and that Hegde’s comments found no resonance in the saffron fold – a view later also reiterated by his senior minister Ananth Kumar in the Lok Sabha. Jaitley came to the Rajya Sabha when it reconvened – after multiple adjournments earlier in the day – at 2pm and tendered his ‘half-apology’ on behalf of Modi.

 “Prime Minister in his speeches didn’t question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or former Vice President Hamid Ansari, any such perception is erroneous, we hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India,” Jaitley told the Rajya Sabha.

 That the thaw was now ending was evident in Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad’s response to Jaitley. “I thank the Leader of the House for (the) clarification on what has been an issue of contention. I, on behalf of my party, say that we disassociate from any comments made by any member during elections that may have hurt the PM’s dignity… also we don’t want any such thing to be said in the future,” Azad said.

 Azad’s mention of “disassociating” from comments made by Congress leaders against Modi during the Gujarat election campaign was a veiled reference to Mani Shankar Aiyar’s contentious jibe directed at the Prime Minister, who he had called a “neech kisam ka insaan” (low-level human). Aiyar’s comment had drawn an immediate rebuke from Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had asked him to apologise for the statement hours before the Congress suspended Aiyar from primary membership of the party. Aiyar’s comment, many believe, had cost the Congress dear in the Gujarat polls – which it lost narrowly to the BJP – after Modi chose to use it in his favour by alleging that the Congress veteran had mocked him for belonging to a “neech jaati” (low caste).

 With Jaitley issuing his half-apology and Azad accepting it, the stalemate seemed to have ended, at least in the Rajya Sabha. The Upper House then began debating the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017 which was moved for consideration and passing.

 In the Lok Sabha, however, the stalemate continued longer with Congress-led Opposition parties demanding an apology from Hegde. The Lower House of Parliament, in which the BJP enjoys a brute majority, did manage to pass the crucial National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2017 amid din much to the chagrin of Opposition members who even criticised Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for condoning the practice of allowing the Treasury Benches to have key Bills passed without proper discussion and amid uproar.

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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.

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1 day ago

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December 4, 2025

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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.

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1 day ago

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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

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November 29, 2025

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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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