NEW DELHHI: On July 1, Parliament was abuzz with heated debates over the NEET paper leak as both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha reconvened.
In the Lok Sabha, former Union Minister and BJP member Anurag Thakur initiated the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. However, the session took a dramatic turn when members of the Opposition, part of the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) group, walked out after Speaker Om Birla denied a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue. The Lok Sabha has scheduled 16 hours for this debate, which will conclude with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response on Tuesday.
Simultaneously, the Rajya Sabha continued its own discussion on the President’s Address. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge directed sharp criticisms at the government, some of which were later expunged from the record.
Live Updates from Parliament:
Priyanka Gandhi Defends Rahul Gandhi
In response to accusations from the BJP that Rahul Gandhi insulted Hindus, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra clarified that her brother's comments were aimed at the BJP and its leaders, not the Hindu community. "He cannot insult Hindus. He said it very clearly. He talked about the BJP, he talked about BJP leaders," Priyanka stated as she left the Parliament building with her mother, Sonia Gandhi, after Rahul Gandhi’s first speech as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
More Updates from the Parliament Session 2024:
Rahul Gandhi vs. PM Modi in Lok Sabha
In a highly charged session, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS, of not representing all Hindus. He emphasized that Hinduism is about peace and truth, not fear and falsehoods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded, stating that accusing the entire Hindu society of violence is a serious matter. Rahul Gandhi countered by asserting that the BJP and the RSS are not synonymous with the entire Hindu community.
Rahul Gandhi's Attempt to Show Picture of Lord Shiva
During the session, Rahul Gandhi attempted to display a picture of Lord Shiva in the Lok Sabha. However, Speaker Om Birla denied this request, citing rules against the display of placards.
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