Parliament Winter Session Day 3 Highlights — ‘Pro-capitalist, anti-worker mindset’: Priyanka Gandhi slams Modi govt over new Labour Codes

The Rajya Sabha will take up debates on the 150th anniversary of the composition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and on electoral reforms next week, sources said on Wednesday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Rajya Sabha, chaired by House Chairman C P Radhakrishnan, that was attended by floor leaders of several parties.

Both debates would be for 10 hours each. — PTI

The overall punctuality of Indian Railways' Mail and Express trains was 77.12 per cent in 2024-25 and about 80 per cent from April to October in 2025-26, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.

Responding to questions on the punctuality of trains, Vaishnaw said that Indian Railways makes all possible efforts to run trains on time, but several factors -- including foggy weather, path constraints, asset maintenance, alarm chain pulling, agitations, cattle run over and other unforeseen circumstances -- affect their punctual running. — PTI

There will be no change in the supply of foodgrains to Kerala under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) even as the state government has declared itself free from extreme poverty, Food Minister Pralhad Joshi informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

In a written reply, the minister said extreme poverty is not a criterion for identification of eligible households in the AAY guidelines. — PTI

The 63-km Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri New Rail Line project has been adversely affected due to Himachal Pradesh government's failure to pay its outstanding share of Rs 1843 crore, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Responding to the questions regarding to the current status of the Bhanupli–Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway line and Nangal-Una-Talwara Railway line, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri (63km) New Rail Line project has been sanctioned on a cost-sharing basis with the state government.”

According to Vaishnaw, so far, an expenditure of Rs 5,252 crore has been incurred on this project, and Rs 1,843 crore is outstanding with the Government of Himachal Pradesh. — PTI

Lok Sabha member Hanuman Beniwal on Wednesday demanded that the government make efforts to ensure the safe return of 61 youngsters from Rajasthan and other states who were sent to the war zone in Russia after travelling to the country on study and work visas.

Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour, Beniwal said families of some of the youngsters have requested him to urge the government to make efforts to ensure their safe return. — PTI

Parliament Winter Session Day 3 LIVE Updates: Under the proposed Central Excise (Amendment) Bill to levy tax on tobacco, unmanufactured tobacco would face an excise duty of 60-70%, cigars and cheroots would be taxed at 25% or Rs 5,000 per 1,000 sticks, whichever is higher, while cigarettes up to 65 mm without filters would attract ?2,700 per 1,000 sticks and Rs 4,500 per 1,000 sticks for lengths up to 70 mm.

Parliament Winter Session Day 3 LIVE Updates: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill to levy tax on tobacco and its related products. Earlier, a debate on a Bill for overhauling the tax structure on tobacco products in Lok Sabha on Wednesday saw MPs making candid confessions about their personal struggles with tobacco use while urging stronger measures to curb its consumption.

A 52-km stretch under four metro corridors is under construction in and around Kolkata, of which 20 km has been held up due to land acquisition and utility shifting issues pertaining to the state government, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Apprising the House about the status of these four corridors, the minister, in a written reply to a question, said that of the first corridor, the 7.74-km Joka-Majerhat stretch has been commissioned, while the balance work on the 6.26-km Majerhat to Esplanade section has been taken up. — PTI

Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday flagged concerns related to Sanchar Saathi mobile application in the Rajya Sabha, saying it completely negates the right of privacy of every individual.

Raising the issue, he said a clear apprehension is that features of the application would point out real-time geo-location of every user, monitoring of the search history, financial transaction and a possible monitoring of conversations through SMS and WhatsApp. — PTI

"Bow Bow"! That was Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury's quick response on Wednesday to reports that some ruling party members are seeking to bring a privilege motion against her for bringing a dog to Parliament.

The snappy reply quickly became fodder for social media memes and even a remix of the popular song "Who Let The Dogs Out" by the Bahamian band Baha Men with the MP's "Bow Bow" interspersed in rhythm.

Watch the video here

A BJP member in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday demanded withdrawal of "halal certification" to non-meat products, saying it is against the Constitution, which gives the right to all to practise one's own faith.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Upper House, Medha Vishram Kulkarni said the concept of halal is associated with a specific religion and faith and the same should not be imposed on people of other faiths. — PTI

Opposition MPs on Wednesday demanded that elections be held in Manipur, as the Upper House took up a resolution to extend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, to the state.

The resolution was moved in the Rajya Sabha by Environment and Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav, who said the two houses need to adopt the resolution on the central act since there is President's rule in Manipur.

Participating in a debate on the resolution, Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev slammed the Centre over the continuation of President's rule in Manipur. — PTI

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha member Ashok Kumar Mittal on Wednesday raised concerns over the cases of missing children and women in the country, while advocating for a stringent law to check human trafficking.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the upper house, Mittal said, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 47,000 innocent children are missing or untraced in the country.

What is even more alarming, according to the NCRB data, is that approximately 1.97 lakh women are still missing, he said. — PTI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the levy of excise on tobacco will ensure that incidence of tax on the demerit good remains same even after the expiry of the GST compensation cess.

Moving the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for discussion and passage in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said since the GST law caps maximum rate of tax at 40 per cent, the ultimate tax incidence on tobacco after removal of GST cess would come down from the current level if excise duty is not levied. — PTI

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday sought justice for Zubeen Garg, the popular singer-composer from Assam who died in Singapore in September, leaving his fans distraught.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Gogoi paid rich tributes to Garg, hailing him as a humanitarian who gave the people of Assam hope in the 1980s and 1990s, when he northeastern state was in the grip of insurgency.

Gogoi, the president of the Congress's Assam unit, also demanded that the government confer the country's highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, on Garg. — PTI

The Lok Sabha is now discussing the additional cess on tobacco problem. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram says only increasing taxes will not reduce compensation. "It will only lead to increased blackmarketeering... The government must give us a holistic plan to reduce consumption and migrate those working in the tobacco industry." The government proposes to impose a cess on production of goods such as pan masala, etc. The proposed legislative changes will be carried out through The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has moved a Statutory resolution to adopt the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 in Manipur.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have resumed proceedings.

Terming fake news as a threat to democracy, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said there is a need to take strict action against those who create AI-generated deep fake videos and spread false information, news agency PTI reported.

Vaishnaw also informed the Lok Sabha that the government is working on framing new rules for curbing fake news and AI-generated deep fake videos and strengthening the institutional mechanism for the same.

"Fake news is a very serious issue. Fake news is a threat to democracy. There is a need to take strict action against fake news and AI-generated deep fake videos," he said during Question Hour.

The minister said the people and the ecosystem which spread fake news don't follow Indian laws, and there is a need to take action against them, PTI quoted.

Appreciating the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, headed by BJP member Nishikant Dubey, he said the panel has given many good suggestions, and the government is working on framing new rules and regulations.

"There is need for making fine delicate balance between fake news and freedom of speech," he said.

Replying to a question on online betting activities, Vaishnaw said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has enacted a very strong law to curb the online money games.

"Modi government never shies away in taking strong action against such misconduct," he said.

On another question regarding some TV news channels indulging in disseminating alleged false information, the minister said the government and the Press Council of India actively look into such complaints and take action wherever required. (PTI)

The Rajya Sabha proceedings have been adjourned till 2 pm.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “pro-capitalist and anti-worker mindset” after his government at the Centre implemented the four long-pending labour codes covering wages, industrial relations, social security and working conditions last month.

Taking over X, Gandhi wrote: "In the name of simplifying labor laws, the central government has brought in 4 new labor codes. Under this pretext, the government has snatched away all the rights that workers had in their hands. The protections previously granted to workers have been taken away, and new avenues for their exploitation have been opened. Through these laws, Narendra Modi ji's pro-capitalist and anti-worker mindset has once again come to the fore. The country does not accept these laws."

Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor Wednesday questioned the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre on the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) and the Atomic Energy Act (1962).

In response, the PMO's office replied saying that the draft Atomic Energy Bill 2025 is in its advanced stage and suggestions from various Ministries are being incorporated. Referring to Tharoor's demands, the PMO said that the the various aspects and concerns raised by him are also being addressed in the proposed in relation to the Bill.

Tharoor wrote: "My question in the Lok Sabha today on whether changes are proposed to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and @pmoIndia’s reply:"

Leaders of several opposition parties met in Parliament on Wednesday to discuss their joint strategy for the Winter Session.

Floor leaders of various parties, including the Congress, DMK, RJD, SP, JMM, CPI-M, CPI, IUML, NCP-SP, and SS-UBT, attended the meeting, while Trinamool Congress (TMC) skipped it, news agency PTI reported.

The TMC was also absent from the last meeting of Opposition leaders, held on December 1 — the first day of the winter session.

Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, were present at the meeting, which was held in Kharge's chamber.

During the meeting, the leaders stressed that their unity and continued pressure on the government have forced it to agree to their demand for a discussion on Electoral reforms, including SIR.

They also called for the smooth functioning of Parliament, saying it is the government's responsibility to ensure it. (PTI)

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app, amid a row over his ministry's order asking smartphone makers to pre-load the state-run cybersecurity app on all new devices, news agency PTI reported.

In Lok Sabha, Scindia said the app is for the protection of the people.

Sanchar Saathi app se "na snooping sambhav hai, na snooping hoga", the minister said during the Question Hour. The minister also said the government want to give power in the hands of the people to help them protect themselves.

On Tuesday, Scindia said users are free to delete the app if they don't want to use it.

Congress party and other INDIA bloc leaders protested against the new Labour Codes outside the Parliament on Wednesday.

Later, Congress shared visuals from the protest site over a post on X, stating: "Anti-worker/labour code waapis lo!"

Congress MP Deeepender Singh Hooda on Wednesday raised questions over the government's mandate on pre-installing Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones of Indian users, in the Lok Sabha.

Hooda said, "The government has issued an order regarding the Sanchar Saathi app that it will now come pre-installed on phones. The Union Minister has clarified on this matter that the app can be disabled.

"But our question is that even after the app is disabled, users will not be able to know whether all its features have been disabled or not. In such a situation, this issue is surrounded by concerns of violation of the right to privacy and suspicions of spying. The country wants an answer from the minister on this matter," Hooda added.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, speaking on the Opposition's protest inside Parliament premises against the new Labour Codes, said, "Morning's protest was on the very serious issue of the complete breakdown of the federal structure and the fact that the MNREGA dues have not been paid for the past four years...," news agency PTI quoted.

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday raised the matter of Centre's decision to preload all smartphones with the Sanchar Saathi app and push updates for existing smartphones, in the Rajya Sabha.

He alleged that the action would seriously invade the privacy of the users, Surjewala said.

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday took up the Question Hour without disruptions for the first time in the ongoing Winter session, a day after the logjam over the opposition's demand for a discussion on SIR was resolved, news agency PTI reported.

During a meeting chaired by Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday evening, it was decided to hold a discussion in Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of national song 'Vande Mataram' next Monday and on election reforms on next Tuesday.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, obituaries were paid to former members who had passed away recently.

The House then took up the Question Hour. Since the session began on Monday, proceedings were disrupted by opposition members demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise ongoing in nine states and three Union territories. (PTI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Dinesh Sharma said that the Opposition will now bring up something else to protest against, after the government agreed to hold discussions on SIR in the Parliament.

"Government never said 'no' to discussion on SIR; now opposition will bring something else to protest against," Sharma said. (PTI)

The INDIA bloc leaders staged a protest outside the Parliament Complex against the Centre's new Labour Codes on Wednesday.

Watch here:

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday said that Parliament should also include the deteriorating air quality in several parts of the country in its list of business and hold a discussion on it, news agency ANI reported.

Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Vadra said, "We should also discuss other things like pollution. We should discuss many other issues which are important." As winter set in, a thick layer of smog enveloped the national capital Delhi on Wednesday morning. The city's air quality remains in the 'Very Poor' category, with an AQI of 376 at 7 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The area around India Gate and Kartavya Path was blanketed in a dense layer of toxic smog, with AQI in the area recorded at 356 in the 'very poor' category. (ANI)

As the Parliament Winter Session entered day 3 on Wednesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to move the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha, as per the list of business, news agency ANI reported.

The Bill aims to raise excise duties and cess on tobacco products, with an amendment to the Central Excise Act, 1944.As per the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, trade unions with 51 per cent membership get recognition as the Negotiating Union.

According to the Centre, such an arrangement strengthens collective bargaining. The code also expanded the definition of a strike, including "mass casual leave also within its ambit", to prevent flash strikes and ensure lawful action. (ANI)

INDIA bloc floor leaders Wednesday held a meeting ahead of the third day of the Winter Session of the Parliament, to chalk out the strategy after the Centre accepted the Opposition's demand to hold a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha and Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, were present in the meeting.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, earlier, informed over a post on X that during the All Party Meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker, it was decided to hold a discussion in Lok Sabha on the 150th Anniversary of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' on December 8 and a discussion on election reforms on December 9.

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings began at 11 am on Wednesday, marking the third day of the Parliament Winter Session.

Congress leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a protest outside the Parliament Complex on the new Labour Codes on Wednesday, news agencies PTI and ANI reported, sharing visuals.

CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar hailed the government's step towards holding discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) during the Parliament Winter Session, a "victory of the Opposition," news agency PTI reported.

"It's a victory of the opposition because government was not in a mood to accept the same. We were continuously demanding the same and they were justifying the SIR process but now finally they had to concede and we think this is a victory of the opposition and we will continue with the same," Kumar told PTI.

Ahead of the discussion on 'Vande Maratam' in Parliament, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari, said, "Today, the government has agreed to hold a discussion under Special Mention on Vande Mataram and on electoral reforms. I just want to say to the government and to the Parliamentary Affairs Minister who made the statement that Vande Mataram flows in the veins of the Congress. It is in our DNA. When the country’s freedom struggle was being led by the Congress against the British, even then we drew inspiration from Vande Mataram. Our sessions were held with that inspiration... We bow our heads and say that a discussion on it will now take place after 150 years." (PTI)

Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose, speaking to news agency PTI outside the Parliament Complex on Wednesday, said that the sustained pressure from the Opposition has forced the government to concede to their demands and hold the SIR discussion in the Parliament.

"The government was trying very hard to run away from this discussion. The government did not to have a discussion on electoral rolls, the sanctity of electoral process, on the SIR exercise, on the manner in which unbearable burdens are being placed on BLOs on the fact that they are committing suicide, citizens are committing suicide because of the demand for documentation. The government was scared of having this discussion but because of the sustained pressure of the Opposition... the government has been forced to concede to Opposition's demand to have this debate on electoral reforms," Ghose said. (PTI)

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has moved a motion in the Lok Sabha, demanding “immediate discussion, accountability, and a clear timeline for real labour reforms,” on Wednesday.

The Opposition INDIA bloc leaders are set to organise a protest against the Centre’s new Labour Codes outside Makkar Dawar of the Parliament at around 10:40 am, ahead of the 3rd day of the Winter Session.

The alliance’s floor leaders are also likely to hold a meeting at 10 am on the matter.

Discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise remains the top priority for opposition parties but they agreed to a debate next week on the issue in Lok Sabha in the spirit of Parliamentary democracy, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said on Tuesday. — PTI

The government on Tuesday said it is taking steps, such as announcing an export promotion mission, to mitigate the impact of the steep US tariffs on domestic goods.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said it is expected that these measures will enhance diversification and resilience in India's trade relationships. — PTI

The Centre has recovered Rs 416.75 crore from the ineligible beneficiaries of the flagship scheme PM-Kisan so far across the country, Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur said on Tuesday in the Lok Sabha.

State governments have been mandated to recover any amount transferred to ineligible farmers marked due to higher income groups such as income tax payees, employees of PSUs, State/Central Govt., Constitutional post holders etc, he said.

"An amount of Rs 416.75 crore has been recovered from the ineligible beneficiaries so far across the country," the minister said in a written reply to the Lower House. — PTI

The Department of Rural Development is in the process of "reworking and refining" modalities to resume the flagship rural employment scheme MGNREGS in West Bengal, Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

In a written reply in the Lower House, Paswan said a proposal for the upward revision of the Labour Budget for the financial year 2021-22 for West Bengal was not approved by the Empowered Committee, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the Department of Rural Development due to non-compliance with the directives issued by the department. — PTI

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday returned to the Lok Sabha the Manipur GST bill, which replaces an Ordinance to implement the GST 2.0 reforms in the northeastern state, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying that the bill will benefit people and businesses there.

The Lok Sabha had passed the bill on Monday.

Replying to the discussion on the proposed law, Sitharaman hit out at the Opposition for shedding "crocodile tears" on Manipur and indulging in "drama" over the grievances of people of the state. — PTI

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said a refund of Rs 6,841.86 crore has been disbursed to 35.44 lakh depositors of Sahara Group Cooperative Societies so far.

The refund has been given to 35.44 lakh depositors out of 1.41 crore who have submitted applications through the Sahara Refund and Re-submission Portals, he said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Presently, a payment of up to Rs 50,000 is disbursed to each genuine depositor of the Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies against verified claims through Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts. — PTI

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the government plans to launch a ride-hailing mobility app 'Bharat Taxi' that aims to free the country's commercial vehicle drivers from dependency on private companies.

The digital app, 'Bharat Taxi', will be operated by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a multi-state cooperative society, registered under the MSCS Act 2002 on June 06, 2025, Shah said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

"Yes, the government proposes to launch a cooperative-led digital app mobility platform which will support to free the country's commercial vehicle drivers from dependency on private companies," he said. — PTI

As many as 6,385 recognised startups have been categorised as 'closed' as on October 31, according to the data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Recognized startups are eligible for a number of incentives, such as income tax benefits under the Startup India initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

As of October 31 this year, a total of 1,97,692 entities have been recognised as startups.

"As on 31st October 2025, 6,385 recognised startups are categorized as closed (i.e., dissolved/struck-off), as per the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (basis data shared on 11th November 2025)," the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

The maximum number of closed startups is in Maharashtra (1,200). It was followed by Karnataka (845), Delhi (737), Uttar Pradesh (598), Telangana (368), and Tamil Nadu (338). — PTI

The Lok Sabha will take up a debate on the 150th anniversary of National Song 'Vande Mataram' on Monday and on electoral reforms on Tuesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said.

The decision was taken after an all-party meeting and a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, signalling that the logjam prevailing in both Houses over the Opposition's demand to discuss Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is likely to be broken.

"During the All Party Meeting Chaired by Speaker Lok Sabha today, it has been decided to hold discussion in Lok Sabha on 150th Anniversary of National Song 'Vande Mataram' from 12 Noon on Monday 8th December and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday 9th December," Rijiju said in a post on X. — PTI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday accused the Opposition of shedding crocodile tears on Manipur and indulging in 'drama' over the grievances of people of the state.

Her attack came during her reply to a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, extending GST benefits to the state through a bill.

Sitharaman accused the Opposition of not participating in the discussion on the bill that seeks to replace an Ordinance in this regard.

The Opposition had earlier staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha after the Chair rejected their demand for a discussion on the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. — PTI

Standoff between the government and the opposition over the demand for a debate on special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls continued on Tuesday, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju refusing to give a timeline for the debate, even though he said the government was ready to have a discussion.

Opposition parties demanded that the discussion should be held on SIR by giving it priority over other business, while the Parliamentary Affairs Minister stressed that the debate on 'Vande Mataram' would be taken up first. — PTI

The government has widened the scope of the ISIS Investigation Research Cell (IIRC) in the NIA to other theatres of terrorism and renamed it as the Counter Terrorism Research Cell (CTRC), Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said exclusive divisions, such as the Anti Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), Anti Cyber Terrorism Division (ACTD), Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Cell, Financial Analysis Unit (FAU) and a Special Cell comprising legal experts, have also been created in the National Investigation Agency (NIA). — PTI

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Pankaj Chowdhury, The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2025, in Rajya Sabha for consideration and return to Lok Sabha.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: On the opposition's reaction to the Sanchar Sathi app, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said, "They dont need to dig out issues. A list of businesses has been prepared, and there are many issues. We will have a debate on the issues raised by the opposition as well and think about how we need to move ahead. They dont need to find new issues and disturb the Parliament. All issues are important in their own place, but if you use these issues as a weapon to stall the Parliament, it is not right... We will hold talks with opposition leaders. I am in touch with them already... We are not belittling their issues, but there are many issues in the country, not just one."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Congress MP KC Venugopal on SIR, said, “Our demand is only for a debate. The last session was completely washed out because of the government’s refusal to discuss electoral reforms or SIR. Now, again, we are asking for a debate, as this time 12 states are going for SIR, whereas last time it was only Bihar. Many BLOs have even committed suicide. This is an attack on democratic principles. Parliament must debate these matters, and that is what we are demanding."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: On the debate around Sanchar Saathi app, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "When the opposition has no issues, and they are trying to find some, we cannot help them. Our duty is to help the consumers and ensure their safety. The Sanchar Saathi app enables every consumer to ensure their safety... Sanchar Saathi portal has more than 20 crore downloads, and the app has more than 1.5 crore downloads... Sanchar Saathi has enabled the disconnection of nearly 1.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections. Around 20 lakh stolen phones have been traced, and around 7.5 lakh stolen phones have been handed over to their owners, all because of Sanchar Saathi... This app does not enable snooping or call monitoring. You can activate or deactivate it as per your wish... If you don't want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional... It is about customer protection. I want to clear all misconceptions... It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it on their devices or not is up upto the user... It can be deleted from the mobile phone just like any other app..."

"If you don't want Sanchar Sathi, you can delete it. It is optional... It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it in their devices or not, is upto the user...," he added.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "We have been demanding discussion on pollution on the capital city, SIR and other issues. Why are we (opposition) responsible for discussion not happening... we have demanding discussion since last session. The government is not ready... this is not how the House functions. The House is temple of democracy. There should be debate and discussion, but they are not ready for anything."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Sanchar Saathi app, said, "I will not comment on it here. I will speak in the debate."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: After Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury sparked a row by bringing a dog to Parliament yesterday, LoP, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi questioned the priorities and said, "I guess these are the things that India is discussing these days..."

"Dog is the main topic today, I believe. What did the poor dog do? Are dogs not allowed here? It is allowed inside...Maybe pets are not allowed here. ..I guess these are the things that India is discussing these days."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Union Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "Congress is 140 years old, but they are behaving like juveniles. They still don't have an understanding of important topics. The people of Bihar have already given an answer on SIR. Did the opposition and Congress intend to protect infiltrators?... It is almost as if they have no link to the issues of the people... The opposition neither has any direction nor any issues."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm amid massive uproar by Opposition over SIR issue.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Lok Sabha resumes proceedings amid massive uproar by Opposition over SIR issue.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Over the Opposition's protest demanding discussion on SIR, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "We have repeatedly urged to hold discussions in a peaceful and disciplined manner. We have always said that to raise one issue, you can't compromise on other issues. It is not right for some parties to disrupt the House. There is always victory and loss in elections, but taking out the anger over this defeat in Parliament is not right. We are ready to discuss any issue. I appeal to the opposition MPs not to disrupt the House proceedings."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sanchar Saathi app, said," I have not studied the issue in full detail, but common sense tells me that these apps can be useful provided they are voluntary. Everybody who needs them should be able to download them. Making anything compulsory in a democracy is troubling. But I need to look a little more into what the logic is of the government. In fact, the government should explain all this to the public instead of just passing an order that the media reports. I think we need to have a discussion where the government explains what their thinking is."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm, following sloganeering by Opposition MPs demanding discussion over SIR.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: JMM MP Mahua Maji on SIR said, "Jharkhand always had a large number of migrants, people who aren't educated or aware lose their documents and become outsiders in their own country."

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Opposition MPs continued to raise slogans of “SIR pe charcha karo” (Discuss SIR) and “Down Down.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appealed to members several times to remain calm, but the sloganeering continued. As a result, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 12 noon.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Lok Sabha adjourned till 12:00 noon after massive uproar by Opposition over SIR issue.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Lok Sabha resumes proceedings amid massive uproar, question Hour underway.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi joins Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Sonia Gandhi in the opposition's protest over the issue of SIR inside Parliament premises.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: TMC MP Sagarika Ghose on the SIR issue and opposition protest, said, “The issue is that there is a huge trust deficit. There is deep mistrust towards the government because, as we saw yesterday, the Prime Minister called the opposition’s actions a drama… We want this discussion. We are in the midst of a human tragedy, people are dying, and BLOs are committing suicide. In such a situation, Parliament cannot remain silent. Parliament is the voice of the people, and this discussion must take place.”

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “There is no need for the opposition to search for and manufacture issues. Several matters are already planned for discussion in the session, some of which have also been raised by the opposition. However, these issues cannot be used as a weapon in Parliament.”

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Sonia Gandhi and LoP Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge join protest against SIR in Parliament premises, on the second day of the winter session.

Parliament Winter Session Day 2 Live Updates: Opposition leaders hold a protest against SIR in Parliament premises, on the second day of the winter session.