The third day of the ongoing winter session of Parliament unfolded on a calm note this Wednesday. Unlike the previous days, which were marked by intense debates on SIR, interruptions in the Lok Sabha due to opposition protests, and a dramatic walkout in the Rajya Sabha, the latest proceedings were noticeably serene.
Significant focus was also placed on the Communication Companion App issue, which dominated discussions on the session's second day. Discussions on pollution, SIR, and the controversy surrounding Renuka Chowdhury bringing a dog made headlines. Additionally, Parliament debated and passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, concluding the day's business. Proceedings will resume on Thursday at 11 AM.
Here's a glance at the key happenings from the third day of the winter session:
Meeting with PM Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and BL Santosh
Inside Parliament, Prime Minister Modi convened with Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Administrative Head BL Santosh. The nearly hour-long meeting covered various critical party and government issues, fueling political speculations among insiders.
PM Modi's Encouragement to West Bengal MPs
On the session's third day, PM Modi interacted with BJP MPs from West Bengal, urging them to work tirelessly to ensure electoral victory in the state. Such encouragement highlights the ongoing efforts and determination needed to challenge the existing power.
Priyanka Gandhi Highlights Pollution, MPs Wear Masks
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra marked their presence on day three. Priyanka Gandhi, calling for discussions on critical issues like pollution, prompted opposition members to wear gas masks as a symbolic protest against Delhi's hazardous pollution levels. Senior Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda also joined, emphasizing the dire air quality situation.
Source: aajtak
Dog Controversy Points to Broader Issues, Renuka Chowdhury Responds
While inside Parliament remained calm, outside it was electric due to Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury's unexpected entrance with a pet she had rescued, sparking debate and scorn from opponents. Chowdhury ardently defended her actions amidst criticisms and raised significant issues like pollution and labor laws that require urgent attention, asserting that the focus on her was misplaced.
Renuka Chowdhury argued passionately about real issues being ignored, saying, "People are suffering due to pollution and labor law impositions, yet they're more concerned about me bringing a dog. Where is the concern for genuine problems?"
Opposition Claim: Labor Codes Favour Capitalists, Disregard Workers
Opposition parties took a robust stance against the Modi government over the new labor codes. They branded these changes as pro-capitalist and anti-worker, echoing the sentiment of various political factions, including Congress and the Samajwadi Party. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the risks to job security, work hours, and weak trade unions through social media posts.
Communications Companion App Sparks Debate
Communication Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reassured the Lok Sabha about the safety of the 'Communication Companion' app. Responding to opposition concerns about privacy intrusion, Scindia assured the app enhances cybersecurity rather than compromising privacy, maintaining absolute transparency and security.
The ministry had mandated that all smartphones sold in India should come with this app pre-installed, aiming at empowering consumers against cyber threats.
Source: aajtak
He clarified that the directive only requires installation, not that users cannot uninstall the app, aiming to correct misinformation and highlighting a commitment to public safety.
Legislator Karti Chidambaram's Retort
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram argued against pre-installation mandates, contending that voluntary downloads equate to genuine necessity and transparency, demanding the reconsideration of the directive labeled as "intrusive" by many.
Flood Relief Funds Mystery: Punjab Politics Unfolds
SAD's Harsimrat Kaur Badal alleged Punjab was withholding flood relief funds from the center, while AAP refuted these claims, asserting no funds were received. The ongoing exchange highlights the chronic communication and accountability discrepancies, leaving Punjab citizens in limbo.
Central Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw: Fake News a National Threat
Vaishnaw emphasized tackling misinformation and deepfake proliferation through legislation to protect democratic fabric during a discussion on the dangers of social media echo chambers.
Rural Development and Infrastructure: Setting New Benchmarks
Various discussions underlined infrastructure initiatives and safety enhancements in Indian Railways, reflecting a significant decline in rail accidents over the last decade, showcasing government commitment towards modernizing national transportation infrastructure.
Wider Implications for National Integrity and Urban Development
SMP's P Wilson demanded strategic interventions in air pollution responses and administrative decentralization, advocating for regional supremacy enhancement in juxtaposition to New Delhi's complex operational dynamics, promising robust urban policy frameworks conducive to global standards.
