VP Jagdeep Dhankhar's 'shocking' resignation ignites speculations
Late in the evening Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar sought to step down from his position citing health issues. As the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Mr. Dhankhar had chaired the Business Advisory Committee that comprises key members from Treasury and Opposition Benches. During the inaugural session, Mr. Dhankhar had reiterate members to maintin order in the house and assured a discussion on Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terror attack after the position demanded the same and even walked out. Today's session is likely to be chaired by Deputy Chairman Harivansh.
The unexpected resignation
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh in a long social media posted claimed there could be "far deeper reasons" behind Mr. Dhankhar's resignation. Furthermore, underlining there be no speculation he stated on social media, 'Mr. Dhankhar took both the Govt and the Opposition to task in equal measure,' elaborating, 'He had fixed a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee tomorrow at 1 PM. He was also to make some major announcements related to the judiciary tomorrow.'
The Congress' Communications Chief sought Mr. Dhankhar reconsider his decision, further urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'change his mind'.
Select Committee tables its report on Income Tax bill
Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice on Monday before it had to call off proceedings for the day. Notwithstanding the protests, the Select Committee on the Income Tax Bill, 2025 tabled their report.. T.C.A Sharad Raghavan, who compared the report with the original draft found the Select Committee has retained the contentious provisions allowing tax officials to forcibly access social media, private email.
The Select Committee was headed by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, and the proposed Income Tax bill, 2025 seeks to replace the incumbent six-decade old legislation. The Finance Ministry would now review the suggestions after which it would be taking a call on either introducing it in the house to be made a legislation or making changes.
Facts on Air India crash would be known after final report: Civil Aviation Minister in Rajya Sabha
The other major development originated in the house of elders. During the Question Hour, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan emphasised the facts of the Air India crash would be known after the final report is out. He held the media reports on preliminary findings as 'their own viewpoint'. Mr. Naidu urged everyone to wait for the final report. Furthermore, in his response to a related question, the Civil Aviation Minister informed there has been no discrimination in providing compensation and related assistance to victims of the air crash – passengers or otherwise.
That is all from our recap coverage of the inaugural day.
On what to look forward to today: Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Meghwal is expected to move the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to readjust seats of the Goa Legislative Assembly to provide for inclusion of certain Scheduled Tribe communities of the state. Additionally, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal is expected to move Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024. The Bill seeks to establish 'responsibilities, liabilities, rights and immunities' for the carriage of goods from a port in India to the rest of the world and aligns with international conventions.
Follow our real-time coverage of today's sitting here.
Until next time.
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