Results for: Opposition

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday refuted the opposition’s accusations that the Union Budget was discriminatory, calling it an outrageous allegation and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The opposition, led by the Congress, claimed that the budget favored Andhra Pradesh and Bihar while neglecting other states. Sitharaman countered that every budget cannot explicitly name all states and that funding allocations are made through various channels, including external aid.

The Bihar Assembly’s monsoon session has been marred by protests from opposition parties demanding special status for the state. The ruling NDA is facing intense pressure from the Mahagathbandhan coalition, while the session has been adjourned till 12 pm. The demand for special status is expected to dominate the five-day session.

The Indian government has lifted a decades-old ban on government employees participating in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities, sparking criticism from opposition parties. They argue that the move will politicize government offices and undermine the neutrality of public servants.

The upcoming Parliament session, beginning on July 22, is expected to be tumultuous. An all-party meeting saw opposition parties raising various contentious issues, including demands for special status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, concerns over the NEET-UG 2024 exam, and the Kanwar order controversy. The Congress also demanded the deputy speaker’s post for the opposition.

Milciades Avila, security chief for Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, was released from jail a day after his arrest on charges of gender violence. His release comes amidst heightened political tensions ahead of Venezuela’s upcoming election, with the opposition alleging government interference.

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a protest in Parliament, accusing the government of misusing central agencies to target and silence opposition leaders. The protest comes after the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with an alleged excise scam.

The INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, will raise concerns about alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in Parliament today. The opposition has called for a discussion on the issue and has threatened to stage a protest if it is not addressed. The CBI has registered a criminal case to investigate the alleged irregularities in the exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

NDA nominee Om Birla was elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker on June 26th, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shaking hands before escorting him to the chair. The opposition INDIA bloc, however, voiced concerns about stifling dissent and expressed hopes for a more inclusive approach during the new term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 18th Lok Sabha session, emphasizing the need for a responsible opposition and highlighting the importance of building a strong and prosperous India. He also used the occasion to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, calling it a blot on India’s democracy. Modi pledged to work harder and deliver greater results in his third term, focusing on consensus-building and efficient governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the opposition to prioritize the needs of the people and maintain the dignity of democracy, urging them to focus on action rather than empty slogans. He emphasized the importance of a strong and responsible opposition, noting that the country needs concrete solutions, not theatrics. Modi also highlighted the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, describing it as a dark chapter in India’s history and vowing to protect the Constitution and democratic values.