Parliament Special Session Day 2 ends, Women's Reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha tomorrow

After uproar on Mallikarjn Kharge's remarks during discussion on Women Reservation Bill. Rajya Sabha adjourned till September 20

On Women's Reservation Bill, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah says, "...Let it come. We have implemented it here at the levels that were appropriate for us in the Panchayats and local bodies. We did it much before Govt of India, much before August 5, 2019. We have never opposed the process of reservation so that women get their rightful place in the decision-making of this country..."

It has been a struggle for 30 years. Our Constitution has promised equality...This bill was necessary...Many parties reminded the BJP of their promise as per their manifesto released 9.5 years ago. It came late but I hope it comes to act soon. It was written in the bill that it would not be enacted immediately as it would only come to act once delimitation is exercised. That means till 2029, this reservation won't be implemented. They have opened the doors but still there is no entry for women: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on the Women's Reservation Bill

On Mallikarjun Kharge's statement, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "We respect the leader of the opposition but to make a sweeping statement that all parties choose women who are not effective is absolutely unacceptable. We all have been empowered by our party, PM. President Droupadi Murmu is an empowered woman..."

Kharge said, "Women from backward, ST don't get such opportunities which they are getting, this is what we are saying..."

Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan says, "First of all I would like to congratulate all the women of the country. For a long time, we have been waiting for the rights of women to be passed in this Parliament. It took a long time but we had this belief in our PM...I am happy that today this bill has been strongly presented as 'Nari Shakti Vandana'. Discussion should happen on this...I hope that this bill passes with complete agreement so that women get their rights"

Kharge said, "Literacy rate of women from scheduled caste is less and that's why political parties have a habit of choosing weak women and they won't choose those who're educated and can fight."

In the Rajya Sabha of the new Parliament building, PM Narendra Modi says, "...we did not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha but we were confident that the Rajya Sabha would rise above political thinking and take decisions in the interest of the country. Because of your (MPs) maturity, we were able to take difficult decisions..."

After Lok Sabha, PM Modi speaks in Rajya Sabha. PM Narendra Modi speaks on Women's Reservation Bill. "... Today a bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. After discussion, it will come here also. Today we are taking an important step towards women empowerment..."

After introduction of Women Reservation Bill, Lok Sabha adjourned till 20th September

Proceedings of the Rajya Sabha began in the new Parliament building. The House was later adjourned for half an hour till 2.47 PM, for the Chairman to hold a discussion with Floor Leaders.

After the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, 181 seats in Lok Sabha will be reserved for women now. 33% of 84 seats for Scheduled Castes in Lok Sabha will be reserved for women now. 33% of 47 seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Lok Sabha will be reserved for women now, said the Law Minister. 

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha amid sloganeering by the Opposition. 

Leader of Congress Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is speaking in the Lok Sabha following the address by the Prime Minister. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Women's Reservation Bill will be introduced in Parliament. Women participate substantively in panchayats, and municipal bodies; their representation in state assemblies, and Parliament still limited. Women bring different perspectives and enrich the quality of legislative debates and decision-making, he added. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today when we are entering the new Parliament building, when the 'grih pravesh' of Parliamentary democracy is taking place, the witness to the first rays of Independence and that which will inspire generations to come - the holy Sengol - that which was touched by India's first Prime Minister Pt Nehru...That is why, this Sengol connects us to a very important past..."

In the Lok Sabha of the new Parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Abhi chunav toh door hai, aur jitna samay hamare paas bacha hai main pakka maanta hoon ki yahan jo vyavahaar hoga yeh nirdharit karega ki kaun yahan baithne ke liye vyavahaar karta hai aur kaun wahan baithne ke liye vyavahaar karta hai..."

In his first addresses to the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament, PM Modi once again highlighted the success of Chandrayaan-3, India's Moon Mission.  "Chandrayaan-3's skyrocketing success fills every countryman with pride. Under India's presidency, the extraordinary organising of G20 became an occasion to make unique achievements like getting the global desired impact. In the light of this, the symbol of modern India and ancient democracy - proceedings in the new Parliament building begins today," he added. 

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said  'Micchami Dukkadam' to all MPs and countrymen on Jain Samvatsari. "When we are starting a new chapter, we should forget all past bitterness," he added. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the first session of the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament building. "I extend my heartiest welcome to all of you in this new Parliament building. This occasion is unprecedented in several ways. This is the dawn of Azadi ka Amrit Kaal...," he said. 

The proceedings of the Lok Sabha have begun in the new Parliament building. Speaker Om Birla is giving the opening remarks on the occasion. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and others entered the new building of the Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Nitin Gadkari and other parliamentarians entered the New Parliament building. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers and other MPs marched towards the new Parliament building on foot. The sessions of Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha will commence post-lunch today in the new building. 

During his address at the Central Hall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed that the old Parliament building should be known as 'Samvidhan Sadan'.  "I have a suggestion. Now, when we are going to the New Parliament, its (Old Parliament building) dignity should never go down. This should not be left just as the Old Parliament building. So, I urge that if you agree, this should be known as 'Samvidhan Sadan'...," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "We have to make the right decisions at the right time for the future. We cannot restrict ourselves to just thinking about the political benefits...Knowledge and innovation are the demands and we should focus on it. After Chandrayaan-3's success, our youth is inspired by the science & technology sector. We do not have to miss this opportunity."

PM Narendra Modi says, "Now, we have to walk towards being the best in the world in the manufacturing sector. I had said from the Red Fort - Zero Defect, Zero Effect. There should be no defect in our products and the process should not have an effect on the environment. We have to go before the world with this 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect'..."

In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that Bharat is setting new targets for itself now. We are lucky that we are shaping the country's future. In the 25 years of Amrit Kaal, India will have to work on a larger canvas. The time for us to get caught up in smaller issues is over. First of all, we will have to meet the goal of becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat...It is the need of the hour, it is everyone's duty. Parties should not come in its way. Sirf Dil chahiye, desh ke liye chahiye."

In his last address from Central Hall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed that the "Journey of Vikasit Bharat" has started. "It was here in 1947 that the British did the transfer of power, our Central Hall is a witness of that historic moment. We are moving to the new Parliament building with a repetition of our resolve to develop India and determination towards achieving it," he added. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India no longer wants to stop but to set new goals. "We are very fortunate that we have got the opportunity to fulfil our responsibilities at such a time. At present the country has such aspirations which did not exist in the last 1000 years. The entire world is talking about India's 'Atmanirbhar' model," he said. The PM further added that India has reawakened with a new consciousness and filled with a new energy. "This consciousness and energy can change the dreams of crores of people into resolutions and make those resolutions into a reality...," the PM added. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bharat is moving towards the goal of becoming the world's third-largest economy. "Today, India is the fifth largest economy in the world and is determined to reach the third position. I am sure that this will happen soon. India's banking sector has also become the centre of positive discussion in the world," he added. 

Speaking at the Central Hall, PM Narendra Modi said, "Today, we are going to have the beginning of a new future in the new Parliament building. Today, we are going to the new building with the determination to fulfil the resolve of a developed India." 

Speaking at the Central Hall, PM Modi recalled the historical events that occurred at the old Parliament. "Around 41 heads of state addressed our MPs in this Central Hall since 1952. Different Presidents of India addressed this Central Hall 86 times. Our Parliament has formulated almost 4,000 laws. Triple Talaq and laws related to transgenders were passed by this Parliament only. The decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was taken in this Parliament," he added. 

PM Modi addressed the event organised in the Central Hall ahead of the shifting of the Parliament to the new building. He also extended Ganesh Chaturthi greetings to the Parliamentarians and countrymen. "This Parliament is filled with our emotions. The tri-colour and the national anthem were adopted in this Central Hall.  To make India a developed nation, we are all moving towards the new Parliament House to work wholeheartedly," he added. 

Speaking at the Central Hall, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said, "We will enter the new Parliament with a new hope. The old Parliament is witness to the independence of the country. We aim to develop the country by 2047," he added. 

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke at Central Hall event. "So many memories are attached to this Central Hall," he added. 

 Leader of Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal said that the new Parliament building will become the symbol of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat':

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury termed the Parliament's Central Hall as "historic".  "I am feeling proud standing here in the Central Hall. Everyone should be benefitted from the economic progress of the nation," he added.  "Having seized this opportunity, without making any compunction and without mincing any word, I must state that I feel elevated and elated of having stood in this podium which had witnessed a caravan of historical episodes and numerous momentous events in the midst of the galaxy of luminaries who had racked up their brains and burned the midnight oil to frame the Constitution of India in this august House which was called the Constituent Assembly,"  Chowdhury added. 

Speaking at the Central Hall of Parliament, BJP MP Maneka Gandhi said that she is proud to be part of the historic occasion when the Modi government is repairing deep-rooted asymmetry, giving an equal share to women. According to sources, the government is likely to introduce the Women's Reservation Bill today in Lok Sabha. 

"My happiest moment was being given the responsibility by the Prime Minister, who coined the phase 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. Within 2 years, we changed the thought of the country and the statistics show that it is a lasting change," says BJP MP

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi spoke at the event organised in the Central Hall of Parliament. "Today onwards, our two Houses of the Parliament shall have sittings in the new Parliament building. We all know that this Central Hall has witnessed the transfer of power from Britain to Bharat...," he said. "I am very happy and enthusiastic about the functions of the two Houses of the Parliament henceforth from the new building which is the symbol of new and emerging Bharat paving the way for a developed nation, as envisaged by Prime Minister, by 2047," he added. 

PM Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla present at the event organised in the Central Hall of Parliament on the occasion of the shifting of Parliament to the new building.

According to sources, the Women's Reservation Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha today, by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Discussion for passing of the Bill in the House will be taken up tomorrow, 20th September. The Bill will be taken up in Rajya Sabha on 21st September, said sources. 

After the joint photo session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met parliamentarians ahead of the shifting of Parliament to the new building later today.

During the joint photo session of parliamentarians, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen standing far behind in the row. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla were seen sitting in the first row. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other Parliamentarians gathered for the joint photo session ahead of today's Parliament Session.

On the Women's Reservation Bill, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi exuded confidence that this will empower women in the right way. "This Bill should have been brought long ago. It was in the BJP's manifesto in 2014, but this is taking place after 9.5 years of Modi Govt. I hope that this will empower women in the right way. I expect that the Bill will be passed as early as possible. I hope this Bill to be implemented in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 33% of women get elected and take part in the development of the country," she added. 

On the Women's Reservation Bill, AAP MP Sushil Gupta said that it should have been passed almost ten years ago when the NDA government came into power. "For a decade this bill was pending after being passed by the Rajya Sabha. It should have been passed almost ten years ago when the Modi government came into power. For this, a special session had to be called. Better late than never, this should happen. Women should get their rights...AAP is always in support of the better representation of women...There's no doubt that the bill was passed in Rajya Sabha during the Congress government. But it could not be passed in the Lok Sabha. Both BJP and Congress are to be blamed for that time...," he added. 

BJP MP Narhari Amin fainted during the group photo session of Parliamentarians. He has now recovered and is a part of the photo session.

On the Women's Reservation Bill, RJD MP Manoj Jha says, "For the first time there was no briefing in the cabinet meeting...We want more clarity on the intentions of the government on the Women's Reservation Bill. From Lalu Yadav's time, our party believes that if your idea is to expand the representation then it's not possible until you don't give quota to SC, ST and OBC. There needs to be a quota within the quota. If you don't do this then we have to fight a long fight on social justice..."

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi reached the Parliament. On the Women's Reservation Bill, she said, "It is ours, Apna Hai"

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached the Parliament. The second day of the Special Session will commence in the new Parliament building. 

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has left for Parliament. The photo session in the old Parliament will begin shortly. 

Ahead of the second day of the Special Session, the security personnel were seen in the new uniform at the Parliament building. 

As the new Parliament building is all set to hold its first session today, a new dress code will also be implemented for staff of Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha. The old dresses will be replaced by new dresses that will have the 'Indian touch." According to reports, the new uniform to have round neck shirts and khaki coloured pants for the employees. They could also don Manipuri caps and sleeveless jackets over the shirts. These costumes have been designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

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According to the information received, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go on foot from the old Parliament House to the new Parliament House with a copy of the Constitution. During this time, all the MPs will also follow him. 

There will be a photo session of all the MPs at 9.30 am in the old building of Parliament. After this, a special programme will be organised in the Central Hall of the new Parliament House at 11 am. After the programme is over, formal puja will be performed following which members will enter the new Parliament. 

In the joint sitting of Parliament which is set to be held in the new Parliament building today, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BJP MP Maneka Gandhi and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Shibu Soren will speak for five minutes each, news agency ANI reported citing sources. Maneka Gandhi, a former union minister, has been parliamentarian for the longest period among the sitting Lok Sabha MPs. Among the sitting MPs in Rajya Sabha, Manmohan Singh has been a member for the longest time. Shibu Soren has served as MP for the longest period in both the Houses of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead a function in the Central Hall of Parliament today to celebrate the country's rich parliamentary legacy and resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047. The nearly one-and-a-half-hour function will start and end with the national anthem and would be followed by a lunch. Later, the top leaders will lead all MPs to the new Parliament building.