Rajnath Singh raps Oppn for ‘stalling' discussion on Subhanshu Shukla's space mission
Rajnath's rebuke to the Opposition came minutes after the Lower House, slated to hold a special discussion on Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla's space exploits, was adjourned for the day over constant chaos and commotion by the Opposition parties.
The Defence Minister also took to X to share his displeasure and wrote, 'How the opposition created a ruckus in the House and did not allow it to function is extremely unfortunate.'
'The way the opposition obstructed it, their behaviour today was extremely disappointing. The Opposition could have participated in the discussion and provided constructive review, criticism, and suggestions for India's space program,' he further said.
A special discussion on the journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was to be held today, under the topic 'India's Space Program and Its Role in Viksit Bharat 2047, where the astronaut was to be honoured and celebrated by the Parliamentarians, but the issue got derailed and drowned out in the din created by the Opposition.
The session, intended to celebrate his achievements, got derailed by extreme sloganeering and protests by the opposition members, who disrupted the House proceedings by storming into the well of the House.
Taking objection to the Opposition's 'disruptive approach', the Union Minister said that topics like space hold special significance in India's scientific and strategic vision in the 21st century, and they should rise above partisan politics in such matters of national importance.
Earlier in the day, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the Congress and other opposition parties to rise above politics and join the special discussion on the Indian astronaut's 18-day stay on the ISS and his achievements. His appeal rather went unnoticed, as none of the parties from the INDIA Bloc evinced interest and showed inclination for special discussion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cooperative societies to get caste, gender reservation for top posts
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which introduces caste and gender-based reservation for both elected and nominated roles in cooperative societies, was passed in the assembly Monday. The bill provides for chairman and vice-chairman posts to be reserved on a rotation basis for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women members — a system modelled on panchayat institutions. The amendment also extends reservation to members nominated to the board, earmarking positions for SC, ST, and general merit categories, with one of these compulsorily reserved for women. Crucially, nominated members will have voting rights and can contest elections for the board, chairman, and vice-chairman posts. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru The bill makes it mandatory for all primary members to declare assets and liabilities annually and attend general body meetings regularly, failing which they face disqualification. The bill was passed by both Houses last year, but governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot sent it back with suggestions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo It was then referred to a House committee headed by former cooperative minister Laxman Savadi. The govt reintroduced the bill last week after incorporating changes. HK Patil , law and parliamentary affairs minister, who piloted the bill, said: "This bill seeks to revolutionise the cooperative sector, as it provides social justice by ensuring representation for underprivileged classes. It is the need of the hour, considering the social-political situation in the state." But several senior members raised objections. Former ministers GT Devegowda and Savadi opposed provisions that made asset declaration mandatory, voting powers for nominated members, and the roster system for top posts. They argued the measures amounted to govt interference in functioning of autonomous cooperative bodies. But Patil said the amendments were essential for social justice. Meanwhile, the assembly also passed The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025, which makes engagement of minors a punishable offence. The Act already spells out legal action for those involved in child marriages. Under the amendment, individuals found guilty of arranging or facilitating engagement of minors will face up to two years in jail and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalakar, who piloted the bill, said child marriages are rampant and 1,828 complaints were registered in 2024-25. "Of this, 1,460 weddings were prevented, while 3,640 were solemnised. FIR was registered in 329 cases. The amendment envisages to eradicate the social scourge," said Hebbalkar. The Assembly also approved The Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025, that seeks to provide social, economic and health welfare schemes for former Devadasis. Among other Bills passed in the House was The Karnataka Fire Service (Amendment),Bill, seeking to impose 1% fire safety cess on all highrises . Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Uproar over activist's allegation that Siddaramaiah committed 28 murders
Bengaluru/Mangaluru: The legislative assembly Monday witnessed heated exchanges after it was revealed that activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, who demanded a special investigation team (SIT) to probe alleged mass murders in Dharmasthala, claimed "chief minister Siddaramaiah had committed 28 murders". Home minister G Parameshwara has reportedly directed police to register a suo motu case and arrest Thimarodi. After speaking to senior police officers, he is said to have asked them to move swiftly. "Should we allow someone to go when he has spoken against the CM," he reportedly asked. Officers informed him that the video in which Thimarodi makes the accusation was from May 2023. "Police are verifying the video and if the charges are true, he will be arrested in a day or two," police sources said. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru However, BJP said Thimarodi made the remarks at a press conference recently. R Ashoka, opposition leader, raised the issue in the House, saying: "Does it mean the CM is a murderer? What action will you take against the one who made the allegation? If you remain quiet, what should we understand?" S Suresh Kumar of BJP said: "He has boldly accused the CM. How can the govt tolerate this? Why is the govt silent?" BJP's V Sunil Kumar taunted: "The country's No.1 home minister should act," ridiculing Parameshwara who had proudly claimed last week that ChatGPT shows he is the No 1 home minister in the country. Parameshwara said: "The individual already has several cases against him. I will not name him, but such a person cannot be left free in society. Directions have already been issued to the police to act and that law will take its course." However, the debate continued with Ashoka saying: "The person who alleged hundreds of murders in Dharmasthala has now claimed CM Siddaramaiah carried out 28 murders. This was said openly without fear. Is goonda raj prevailing in the state?" Speaker UT Khader asked Ashoka to file a petition. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar intervened, saying: "The person has also spoken against BJP members. The CM has directed the home minister to take immediate action." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Govt schools lose nearly 5 lakh students in three years
Bengaluru: Student enrolment in govt schools across the state has steadily declined in the post-Covid years, data tabled in the legislative council shows. Statistics from the department of school education and literacy Monday revealed that admissions in state-run primary and high schools have dropped considerably over the past three academic years. Referring to the data, ML Anil Kumar of Congress said student enrolment had fallen by 4.7 lakh. "While student enrolment during 2022-23 was at 45.4 lakh, it reduced to 42.9 lakh. The same numbers during 2024-25 plummeted to 40.7 lakh," Kumar said. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru School education and literacy minister Madhu Bangarappa told the House the govt was aware of the problem and was taking steps to reverse the trend. "One of the major issues that affects enrolment is the absence of pre-primary sections in govt schools," Bangarappa said. "We have now started about 5,000 LKG-UKG classes besides introducing bilingual education. We are hopeful that these measures will help draw more students to govt schools." Bangarappa said Karnataka Public Schools — which provide continuous schooling from kindergarten to pre-university — were intended to boost enrolments. "The govt has been setting up these schools in rural areas on priority," he said. Official data tabled during the discussion revealed several proposals to close state-run high schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo However, Bangarappa insisted that the govt will not shut any school due to poor enrolment. "We have received proposals to shut schools with very low student strength. But we have not closed a single primary school on grounds of poor admissions. I assure the House that we will not close any such schools in the future either," he said. However, contradicting the minister's remarks, a high school at Hulikal, Tumakuru district, was shut down in 2023-24 due to inadequate student numbers. Bangarappa also said the govt will complete recruitment of teachers in Kalyana Karnataka region within four months of publication of internal reservation quota. Replying to a calling attention by BJP's CT Ravi in the legislative council, Bangarappa said there are 16,577 teacher posts vacant in govt primary schools in the Kalyana Karnataka and more than 33,527 vacancies in other parts of the state. The govt had authorised filling of 4,882 posts, but the process was suspended due to pending internal reservation issues. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
