Parliament Winter Session 2024: Live Updates
The Parliament Winter Session resumed normal functioning on Tuesday after a week-long standoff between the government and the Opposition, which had stalled proceedings during the session’s initial week. Speaker Om Birla played a pivotal role in ending the deadlock by convening a meeting with floor leaders. The session now promises discussions on critical issues, including Sambhal violence, the Adani bribery allegations, and Cyclone Fengal relief efforts.
Key Highlights from the Winter Session
1. Sambhal Violence Sparks Heated Debate in Lok Sabha
During Zero Hour, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns over recent violence in Sambhal, alleging a BJP-led conspiracy aimed at disrupting harmony in the district. He accused the government of orchestrating events to divert attention from irregularities in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls, triggering a strong response from BJP MPs.
2. INDIA Bloc Protest over Adani Allegations
Leaders from the INDIA alliance, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest at the Parliament premises, demanding accountability over bribery allegations against businessman Gautam Adani. Despite agreements for smoother proceedings, these protests highlighted ongoing tensions between the ruling and opposition parties.
3. TMC Criticizes INDIA Bloc’s Strategy
TMC MP Samik Bhattacharya criticized the INDIA bloc’s approach, labeling the protest over the Adani issue as a “drama.” The MP emphasized TMC’s focus on constructive governance rather than disruptive tactics, signaling cracks within the Opposition alliance.
4. Cyclone Fengal Relief Requests
MPs from Tamil Nadu, including DMK’s Kanimozhi, called for immediate central assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal. They urged the government to release ₹2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund and deploy a central team to assess damages.
5. Agricultural Policies Under Fire
During Question Hour, heated exchanges erupted over the implementation of PM-KISAN and MSP disbursements. While Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the government’s record, Opposition MPs walked out, claiming the support provided was insufficient.
6. Trinamool Congress MP Lashes Out Over Frozen Funds
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the BJP government of withholding funds for Bengal, alleging political discrimination. The government countered these claims, citing concerns over fund misuse.
The Road Ahead
With significant issues like the Sambhal violence and Cyclone Fengal relief on the agenda, the Parliament Winter Session 2024 is set to be crucial in shaping public discourse. Both Houses are expected to navigate through contentious debates, ensuring democratic accountability.
Stay tuned for more updates as the session unfolds.
