Parliament Monsoon Session Highlights: Home Minister Amit Shah speaks on Wayanad landslides in RS, says Centre had given early warning to Kerala govt

Parliament Monsoon Session Highlights: Union Minister Amit Shah said that the loss of lives in Wayanad could have been minimised had the Kerala govt become alert following the arrival of NDRF teams. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. (File Photo)Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. (File Photo)

Parliament Session Highlights:  Speaking on the Wayanad landslides in the Rajya Sabha today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Centre had given an early warning to Kerala on July 23 and again on July 24 and July 25, following which 9 NDRF teams were dispatched to the state. “On 26 July, it was said that more than 20 cm of rainfall is possible and landslide can be expected. Why did Kerala government did not evacuate people in time,” Shah said. He said the loss of lives in Wayanad could have been minimised had the Kerala govt become alert following the arrival of NDRF teams.

The Congress plans to move a privilege motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sharing BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s speech on his social media handle. On Tuesday, Thakur’s mention of Rahul Gandhi’s caste during a discussion on the Union Budget sparked a heated exchange between the opposition and treasury benches in the House.

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The Lok Sabha was disrupted by noisy scenes on Wednesday as Opposition members demanded an apology from Anurag Thakur for his comments about Gandhi, who is also the Leader of Opposition, and continued their call for a caste census. Amid the commotion, Rijiju condemned the protests, accusing the Congress of attempting to undermine the country and incite violence. He criticised the Congress for focusing incessantly on caste issues and emphasised the need for all members to adhere to the rules and regulations of the House. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stating that it possesses unimpeachable credentials and has a constitutional right to contribute to the nation’s development. His comment came in response to a comment made by Samajwadi Party leader Ramji Lal Suman about the NTA head being an RSS member.

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Jul 31, 2024 06:07 PM IST
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Jul 31, 2024 02:57 PM IST
'No one's caste is asked in Parliament. This has been done deliberately to insult', says Mallikarjun Kharge

"No one's caste is asked in Parliament. This has been done deliberately to insult. Even the Prime Minister should not support such indecent things. He should know when and what things to defend. I strongly condemn such indecent things and Narendra Modi's tweet in their support," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Wednesday.

His comments come after BJP leader Anurag Thakur’s mention of Rahul Gandhi’s caste during a discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Jul 31, 2024 02:22 PM IST
What Union Minister Amit Shah said on the Wayanad landslides in the Rajya Sabha

-- Narendra Modi government is standing like a rock with Kerala government and the people to deal with the Wayanad tragedy

-- Nine NDRF teams were sent in Kerala in advance; Kerala govt did not evacuate people in time, he said.

-- Wayanad losses could have been minimised had the Kerala govt become alert following the arrival of NDRF teams

-- India is among four countries that can provide warnings on natural disasters at least 7 days in advance

Jul 31, 2024 02:19 PM IST
Centre had sent 9 NDRF teams to Kerala on July 23 in view of the landslide warning: Amit Shah in Parliament

"The Centre had sent 9 NDRF teams to Kerala on July 23 in view of the landslide warning. Why were the people not shifted from the area," Amit Shah said.

Jul 31, 2024 02:15 PM IST
Home Minister gives a statement on The Wayanad tragedy in the Lok Sabha

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the Wayanad landslides.

Further, he said that an early warning was given to Kerala govt on July 23 and again on July 24 and July 25. On 26 July, it was said that more than 20 cm of rainfall is possible and landslide can be expected. I am saying this in reponse to the questions raised on the Government's early warning system.

Earlier, several states, including Odisha and Gujarat used Centre's early warning system to limit damages, he said.

Jul 31, 2024 02:05 PM IST
In case you have just joined, here are all the updates from today's Parliament session

-- The Lok Sabha witnessed noisy scenes on Wednesday as Opposition members sought an apology from BJP leader Anurag Thakur over his ‘caste’ remarks on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and persisted with their demand for a caste census.

-- Amid the din, Rijiju condemned the protests in the House and alleged the Congress has tried to weaken the country and create violence.

-- The Congress talks about "jaati" (caste) day and night, he said and stressed that everyone should go by the rules and regulations of the House.

-- The proceedings were then adjourned for around 20 minutes till noon. Speaker Om Birla told the protesting members that their approach was "wrong".

-- The Congress also plans to move a privilege motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sharing BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s speech on his social media handle. Thakur's remarks had been expunged from the House records.

-- Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stating that it possesses unimpeachable credentials and has a constitutional right to contribute to the nation’s development. His comment came in response to a comment made by Samajwadi Party leader Ramji Lal Suman about the NTA head being an RSS member.

Jul 31, 2024 01:49 PM IST
What Opposition MPs have said on Anurag Thakur's remarks against Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha

-- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that Anurag Thakur's statement is condemnable, adding that these are the people who want to mould the country in a way that would be politically convenient for them.

-- Congress MP Hibi Eden said Anurag Thakur constantly used unparliamentary words, adding that Rahul Gandhi will continue his fight.

-- Congress MP Manickam Tagore has moved an adjournment motion seeking discussion on the caste census and said that Anurag Thakur's statement shows arrogance.ans you have a weak foundation."

-- Congress MP Manickam Tagore has moved an adjournment motion seeking discussion on the caste census and said that Anurag Thakur's statement shows arrogance.

Jul 31, 2024 01:45 PM IST
PM shared what was expunged from the Lok Sabha, which is against the rules: Congress' Lok Sabha Chief Whip K Suresh

"Yesterday, during the Budget speech, BJP MP Anurag Thakur used unparliamentary language against LoP. Throughout his speech, he used abusive language. We protested same time. The Chairman of the House expunged the unparliamentary words. But yesterday night, the PM shared what was expunged, that is against the rule of Lok Sabha," said Congress' Lok Sabha Chief Whip K Suresh.

Jul 31, 2024 01:43 PM IST
What was the Rahul Gandhi's response to the comments made by Anurag Thakur yesterday

After Anurag Thakur's comments, Rahul Gandhi accused Thakur him of insulting and abusing him during the debate but asserted that he would not seek any apology from Thakur, who is also a former Union minister.

"Anurag Thakur insulted me and I don't want any apology from him. Abuse or insult me as hard as you can but don't forget, we will pass the caste census in this Parliament for sure," the leader of opposition said in the House on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Congress termed Thakur's speech on Tuesday a "highly abusive and unconstitutional tirade".

Jul 31, 2024 01:35 PM IST
Cong to move motion against PM Modi over tweeting Anurag Thakur’s speech

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Jul 31, 2024 01:21 PM IST
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Jul 31, 2024 12:53 PM IST
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Jul 31, 2024 12:34 PM IST
Our demand to condcut caste census mocked by the BJP in Parliament

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"We protested inside the Parliament against the insensitive and cruel remarks made by the BJP leaders inside the budget discussion yesterday with respect to the caste census. We know that the caste census is a very emotional issue and many people in India from SC ST, and OBC want it but their demand was mocked by the BJP yesterday. They were insulted by the BJP inside the Parliament and it is unfortunate that later in the evening the prime minister shared and praised the speech which insulted the Dalit, the OBC and the Adivasi. We are here fighting for their right, fighting for the caste census and that is why we protested..." he said.

Jul 31, 2024 12:05 PM IST
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha criticises Anurag Thakur over his 'caste' comment

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Jul 31, 2024 12:02 PM IST
What happened in the. Lok Sabha this morning

-- Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia began speaking amid an uproar by opposition over BJP member Anurag Thakur's remarks in House and demand for caste census

-- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticised the Opposition MPs for unruly behaviour.

-- Union Parliamentary Minister Kiren Rijiju meanwhile accused the Congress of “weakening the democracy of the country” and making statments against the armed forces.

-- Amid continuos uproar by the Opposition MPs, the Speaker adjourned the House till 12 noon.

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Jul 31, 2024 10:58 AM IST
Congress leader Karti Chidambaram criticises Anurag Thakur's 'caste' remark

Commenting on the row over BJP leader Anurag Thakur's speech made in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Karti Chidambaram said: “"It is distressful that in this 21st century such a crude question was thrown at the Leader of Opposition in the floor of the House. I am quite upset that this kind of discourse is being followed in the Parliament. This must be desisted.”

Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur stirred controversy by indirectly targeting Gandhi over the demand for a caste-based census yesterday, saying, “Jiski jaat ka pata nahin, woh ganana ki baat karta hai” (The person whose caste is not known talks about census).

Jul 31, 2024 10:42 AM IST
Congress MPs observe a moment of silence for the lives lost in Wayanad landslides tragedy

The Congress Parliamentary Party held a moment of silence to honour victims of the Wayanad landslides and the Delhi coaching centre flood on Wednesday. The meeting, held in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, was attended by Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, former chief Rahul Gandhi, and other members.

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Jul 31, 2024 10:41 AM IST
Nirmala Sitharaman and Anurag Thakur attack Rahul Gandhi over caste, he says fight will go on

In a scathing attack in Lok Sabha Tuesday on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his claim that there were no SCs and STs among officials who prepared the Budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sought to know why there was no SC in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation or among the five trustees of the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust.

Earlier, Sitharaman’s BJP colleague and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who did not name Gandhi but targeted him over his demand for caste-based census, said, “Jiski jaat ka pata nahin, woh ganana ki baat karta hai” (The person whose caste is not known talks about census).

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Jul 31, 2024 10:40 AM IST
Congress accuses PM of breaching parliamentary privilege over Anurag Thakur’s ‘caste’ remark

After BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi’s caste triggered an ugly spat between the opposition and treasury benches in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the Congress today claimed that PM Modi encouraged a “serious breach of parliamentary privilege” by sharing the same speech on social media. Congress general secretary in-charge Jairam Ramesh said that Thakur brought parliamentary discourse to a new low by asking a fellow MP and the leader of opposition about his caste identity.

Jul 30, 2024 05:46 PM IST
Cong can go on shedding crocodile tears about farmers, no implementation was done during the UPA govt: Finance Minister

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She further added: "In some cases, there may be a mechanical linkage between MSP and the cost of production per producer. After saying this, the UPA govt rejected the MS Swaminathan report in 2007...Congress Party can go on shedding crocodile tears about farmers, but no implementation was done in the last 10 years..."

Jul 30, 2024 05:28 PM IST
Rs 17,000 crore of substantial financial support for J-K: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in LS

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a reply to the budget discussion in Lok Sabha said "We have provided substantial financial support of Rs 17,000 crore in the Union Budget of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir this year. "

Jul 30, 2024 02:29 PM IST
Parliament Session Live: Here's what Akhilesh Yadav said in his attack on the govt

"A lot of MoUs have been signed to build industries on paper, but nothing has happened in reality"

"This is not a government that will run smoothly, this is a government that is about to fall"

Jul 30, 2024 01:36 PM IST
Parliament Session Live: Akhilesh Yadav criticises govt on Union Budget 2024

"This is the government's 11th budget. Still there is a sense of hopelessness. Smiles are not visible on the faces.

"There is nothing for those unemployed, farmers and those in villages. People understand the pains of leading lives amidst price rise."

"Most number of MPs come from Uttar Pradesh, but we haven't really received any big projects in the last 10 years," Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav said in his address on the Union Budget 2024

Jul 30, 2024 01:14 PM IST
Parliament Session Live: General discussion on Budget currently on in Rajya Sabha

Following the Question Hour, the Rajya Sabha is now having a general discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25 and the Budget for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jul 30, 2024 12:46 PM IST
Parliament Session Live: MP raises railway accidents issue in Lok Sabha

Sudip Bandopadhyay, AITC MP, raised the issue of the many railway accidents occuring in the country. He sought a response from Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

He was specifically referring to the Howrah-Mumbai Mail that derailed early this morning, leading to the death of two people and leaving several injured.

Jul 30, 2024 12:28 PM IST
Parliament Session Live: 'Matter of urgent public importance' being raised in Lok Sabha

LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi rose to talk about the Wayanad landslide incident this morning.

Talking about the grave tragedy, these were the demands he urged the Centre to act on:

- Immediate release of funds for assistance in relief and rescue measures.

- Dispensation of compensation to the families of those deceased in the incident and an increase in the allocated compensation.

- He also raised the need to mitigate the alarming increase in such natural disasters.

- He suggested an immediate mapping of landslide-prone areas naming Wayanad and Western Ghats as vulnerable areas.

Jul 30, 2024 12:13 PM IST
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Jul 30, 2024 12:07 PM IST
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Jul 30, 2024 12:01 PM IST
Parliament Session Live: Question Hour ends

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Jul 30, 2024 11:57 AM IST
Parliament Session Live: Here's what Opposition MPs from Kerala said about the Wayanad landslides

CPI MP Sandosh Kumar says death toll has reached 50 in Wayanad landslide.

Four villages have been cut off due to the landslide, John Brittas

Joseph K Mani of KC(M) says 500 families have been affected due to the landslide

Deploy Army for rescue efforts and announce Rs 5000 crore relief fund, says Jebi Mather Kolam

Jul 30, 2024 11:53 AM IST
Parliament Session Live: Meanwhile, Lok Sabha is discussing issued faced by farmers

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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is addressing the House.

Jul 30, 2024 11:51 AM IST
Parliament Session Live: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju counters Opposition claim over not releasing funds

Stating that this is not the time to play politics, Rijuju spoke over the Opposition claims that the Centre is not releasing funds for assistance in the Wayanad landslide incident.

"The funds are already allocated and with the state government for any such incidents concerning natural disasters...The issue is about immediate and relief. Then comes recovery and rehabilitation. My only request is that the government is doing everything that needs to be done in coordination with the state," he said.

He said he will ask the Home Ministry to come out with a detailed report on the funds for the natural disaster.

Jul 30, 2024 11:47 AM IST
Parliament Session Live: 'We are together,' Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha J P Nadda tells Opposition MPs

"We are all pained by this natural calamity. Everything is being done, there is state-central coordination in action. I understand why MPs from Kerala are agitated about this but it is the time to come together and translate it into action," J P Nadda told in the Upper House.

Jul 30, 2024 11:45 AM IST
Parliament Session Live: Several Opposition MPs urge for Wayanad incident to be declared as a national disaster

After Rajya Sabha Chairperson Dhankar allowed for the Members to express concern over the tragedy, several MPs from the Congress and Left parties in Kerala rose to speak.

The demands included urging more financial assitance, compensation to victims' families and even one to declare this as a national disaster.

"Even before the proceedings, it was gratifying to see that the CM, PM and both the state and Centre in coordination have been in action even before sunrise. Everything possible is being done," the Chair added.

Jul 30, 2024 11:41 AM IST
Parliament Session Live: Rajya Sabha Dhankar names LoP as H D Deve Gowda instead of Mallikarjun Kharge, apologises

Before LoP in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge rose to bring up the Wayanad landslide incident in which over 40 people are feared dead, Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar called him on as H D Deve Gowda. He then expressed his apology.

Jul 30, 2024 11:21 AM IST
Parliament Session Live: Ruckus in Rajya Sabha as well

"Hon'ble members, I am afraid you'll have to take your seats. What I find is,in categorical terms, members have gotten into a groove. They think they have to raise 267 so that the name and the issue get into public domain. That will be improper. I have taken a stand that I will not," Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar was seen reprimanding MPs creating ruckus in the House.

Jul 30, 2024 11:18 AM IST
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Jul 30, 2024 11:05 AM IST
Parliament Budget Session Live: Lok Sabha proceedings begin, amid Opposition ruckus

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Jul 30, 2024 11:02 AM IST
Parliament Budget Session Live: Rajya Sabha proceedings begin

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Before calling for papers to be laid on the table, Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar read out birthday greeting sfor the day.

Jul 30, 2024 10:37 AM IST
Parliament Budget Session Live: Recap of LoP Rahul Gandhi's critique of Budget 2024 in Lok Sabha

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Modi-led government in hi speech during the discussion on the recently present Union Budget 2024.

He said the Union Budget had nothing for farmers, youths, middle class and Agniveers, and promised that INDIA bloc will break “government’s Chakravyuh” and ensure MSP legal guarantee, caste census.

Here are some top quotes:

“The country’s halwa is being distributed and no one from the 73 per cent (Dalit, Adivasi and Backward Classes) is there… A total of 20 officers have prepared the Budget and out of them there are just two from the country’s 90 per cent population – one minority and one OBC. And in this photo, they too are not there,” he said.

“What I have seen is that the sole aim of this Budget is to strengthen this framework of big business, monopoly business, framework of a political monopoly that destroys the democratic structure and finally the framework of what one can call the deep state or the agencies. …The first thing done by the Chakrvyuh was that those who give employment to the country – small and medium business – were attacked. How? Through note ban, GST and tax terrorism.”

He said the budget said nothing about paper leaks. “There have been 70 (paper leaks) in the last 10 years, at a time when the youths were trapped in the Chakravyuh of unemployment. “When you should have spent on education, you have given the least amount in 20 years at 2.5 per cent of the Budget,” he said.

Jul 30, 2024 10:24 AM IST
Parliament Budget Session Live: Congress MP Manickam Tagore seeks discussion on caste-based Census, women's reservation

Ahead of the proceedings in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has filed an adjournment notice, demanding a discussion on "two interlinked issues" of the census and women's reservations. His notice said the recent budget cuts raises questions on the census, delayed since 2021, being conducted soon. "We urge the government to prioritse and expedite both the Census including a caste-based component as called for by LoP Rahul Gandhi, and the implementation of women's reservation," the notice read.

Jul 30, 2024 10:22 AM IST
Welcome to the live blog

Good morning!

The Budget Session of the Parliament is on till August 12 and we bring you real-time updates from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha right here.

Stay tuned as the highlight of the day is likely to be Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's address in the Lok Sabha where she is going to respond to queries raised by the Opposition on Monday.

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