Latest news with #Monsoon
New Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Opposition continues protest over Bihar SIR, other issues
The fourth day of the Monsoon session began on a stormy note, with Opposition MPs staging fresh protests over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, among other issues. Ahead of the day's proceedings, members of the Opposition's INDIA bloc held a demonstration outside Parliament, criticising the ECI's SIR exercise and demanding a debate on the matter in both Houses. The first three days of the session were largely washed out due to similar protests, leading to repeated adjournments and no substantial legislative business being transacted. Notably, the Opposition has continued to press the Union government for a debate Operation Sindoor, Donald Trump's repeated claims of negotiating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, as well as seeking answers over the sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar after the first day of the session.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Jagdeep Dhankhar "Took Himself Very Seriously": Behind The Rift
New Delhi: When Jagdeep Dhankhar became Vice President in 2022, he was seen as a staunch supporter of the Modi government, as a loud, loyal, shrewd politician-cum-administrator who could take on the Opposition and the judiciary. He had already built that image as West Bengal Governor, regularly locking horns with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His elevation to the Vice Presidency seemed like a reward for that assertiveness. But less than three years later, his sudden resignation has raised eyebrows. Officially, it's due to health concerns. Unofficially, it suggests a deeper unease, possibly even a breakdown of trust between him and the government he once so vocally defended. What Went Wrong? Sources told NDTV that the distance between Dhankhar and the government had widened significantly over the past year. The tipping point came when he refused to align with the government's stand on the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma. Just days before the Monsoon Session, ministers met Dhankhar multiple times, urging him not to go ahead with the Opposition-backed motion against Varma, informing him very clearly that Lok Sabha will initiate it and he must instead focus on putting the matter of the impeachment of Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court to end. "We wanted him to wait. We were readying signatures. Judicial accountability was something the BJP has pushed for. How can the Opposition take credit for it? But he (Dhankhar) seemed to have made up his mind - likely under the influence of a senior Congress leader he had committed to," a source said. It was, as another source put it, "a rare combination of an attempt at judicial activism and ego that came from holding constitutional power". Dhankhar wanted privileges on par with the President - from the type of luxury car and aircraft he used to staff appointments - and insisted on having the final say. "He knew the workarounds, but he failed to realise that the autonomy of the office is tethered to the political power behind it," the source added. Tensions reached a peak on Monday morning in the Rajya Sabha. When Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge rose to question the government on the Pahalgam terror attack, Dhankhar allowed him to speak at length - cutting off BJP leader of the House and minister JP Nadda with a mere hand gesture. "Protocol demanded that Nadda be allowed to respond. Even he, usually calm, was visibly angry," a BJP MP said. Senior ministers - Arjun Ram Meghwal, Kiren Rijiju and JP Nadda - met Dhankhar at least three times in the week leading up to the session. Each time, they urged him to wait, to let ruling party MPs be part of the motion against Justice Varma, and to allow time for a consensus. But the Vice President did not budge. On Monday, he met Opposition leaders, accepted the signatures, and made clear he would read out the motion in the House. "That's when the ruling coalition started mobilising an impeachment motion against Dhankhar himself," a source said. "It was meant to pressurise him. Senior ministers were consulted, and most agreed there was no other option." A BJP MP noted, "There was an impeachment against Justice Varma, and there was another resolution quietly being signed. Everyone knew what it was really about." Later that evening, Dhankhar made an unannounced visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan - a last-ditch hope, some believe, that the government might intervene. But he was made to wait over 30 minutes, and nothing came of it. The next day, the Prime Minister posted a brief, terse tweet acknowledging his resignation - and that was that. Observers say Dhankhar had initially done exactly what was expected of him - questioned the judiciary's Basic Structure doctrine, voiced views on sensitive issues like population control and religious conversion and appeared to act more as a political ally than a neutral constitutional figure. But in December 2024, the Opposition moved a no-confidence motion against him - the first ever against a Rajya Sabha Chairman - accusing him of repeatedly silencing their voices and denying interventions. Though it was ultimately rejected, insiders say the episode changed him significantly. That's when he began leaning towards Opposition leaders, caste and community groups, bar councils, and even legal circles, meeting them in private, and often being critical of the government in those meetings. His insistence on protocol - such as meeting visiting US Vice President JD Vance one-on-one, citing parity between VPs - further irked the establishment. "He took himself very seriously. It was futile trying to explain that the Vice President of the US is an entirely different political creature but we still did it," said a source. The Big Picture Dhankhar's resignation underlines a larger truth for the Modi government: it prefers trusted individuals in top constitutional roles but only as long as they stay predictable. For the BJP, this wasn't about Dhankhar asserting his independence, it was about a risk to stability. The party has never hesitated to rein in loose cannons - whether by removing chief ministers, denying tickets to MPs, or publicly disciplining ministers. But Dhankhar wasn't a backbencher or an attention seeker to be told off. He was an accomplished lawyer, a seasoned politician with friends across party lines - handpicked by the BJP for the job. "That made it difficult," a senior BJP leader admitted. "But in this system, rules are the same for everyone. Party discipline comes above all." The larger debate may well be about shrinking space for constitutional autonomy. But political parties often demand loyalty and those picked for such roles are expected to stay in line, not grow into them. Dhankhar may have overestimated how much freedom the office of Vice President allowed him. Or perhaps, he genuinely believed that it gave him the duty to speak his mind. Either way, he became a risk that the system was not willing to carry.
Hans India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Parliament to hold discussion on Op Sindoor, Pahalgam attack next week
New Delhi: Parliament is likely to take up a discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor early next week, with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha expected to hold a 16-hour debate each. While the government had agreed to the 16-hour discussion in the Lok Sabha at the Business Advisory Committee meeting on July 21, a similar decision was taken at the Rajya Sabha's BAC meeting on Wednesday, amid the opposition's insistence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should speak on the issue. The Lok Sabha will begin the discussion on July 28 and the Rajya Sabha a day later if there are no disruptions, sources said. Opposition protests over a host of issues, especially the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, have washed out the proceedings in both the Houses, except for a few transactions, since the Monsoon session began on Monday. It has also attacked the government for not prioritising a discussion on Operation Sindoor and the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The government, the sources said, has made no commitment on the opposition's demand for the prime minister's response but has cited its proposal for a parliamentary discussion next week on the ground that Modi will be back by then from his four-day foreign visit, for which he left on Wednesday. A senior BJP leader said the debate on the conflict with Pakistan, which ensued after India retaliated under Operation Sindoor following the killing of 26 civilians in the Pahalgam terror attack, will not only have a strong national traction but will also be paid attention to by the global community. "The prime minister may choose the occasion to convey his government's robust response to the terror attack and stand on a host of issues," the BJP leader said, adding that a final call has not been taken yet on whether Modi will speak or not.
The Print
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon amid Opposition protests over Bihar SIR.
The speaker adjourned the house as opposition members continued their protests demanding a discussion on key issues, including the SIR exercise being carried out by the Election Commission in Bihar. As the third day of the Monsoon Session commenced, uproar in the Lok Sabha led Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the proceedings shortly after the House convened. New Delhi: Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till noon on Wednesday following continued protests by opposition members over several issues, including the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Objecting to the use of placards in the well of the House, the Speaker said, 'The nation is watching your behaviour and conduct. I will have to take decisive action against members bringing banners. This house is for discussion and dialogue, not for sloganeering. Maintain the decorum of the house,' Birla said before adjourning the lower house. Rajya Sabha proceedings were also disrupted amid sloganeering by the Opposition and subsequently adjourned till noon. Several opposition leaders moved adjournment motion notices to discuss various issues of public importance. The opposition leaders have been demanding that the Prime Minister address both houses and the nation on crucial issues, including the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack and the ongoing SIR exercise being carried out by the Election Commission in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The opposition has also demanded that PM Modi respond to the repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump of initiating 'ceasefire' between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the voters' list revision being carried out by the Election Commission (EC) in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. In his notice, Tagore labelled the SIR exercise as 'dangerous and unconstitutional'. He accused the Narendra Modi government of 'using' the election commission to 'disenfranchise the poor and the marginalised communities in Bihar'. Rajya Sabha MPs Sandosh Kumar P, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Syed Naseer Hussain, Ranani Ashokrao Patil and Ranjeet Ranjan also submitted adjournment motion notices to discuss the urgent matter of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar. Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) MP Sushmita Dev also submitted an Adjournment motion to discuss the ongoing issue of SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also Read: The politics of Rajya Sabha nominations: How Modi's strategy differs from Vajpayee's & UPA's
Daily Record
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Monsoon's 'stunning' dress that is 'super flattering for all sizes' slashed by 50%
Monsoon's 'stunning' dress that is 'super flattering for all sizes' slashed by 50% The British high street firm's massive summer sale is in full swing. Monsoon's summer sale is in full swing (Image: Getty Images ) Still need to give the wardrobe a bit of an overhaul? Then look no further than Monsoon's recently launched summer sale that is in full swing. From effortless styling to occasion-wear and holiday must-haves, the British high street retailer's event will be able to cover a range of fashion enthusiasts' needs for the rest of the season. One of our top picks is this extremely popular Monica Lace Midi Dress that has been billed as "stunning" in reviews. Worth £135, it is now just £67.50, offering a staggering half-price discount. Read more: Frankie Bridge stuns in high street jacket that has fans begging where to buy it Read more: Tesco brings back 'cute' £40 F&F jacket dubbed 'absolute must' for autumn Got a wedding reception to attend, or just on the hunt for something fancy to wear out? Then this midi-length frock will elevate any wardrobe thanks to its delicate lace detail that spills over the décolletage and flutter sleeves. Crafted from a floaty, lightweight material that is suitable for the current warmer weather, it boasts a defined waistline that falls into a swishy midi skirt, with reviews praising the design as "super flattering for all sizes." Monica Lace Midi Dress £135 £67.50 Monsoon Buy here Product Description Elevate any occasion wardrobe with this midi-length dress that features a delicate lace detail, short, fluttery sleeves, a chic scoop neckline and a concealed back zip fastening. Finished with a chic scoop neckline, keyhole button and discrete back zip fastening, we'd think that the Monica dress would be perfect when paired with chic muted heels and even a lightweight blazer for the unpredictable UK summer. Even better, the half-price discount covers six colours - olive, blue, green, navy, dark pink and soft pink. Sizes also vary from a six through to 24. Fashion enthusiasts looking to shop around before making a purchase can opt for a similar style, but with more dramatic sleeves, with this Mint Velvet Nude Crochet Cotton Midi Dress, available to buy from Next for £170. Meanwhile, another affordable option for those still keen to keep it budget-friendly is Roman's Pink Lace Detail Wrap Midi Dress that has been knocked from £65 to £35, offering a saving off 46 per cent. This midi dress is "super flattering" (Image: Monsoon ) As for Monsoon's Monica Lace Midi Dress, there's no denying its popularity, as it has amassed 108 reviews in total, alongside a 4.5 rating, with glowing praise for its "super flattering" and "stunning" design. One five-star review read: "Super flattering for all sizes and tummies! A really beautiful dress and the only one I've found that is flattering for my tummy. Very excited to wear this to a wedding." Someone else said: "This dress is well made and fits perfectly. It is comfortable and flattering, hiding my newly thicker middle! There's enough of a sleeve to conceal my upper arms too. I'm looking forward to wearing it to my son's wedding in a couple of months." Fashion deal of the week New Balance has just launched a massive sale ahead of the summer, with up to half-price off. Hate that break in period with stiff footwear? Then look no further than the Unisex RC42 Shoes, said to be "comfy straight out of the box", that have been reduced from £90 to just £45, saving shoppers 50 percent off the original asking price. Featuring the classic minimalist silhouette that can be worn with everything from denim jeans to leggings, these trainers have been particularly designed for those with an active lifestyle. The RC42 Shoes are comfy and trendy (Image: New Balance ) Crafted from a "lightweight" suede/mesh construction, they boast a low profile that is suitable for those who spend long periods of time on their feet, while the a padded tongue and cushioned rubber sole ensure all day comfort. Finished with the classic signature 'N' branding on the side, the half-price discount covers two colours - granite with white and linen with sea salt. As of writing, sizes range from a four through to nine, including a few half-sizes. Shoppers can't stop praising the New Balance RC42 Shoes, as they have earned a 4.2 rating and glowing reviews for their "comfortable" design that means they "don't even have to break them in." One five-star review read: "Very cute and comfortable right out of the box. On trend and has a somewhat cushioned midsole—perfect for wearing all day." Shoppers can bag the New Balance Unisex RC42 Trainers for half-price in the sale here. Another complimentary review read: "Stunning dress fits beautifully ideal for a special occasion, a wedding in my case. Excellent quality and so comfortable to wear and the colour (blue) was very eye catching. I got loads of compliments which made me feel fabulous." One shopper did have an issue with the sizing, writing: "Had to go up a dress size as the bust was really too tight and I don't have a particularly large bust, then the waist was too big, so very disappointed with this dress." Although, someone else who was left impressed with their purchase added: "Great service and beautiful dress, felt a million dollars in it." Article continues below Monsoon's Monica Lace Midi Dress is now half-price at £67.50 (RRP £135) in the summer sale now.
