- Lok Sabha Adjourned till 11 am Thursday.
- Introduction of Transgender Persons Bill approved.
- Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day.
- Rajya Sabha paralysed by Opposition members protesting against the violence inflicted on Dalits in Una, Gujarat.
- Ruckus in Lok Sabha over the incident of cow vigilantism in Una.
- Rajnath Singh condemns the violence against Dalits in Gujarat.
- Congress’ Jyotiraditya Schindia initiates debate on Kashmir violence in the Lok Sabha.
- Schindia’s claims were countered by BJP’s Anurag Thakur.
- External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj answers questions on India’s failed NSG bid.
- Trinamool Congress member Sugata Bose questions India’s effort in countering China’s opposition to India’s NSG membership.
Pakistan on Suicidal Path on Kashmir: MJ Akbar
The government on Wednesday warned Pakistan that it is pursuing a self destructive and “suicidal” policy over Kashmir in Lok Sabha. It said its attempts to push terrorism will harm Islamabad.
If Pakistan feels that it will keep playing with terrorism and use it as a tool against India, then we can tackle the challenge. But they won’t be able to tackle it. You (Pakistan) are committing suicide.MJ Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs
Hopeful of GST Bill Passage and Introduction of Transgender Persons Bill
The landmark Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill is likely to be cleared in Rajya Sabha as early as next week as the government expects regional parties like TMC and JDU to support the legislation.
Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Congress’ demand for capping the GST rate in Constitution is “not very practical”, but the government is making a lot of effort to build consensus on GST.
Additionally, the Cabinet also approved of the introduction of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 in the Parliament.
Uproar in Lok Sabha Over Gujarat Dalit Issue
There was an uproar over thrashing of Dalits for skinning a dead cow in Una, Gujarat. The Congress accused the BJP and the RSS of working for “Dalit-mukt Bharat”, evoking a sharp reaction from government which cited figures of atrocities faced by dalits during Congress rule.
Violence is RSS agenda. RSS is trying for ‘dalit-mukt Bharat’ (dalit-free India). The government totally failed. It was a BJP-sponsored attack. What is going on? Is this Gujarat model.K Suresh, Congress
Suresh claimed it was the BJP’s agenda to polarise communities before the state assembly elections slated by end of next year and alleged that the saffron party was doing it in all states ruled by it.
The Congress member said dalits in the state have lost faith in the government due to which many dalits have tried to commit suicide.
After the Opposition party raised the issue and created din, Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the incident “very unfortunate” and condemned the violence.
As Mayawati defended herself in the Parliament and condemned the derogatory remark made by the former BJP leader, soon a ruckus was kicked up which concluded with Rajya Sabha’s adjournment for the day.
Post the adjournment, the Congress issued an urgent notice to Rajya Sabha members to be present on 22 July. Also, voting on private members bill is scheduled for Friday.
BJP Leader’s ‘Prostitute’ Remark Condemned by Jaitley
BJP leader, Daya Shankar Singh, accused Mayawati of selling party tickets for Rs 1 crore and compared her to a prostitute.
Mayawati is selling tickets (to contest polls)...She is such a big leader, a three-time chief minister...but she gives ticket to anyone who gives her Rs. 1 crore. If someone comes with 2 crores in the afternoon, she gives him a ticket. If somebody comes with 3 crores in the evening, she dumps the previous candidates and picks him. Today her character is worse than that of a prostitute.Daya Shankar Singh, BJP Leader, Uttar Pradesh
The comment was condemned in the Parliament by several leaders including Arun Jaitley.
It is not right and I condemn the use of such words and I will look into this matter. I express personal regrets. I associate our dignity with yours and stand with you.Arun Jaitley
Mayawati too spoke against it in the Rajya Sabha which was followed by a huge ruckus resulting in the seventh adjournment of the session.
I did not marry and considered the entire country’s oppressed as my family. I have always followed my mentor Kanshi Ram’s advice to take (donation) from the underprivileged and not industrialists. What that BJP leader (from UP) has said, he said it not to me, but to his sister and his daughter because people treat me like their daughter and sister. The country will not forgive the BJP for encouraging such people.Mayawati
Singh apologised for his comment, but was removed from his position as the Uttar Pradesh Vice President for his derogatory slur later in the day.