Parliament special session

New Delhi, Sept 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to open the five-day special session of Parliament, where eight bills, including one related to changes in the selection of Election Commissioners, will be considered. The session will also witness a discussion on the ‘Parliamentary Journey’ spanning 75 years and the relocation of Parliament proceedings to a new building.

LIVE UPDATE

  • Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the historical significance of the Old Parliament building, stating that it holds the essence of India and democracy within its walls. He fondly remembered iconic speeches made by leaders such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s “stroke of midnight” address and Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statement, “Sarkaare aayengi jayengi, lekin desh rehna chahiye,” emphasizing that these words would forever resonate within these hallowed halls. PM Modi also highlighted the building’s role in commemorating the lives of three serving Prime Ministers—Nehru ji, Shastri ji, and Indira ji—with fitting tributes.

  • Prime Minister Modi, during the special Parliament session today, acknowledged the emotional significance of leaving the old Parliament building, not only for the lawmakers but also for the journalists who have spent considerable time there. He expressed understanding that many journalists might feel sentimental about leaving this iconic location. PM Modi reassured that, even in the years to come, the building would continue to embody the essence of India and its democracy.
  • Prime Minister Modi, in his opening speech at the special Parliament session, expressed the emotional and proud moment India experienced when the African Union joined the G20. He highlighted that India’s presidency of the G20 coincided with this historic inclusion. PM Modi recalled the poignant moment when the President of the African Union, upon hearing the announcement, expressed the possibility of becoming emotional during his speech. He emphasized India’s strength in fulfilling such significant hopes and expectations and underscored the achievement of a unanimous declaration.
  • PM Modi acknowledged that the old Parliament building has been a witness to sessions spanning across generations. He emphasized that despite the differences and vigorous debates within its walls, the building has fostered enduring friendships among its members. PM Modi highlighted that while they may be rivals during parliamentary sessions, they share a familial bond outside the building. He observed that there are no hard feelings, and the love and camaraderie persist even when they meet years later. This tradition, he noted, has continued for generations.
  • Speaking during the Parliament special session on Monday, PM Modi expressed his profound gratitude for the love and respect he has received from the nation. He shared that he had never envisioned receiving such overwhelming support and recognition. PM Modi reflected on his humble beginnings, noting that as a child sleeping on a railway station, he could never have imagined addressing the Parliament one day. He extended his heartfelt thanks to the entire country for their support and trust.
  • PM Modi credited the success of the G20 to the entire nation and extended congratulations to the Parliamentarians for their role in achieving it. He emphasized that India’s success in presiding over the G20 cannot be attributed solely to an individual or a political party. He highlighted the achievement of passing the Delhi declaration, which was once considered improbable, as a source of pride for all. PM Modi also noted that India’s global recognition today is a result of its rich cultural heritage, spanning from the Vedas to the teachings of Vivekananda.
  • Prime Minister Modi described the last session in the old Parliament building as a historic one. He acknowledged that the decision to construct this building was made during the British era, but it was the hard work and dedication of his fellow countrymen that brought it to fruition. Over the past 75 years, this iconic building has been a symbol of Indian culture and heritage. PM Modi expressed that even as they transition to the new Parliament building, the old one will remain an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.
  • Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Parliament as the Special Session commenced.
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla commended Prime Minister Modi and the nation for their successful G20 presidency. Birla highlighted that the decisions made during the G20 Summit, even on sensitive matters, are historic and will provide a new direction to the world. He emphasized India’s progress over the past nine years under the Prime Minister’s leadership and its significant role in spotlighting the global south. Birla made these remarks as the Lok Sabha session commenced amidst disruptions by opposition parties on Monday.
  • Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Pralhad Joshi arrived at Parliament ahead of the special session. Currently, the Prime Minister is in a meeting with these ministers as the session prepares to commence, with PM Modi scheduled to deliver the opening speech at 11 am.
  • The floor meeting of the INDIA bloc ahead of the special session of the Parliament is currently underway. Sources said the bloc has decided to participate in the special session and raise important issues.
  • The special session of Parliament is scheduled to commence at 11 am, with Prime Minister Modi delivering the inaugural address. According to government sources, expected speakers in the Rajya Sabha today include ministers Piyush Goyal, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Dr. Radha Mohan Agarwal, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Laxmikant Bajpai.

  • Urging the Opposition to allocate some time to this “brief session,” Prime Minister Modi emphasized that even though the session is short, it will be brimming with enthusiasm and confidence. He urged all parliamentarians to dedicate time to this session, highlighting its significance. He also expressed that there would be ample opportunities for other discussions in the future. PM Modi mentioned that this session would be characterized by faith, positivity, and a festive atmosphere, coinciding with the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi the following day.
  • Before the commencement of the special session of Parliament today, PM Narendra Modi said the session would be a historic one for several reasons. He praised the Chandrayaan-3 mission. “Success of Moon Mission — Chandrayaan-3 has hoisted our Tiranga, Shiv Shakti Point has become a new centre of inspiration, Tiranga Point is filling us with pride. Across the world, when such an achievement is made, it is viewed by linking it to modernity, science and technology. When this capability comes before the world, several opportunities and possibilities knock at the doors of India.”
Also Read: PM Modi to Address Lok Sabha on First Day of Parliament’s Special Session
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized that the shift to the new Parliament House marks the beginning of a new journey to enhance democracy’s prosperity. He highlighted the importance of active participation and high-quality discussions among honorable members to inspire collective contributions toward building a developed India.
  • “We were informed that photographs of MPs from both Houses would be taken, potentially signaling that they might not need to attend further, as their five-year term is concluding, and an election announcement could be imminent,” stated AAP MP Sanjay Singh.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the Lok Sabha at 11 am as he opens the discussion on the ‘Parliamentary journey of 75 years, starting from the Samvidhan Sabha – achievements, experiences, memories, and learnings’.
  • In a display of nostalgia, 10 women parliamentarians shared their memories, messages and experiences of the old Parliament building in handwritten notes as the proceedings of Parliament are all set to move to the new building during the sepecial session.The MPs include Mahua Moitra of Trinamool Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Union Minister and Apna Dal (S) MP Anupriya Patel, BJP MP Poonam Mahakjan among others.