Parliament Winter Session HIGHLIGHTS: RS adjourns for the day, to meet at 11 am on Friday

Parliament Winter Session LIVE Updates: Stay tuned as discussion on electoral reforms is set continue in Rajya Sabha after the Opposition staged a walkout from both houses on Wednesday

4:16 PM

Rajya Sabha adjourns for the day, to meet at 11 am on Friday

Rajya Sabha adjourns for the day, to meet at 11 am on Friday

2:54 PM

Parliament Session LIVE: BJP MPs raise concerns over Yamuna pollution in Mathura-Vrindavan in RS

Two BJP members on Thursday raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over Yamuna river pollution affecting the Mathura-Vrindavan pilgrimage circuit and the worsening condition of the Goa-Belgaum National Highway. During Zero Hour, Tejveer Singh of Uttar Pradesh acknowledged infrastructure upgrades in Mathura and Vrindavan but stressed that pilgrims and residents continue to face challenges, particularly due to pollution in the Yamuna.

2:49 PM

Parliament Session LIVE updates: Trivedi reflects on electoral reforms and end of Congress dominance

BJP MP Sudanshu Trivedi highlighted various lapses in India’s past electoral processes, recalling the Emergency era triggered by Indira Gandhi’s electoral victory being challenged in court. He noted that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were first introduced during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.

 

Trivedi said the Congress era ended with the advent of CCTVs, voter ID cards, independent media, an independent judiciary, and 50 per cent literacy. He added that the party previously secured votes amid ballot box tampering, booth capturing, gunfire, and even deaths. “That era will not return,” he asserted.

2:38 PM

India is the only one with vibrant living democracy, says BJP MP Sudanshu Trivedi

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said that across the region stretching from Eastern Europe to Japan, only three countries are democracies: India, Australia, and Japan, with India being the only one boasting a vibrant, living democracy. He referenced a Freedom House report to highlight a perceived link between Hinduism and democratic values.

2:24 PM

Delhi choking, Beijing-style clean air plan needed, says Manickam Tagore

On Day 9 of the Winter Session, Congress MP Manickam Tagore urged the Centre to adopt a Beijing-style clean air emergency plan for Delhi, warning that toxic pollution is putting millions at risk.

 

Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, he said Delhi is “breathing acidic gas”, with children missing school, workers unable to stay outdoors, and hospitals overwhelmed with respiratory and cardiac cases. Tagore pressed the government to act decisively as the city “is not suffering, it is choking.”

2:03 PM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE updates: Discussion begins on electoral reforms in Rajya Sabha

1:59 PM

Equal respect to Vande Mataram as national anthem, national flag, says Nadda

Nadda concluded his speech by saying the discussion would be meaningful only when Vande Mataram is accorded the same respect as the National Anthem and the National Flag. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh responded that this was precisely what Dr Rajendra Prasad had stated in 1950, noting that the Constituent Assembly had affirmed equal status for the National Anthem and the National Song.

 

1:56 PM

Constituent Assembly set aside time for Jana Gana Mana, but not Vande Mataram: Nadda

Nadda said that while the Constituent Assembly set aside time to debate the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, similar requests to discuss Vande Mataram were not taken up. He adds that Nehru did not consider Vande Mataram a viable option for the anthem, citing his correspondence.

 

1:48 PM

Parliament Session LIVE updates: Kharge cuts in, asks if debate is on Vande Mataram or on Nehru

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge interrupts Nadda, asks whether the ongoing discussion is on the Vande Mataram or former Prime Minister Nehru.

1:45 PM

Parliament Session LIVE updates: Govt doesn't want to tarnish image of former PM Nehru, says Nadda

Government does not want to tarnish image of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru through discussion on Vande Mataram, says JP Nadda.

1:37 PM

Parliament Session LIVE updates: Chaos erupts in RS as Nadda speaks on Vande Mataram

Chaos broke out in the Rajya Sabha during the Winter Session as JP Nadda accused the Congress of failing to accord Vande Mataram the respect it deserved. Drawing on several past statements, he questioned Congress leaders over what he termed the party’s neglect of the national song. His remarks prompted sharp interventions from Opposition members, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh.

1:33 PM

Parliament Session LIVE updates: Nadda cites Nehru’s 1937 letter; Kharge counters timeline

JP Nadda refers to a 1937 letter in which Jawaharlal Nehru described Vande Mataram as containing difficult words and not aligning with what he saw as a modern idea of nationalism.

 

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge interjects, asking whether Nehru was even prime minister in 1937. Mr Nadda replies that Nehru was then serving as Congress president. He adds that it was during Nehru’s leadership that, under pressure from communal elements, portions of the hymn invoking Bharat Mata as Maa Durga were removed, diluting the sanctity of the song.

1:30 PM

Parliament Session LIVE: Vande Mataram did not get the respect and place it deserves, says Nadda

Nadda said Vande Mataram never received the respect and prominence it deserved, and holds the leadership of that period responsible for the lapse. Responding to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s claim that the debate was meant to defame former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he clarified that this is not the intention. The purpose, he said, is to correct the historical record, not to target individuals.

1:25 PM

Parliament Session LIVE updates: Vande Mataram embodies national awakening and cultural renewal, says Nadda

JP Nadda says that when the nation speaks of Vande Mataram, it is seen as a mantra that awakens India’s collective spirit. The song, he adds, symbolises a national renaissance and serves as a call for reconstruction and renewal. It inspires people, strengthens cultural connection, and energises the country’s collective resolve.

 

1:21 PM

Parliament Session LIVE updates: Chaos erupts in Rajya Sabha amid Nadda's address

1:11 PM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: JP Nadda initiates discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram in RS

JP Nadda notes that the debate offers the younger generation, which has not witnessed the freedom struggle, a glimpse into that era. The song, he says, has stood witness to many historic moments and served as a source of inspiration and strength during India’s fight for Independence. He says the emotions stirred by Vande Mataram are beyond words, noting that the song ignites pride and rekindles the passion of the freedom struggle.

 

 

12:59 PM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: TMC leaders hold silent protest over the issues of MGNREGA dues

12:49 PM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: MPs raise concerns over safeguarding Adivasi communities in tourism projects

MPs sought clarity on measures to protect Adivasi communities affected by tourism-driven development. Responding to a question from MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said tourism, land and revenue matters fall under the jurisdiction of State governments, and concerns should be directed to them.

 

He added that for central schemes involving tribal areas, or for projects where States receive approval from the Centre, it is the responsibility of State authorities to consult relevant stakeholders, engage with local communities and evaluate potential social and environmental impacts. Detailed guidelines for such assessments have already been issued, he noted.

12:40 PM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: JPC on simultaneous polls to table report in last week of Budget Session 2026

Lok Sabha grants more time to the joint committee examining the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill on 'One nation, one election'.

 

The Lok Sabha has extended the deadline for the joint parliamentary committee reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, which seeks to enable simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The committee will now present its report on the first day of the last week of the Budget Session in 2026. Committee chairman PP Chaudhary moved the motion for extension, which the House approved through a voice vote.

12:25 PM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Minister moves to extend Committee report deadline

Minister PP Chaudhary moved a motion in the Lok Sabha seeking to extend the deadline for presenting the report of the Joint Committee on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 until the first day of the last week of the 2026 Budget Session.

12:19 PM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Manickam Tagore accuses Delhi govt of data manipulation, urges stricter rules

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday accused the Delhi government of manipulating air quality data instead of genuinely working to reduce pollution in the national capital. He said construction sites and other areas continue to violate norms daily, and called for more nu,ber of public buses, industrial inspections, and penalties on violations to improve the AQI.

12:00 PM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Shah under pressure, gave no answers in Lok Sabha, says Rahul Gandhi

Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, “He used foul language, and his hands were shaking. It was evident in Parliament that he is under mental pressure. He did not answer any of my questions or provide any proof. I openly challenged him to discuss the matter at my press conferences, but nothing happened. Now, everyone understands the reality.”

11:57 AM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Ruckus in Lok Sabha over MP allegedly smoking e-cigarette

BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Wednesday alleged that some women MPs from the Trinamool Congress were smoking e-cigarettes within Parliament premises and urged the Speaker to take action.

As opposition members protested, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reminded the House of parliamentary rules, urging members not to violate them. During the exchange, Thakur sought to question the Speaker, prompting Birla to respond, “You can insist, but you cannot ask me a question.” Thakur then asked if anyone was allowed to smoke e-cigarettes in the House, to which the Speaker replied “no”.

11:44 AM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Higher ethanol blending implemented after consulting stakeholders, says Puri

11:42 AM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Drilling can start only after EAI clearance, says Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, while responding to a question in lok Sabha, clarified that the mere award of blocks does not automatically entitle the recipients to start drilling. To ensure environmental protection, drilling can only begin after receiving clearances from the Environmental Appraisal Institute (EAI).

11:23 AM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Jairam Ramesh gives Rajnath Singh Maniben Patel’s diaries as a 'gift'

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday handed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh a copy of Vallabhbhai Patel’s daughter Maniben Patel’s diary entries in Gujarati, pointing out that they contained no reference to Nehru allegedly wanting to build the Babri Masjid using public funds.

 

Ramesh met Singh outside the Makar Dwar of Parliament and said he had brought the original Gujarati diary entries along with a Hindi translation for him to read. Singh responded that the diaries were already available in English and added that he did not know Gujarati.

11:18 AM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Ethanol use cuts pollution, reduces carbon emissions by 736 MT, says Gadkari

Responding to a question in Lok sabha, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said pollution levels had declined with the use of ethanol-blended fuel. CO₂ emissions reduced by 245 metric tonnes and overall carbon emissions down by 736 metric tonnes, marking a significant cut in total carbon output.

11:02 AM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: PM Modi and his brigade ‘exposed’ in Vande Mataram debate, says Congress

After both Houses concluded their debate on 150 years of Vande Mataram, the Congress on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and “his entire brigade” had been thoroughly “bruised and exposed for their lies” during the discussions.

10:52 AM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Shah dodged electoral reform questions in Lok Sabha, says Priyanka Chaturvedi

Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech in the Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said he offered “no clarification” and instead targeted Congress leaders during a discussion meant to focus on electoral reforms. She accused Shah of deviating from the topic, saying he “went around in circles” because he had “no answers”.

 

Chaturvedi alleged that the home minister was “arrogant” and used “unparliamentary language”, adding that his remarks about the Nehru-Gandhi family were “factless”. “He should have addressed the questions that are on people’s minds,” she said.

10:21 AM

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Congress MP accuses government of 'bulldozing' Oppn, calls SIR a whitewash

Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s address in Parliament, Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala accused the government of attempting to “bulldoze” the Opposition. He said the questions raised by the Opposition on the SIR pertained to the current situation in the country. Chamala argued that despite Shah’s claim of removing “infiltrators” from the voters’ list, bogus entries still existed.

 

“If SIR is being carried out in Bihar, there are still fake votes and multiple EPIC numbers. The SIR process is merely a whitewash in the name of infiltrators whom he said he wants to deport and delete,” he said, adding that the exercise was meant to divert public attention.