Latest news with #NusratGhani
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta meets delegation from British Parliament
NEW DELHI: A delegation of British Parliament led by House of Commons Deputy Speaker Nusrat Ghani visited the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday and also witnessed proceedings of the Monsoon Session of the legislative body. The delegation met Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta. 'Our shared democratic values and historic ties continue to guide the evolving partnership between India and the United Kingdom,' Gupta said during the courtesy meeting. During the interaction, the Assembly Speaker emphasised the strategic transformation of India-UK relations into a contemporary, multi-dimensional partnership shaped by frameworks such as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the India-UK Vision 2035. The Speaker requested the delegation's assistance in facilitating access to valuable archival materials held by the British Council. In her remarks, Ghani expressed 'deep appreciation' for the hospitality extended by the Delhi Legislative Assembly and acknowledged both its historic legacy and its modern relevance. She commended the Assembly's strides in embracing digital innovation and sustainability.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gallows room mystery: An execution chamber to hang freedom fighters or tiffin room delivery lift? Delhi Assembly debates the martyr's memorial
In what may as well be the script of a historical documentary on an OTT platform – or more likely political satire – the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday found itself wrapped in an unusually spirited debate: was a section of its century-old building once a gallows chamber for hanging freedom fighters, or simply a rope-operated lift room meant to deliver tiffins? A room with pulleys, which was at the centre of the discussion. (RAJ K RAJ /HT PHOTO) The bizarre discussion unfolded on Tuesday as members across party lines offered clashing versions of history, invoked AI tools like ChatGPT for validation, and accused each other of rewriting the colonial past – all while a British parliamentary delegation led by House of Commons deputy speaker Nusrat Ghani watched on from the visitors' gallery. Speaker Vijender Gupta set the tone early in the day by questioning the historical accuracy of the 'fansi ghar' (gallows room) that was inaugurated with much fanfare by former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and then speaker Ram Niwas Goel three years ago. The space was unveiled on August 9, 2022, to commemorate 75 years of Indian Independence and was dedicated to 'unknown martyrs who were hanged here', according to the plaque installed there. 'There is no history of any such space. There was never an execution room here,' Speaker Gupta told the House. 'We went through national archives, consulted experts, and what has been presented as gallows is actually a lift room. A rope-operated lift used to bring up tiffin boxes for members. There are two such lift shafts in the building – one on each side.' He added, 'It is being shown to foreign delegates as a gallows room. One must wonder – is this a fansi ghar or a lunchbox delivery system?' The section in question was revamped in 2022 into a memorial space spread across two floors. It features murals of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, a symbolic hanging rope, red-brick-style heritage walls, and glass partitions. There is a plaque crediting then CM Kejriwal and speaker Goel, and a memorial board that claims: 'Innumerable unknown freedom fighters have been hanged here.' The upper floor shows a pulley mechanism, and the ground floor has a wooden platform beneath the shaft, further fuelling the symbolic interpretation. 'Lift not a noose' But the BJP, which controls the Assembly, said fiction was dressed up as patriotism. The party's chief whip Abhay Kumar Verma said, 'In the 2020-25 assembly period, the former speaker said that they found gallows. He also said that there was a tunnel which went from assembly to Red Fort… but maps from 1911 show that this was simply a tiffin room. It used a rope and pulley to deliver food. No hangings happened here. A similar structure exists symmetrically on the other side of the building.' He said that other parts of the Assembly also had clearly defined uses on record – the current speaker's office was once a library, and the deputy speaker's room was earlier marked as the Viceroy's room. 'They even had a smoking room. Every part is documented. This so-called gallows was never meant for executions. It was just a tiffin room.' PWD minister Parvesh Verma went one step further, saying: 'Without any inquiry, they named it phansi ghar. They found some ropes and old shoes – which probably belonged to construction workers. They misled the public. We will now portray the site as it truly was.' Later in the day, Verma visited the site and said the materials placed there would be removed and corrected to reflect the accurate historical context. ChatGPT weighs in In yet another twist, ChatGPT also entered the debate. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jarnail Singh said the AI tool 'confirmed' the AAP's version. 'In front of the British delegation, the black deeds and crimes of colonial rules are being whitewashed. I asked ChatGPT if there was an execution room in the complex. It clearly says that one room used a gallows room,' Singh said. BJP's Karnail Singh responded with deadpan sarcasm, 'Even ChatGPT is developed by the West. Of course, it will say that.' Verma then said he asked ChatGPT a different question: 'who first claimed there was a fansi ghar'; and said the chatbot pointed to former Speaker Goel. Speaker Gupta interjected, clarifying that 'ChatGPT is not a reliable source — it collects data already on the internet, including false claims. That's not evidence.' The speaker also dismissed previous claims of a tunnel connecting the Assembly to the Red Fort, saying that such features were probably underground ventilation ducts, common in colonial-era architecture. Then, BJP MLA Kulwant Rana gave it a paranormal twist. 'If so many hangings happened here, there must be ghosts too! They've turned this place into a bhoot ghar (house of ghosts),' he said to laughter in the House. AAP responds cautiously AAP MLAs, on the backfoot, pushed for due process. MLA Virender Kadian said, 'There must have been some documents or justification behind this decision. If there has been a mistake, we can rectify it. But don't target individuals without evidence. The former speaker isn't even here to defend himself.' Leader of the opposition and former Delhi CM Atishi responded by stating that 'Delhi has a large number of problems but such matters were being discussed.' In a statement, Atishi said: 'What is the point of discussion in the Assembly today? Running a session of the Delhi Assembly costs lakhs of rupees every hour. This is the hard-earned money of Delhi's people—of taxpayers—money we earn through our labour and give to the government. And yet, you won't allow a discussion on jhuggis, on schools, on the shortage of medicines in hospitals, or the worsening law and order situation. Instead, the only thing BJP wants to talk about is 'hanging room'? Is that what this Assembly has been reduced to? They just want to waste the House's precious time.' Speaker Gupta clarified that his remarks were aimed at correcting public misinformation, not individuals: 'We respect the former speaker. This was a government decision. CM Kejriwal inaugurated it. But it's time to review the facts. I direct AAP MLAs to present their documents tomorrow.' The Delhi Assembly building, constructed in 1912, originally hosted the Imperial Legislative Council. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 – a law that allowed detention without trial – was passed here. Leaders like Motilal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Madan Mohan Malaviya debated in its chambers. Mahatma Gandhi visited twice to observe sessions. It remained a key legislative venue until the Parliament House was inaugurated in 1927. The disputed room lies in the heart of this historic structure — a building that has seen laws written, freedoms debated, and now, debates over tiffin boxes and nooses.
Metro
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Metro
The stress caused by welfare reform flip-flopping left me feeling sick
Watching coverage of the Labour Government's benefits bill vote on Tuesday evening, I found myself with my head in my hands. After so many U-turns, I was staring at the screen in bewilderment, while worriedly going back and forth messaging with friends. 'The ayes to the right: 335. The noes to the left: 260,' the senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Nusrat Ghani, confirmed. 'The ayes have it.' So what did we get in the end? In a late climbdown – after months of debilitating debate and just as MPs prepared to vote – Keir Starmer's Government paused plans to restrict eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) until after a review of the benefit. This U-turn was announced just 90 minutes before MPs were due to vote. Craig Munro breaks down Westminster chaos into easy to follow insight, walking you through what the latest policies mean to you. Sent every Wednesday. Sign up here. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The date for the review – which is reportedly due to conclude by Autumn 2026 – will leave uncertain the details of what those changes will be. But it should be clear that proposed changes to Universal Credit remain, which will raise the standard allowance while halving the health benefits for most new claimants from April 2026. I believe that the stress and uncertainty of the last few months have worsened my condition, making my disability symptoms more debilitating. I couldn't sleep due to worry, and my brain felt like it ached from how nervous I was. I had a constant lump in my throat, inundated with stories from other disabled people about their fears. I knew I needed certain things to survive and I fretted about whether I'd be able to afford my wheelchair. About if I'd end up without it, trapped and stripped of my independence. The idea, announced last week, of a two-tier benefits system — where new claimants wouldn't get the same support — was my own personal lowest point in the whole thing. So how do I feel about Sir Keir Starmer making these concessions? That hot, sickening ache is relieved. But then the question: What was the point? I've been living with disability since birth, after I had a stroke on the day I was born. As a result, I'm a wheelchair user and I rely on benefits like PIP to enable me to do a little work around my experiences with sickness. They've been a lifeline for me – and many other disabled people I know. So when the Government first announced its plans in March to reform disability benefits, I was immediately fearful. I worked out that it would have cut off my access to essential resources – funds that help me travel, attend doctors' appointments, get personal care, and purchase a wheelchair that meets my needs. Around the same time, I was asked to sign an open letter – alongside more than 100 people, including Liz Carr and Rosie Jones – criticising the proposed cuts. I didn't hesitate to add my name to the list. I am proud to stand staunchly with them. Then a glimmer of hope emerged. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Just weeks before the vote was due to go ahead, a growing number of rebel backbench Labour MPs started speaking out against their own party's plans. I was thrilled. But the toll it took on us was immense. Imagine not knowing for months if that will be ripped away from you. Imagine the constant, sickening ache in your gut that causes — what a way to live. And now that it's all over, my honest instinctive reaction was 'as if?' It is the oddest feeling to put your back into fighting something for months, only to see the other side fall apart right in front of your eyes in hours of live coverage. Whatever your thoughts on benefits and their reform, you have to acknowledge that Labour has put disabled people through it – for seemingly nothing. At least on PIP. I honestly think Starmer should resign. I think he's proven himself incapable of reading people and unable to see the damage he is inflicting. One thing he can't say is that he wasn't warned. And why did it take so long for them to consult disabled people? Do you think the government is doing enough to support disabled people? Yes, they are trying their best It should be clear: PIP isn't about being in or out of work — it's about being able to live well. Many disabled people depend on it to keep working. As disability charity Scope uncovered, disabled households need an extra £1,095 each month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled peers. I need it. So do many others. These reforms may never happen, and the shock of relief has been overwhelming. But it has also exposed a hard truth: the welfare system does need reform because it doesn't work with disabled people – it is something dreadful that happens to them. More Trending We have to give the most intimate details of our lives. My starkest memory of being assessed is the question, 'Can you actually walk, though?' I felt as if I was under investigation for some elaborate, lifelong con. It is little wonder that disabled people feel they are unfairly treated. I look forward to what the Government 'co-produces' with disabled people and our organisations. It's the only way forward. Ultimately, I am thrilled that the concessions happened. But it is an odd beginning to Disability Pride Month, which started earlier this week. We also have to acknowledge what this process has put disabled people through — and it says nothing good about the Government or the benefit system that is supposed to support us. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Nelly won't change his baby's nappies – he needs to grow up MORE: Donald Trump's new 'Victory' fragrance needs to come with a warning label MORE: I don't think Rob McElhenney should change his name – here's why
The Herald Scotland
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
MP asks Government to deliver ban on low-level letterboxes in new Bill
She said the Government could halt the danger to postal workers by changing existing British Standards – required technical regulations on products and services in the UK – to ensure manufacturers and housebuilders install the features at least 70cm off the ground. Introducing a 10-minute rule Bill in the Commons, Ms Midgley told MPs: 'This Government says it wants to raise standards and focus on delivery. So I have got a perfect Bill for them. It's the Letterbox Positioning Bill. 'Last Christmas, I visited the Royal Mail delivery office in my constituency in Huyton. I watched our posties working flat out, and it really hit home how hard they work, whatever the weather, whatever the conditions, and I asked, what could I do to help? 'They said 'sort out those low-level letterboxes', because they're worried that one of these days, one of them could get a life-changing injury.' She said one postal worker in Lancaster lost the top of a finger when it was bitten off by a dog when he was posting a letter. Another in south London suffered damage to a finger when a dog 'locked on' to his hand, she added. 'Around 1,000 of our posties have had their fingers partly or fully bitten off through a letterbox in the past five years. It is clear to me that letterboxes have reached a new low, and it's time we in this House raise them,' she said. MPs also heard political party campaigners had suffered injuries while leafletting. Deputy Speaker Nusrat Ghani responded to the end of Ms Midgley's speech and said: 'As a frequent leafletter in Sussex Weald I am particularly invested in this piece of legislation.' In addition, the Commons heard that Royal Mail had recorded more than 18,000 back injuries in one year. Ms Midgley said Ireland, Portugal and Belgium had already adopted measures similar to those she proposed. 'Let's catch up with our neighbours on this,' she said. 'Let's raise the bar, or height, literally on letterboxes. It will save pain, prevent injury and cut costs. 'It's the right thing to do for the people who deliver our post, a part of our community who look after us day in, day out.' She added: 'So I ask this House to give this Bill the stamp of approval and get it signed, sealed and delivered.' Her Bill will be added to private members' Bills that could be debated on July 11.
Observer
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
HH Sayyidah Mayyan receives Arab Women of the Year Award
LONDON: Her Highness Sayyidah Mayyan bint Shihab al Said, Chairperson of the Oman Design Association (ODA), received the 2025 Arab Women of the Year Award in the field of social impact during a ceremony organised by the London Arabia Foundation (LAF) in the UK capital. The London Arabia Foundation seeks to promote international communication and relations, social responsibility; and educational and research programmes. The LAF has been celebrating Arab women since 2015. The ceremony was attended by Nusrat Ghani, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and a number of Arab ambassadors to the United Kingdom. — ONA
