The ongoing Budget Session of Parliament saw heated discussions on various critical issues on Monday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. In a significant highlight, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing the Lok Sabha, compared the current political scenario under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the “Chakravyuh” from Mahabharata, expressing concerns over an atmosphere of fear in the nation. He drew parallels between the BJP’s strategies and the entrapping war formation, suggesting the common man is ensnared in a complex and intimidating system.
Delhi Coaching Centre Tragedy Sparks Outrage
The tragic death of three civil service aspirants due to flooding at a coaching center in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar area dominated the parliamentary discourse. MPs from various parties demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, criticizing the local authorities for negligence. Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for suggestions from MPs on the regulation of coaching centers. He emphasized the need for a shift towards skill development rather than traditional coaching, which he described as confining and potentially hazardous. In the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj held the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responsible for the incident, accusing them of neglect and demanding the formation of an inquiry committee under the Home Ministry. Akhilesh Yadav, another MP, questioned whether the government would take stringent actions against those responsible, akin to the “bulldozer action” seen in Uttar Pradesh against illegal buildings. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted the severe violations of building and safety norms, calling for accountability and adequate compensation for the victims’ families. He stressed the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Other Notable Developments
The Parliament also saw Union Minister Raksha Nikhil Khadse discussing the implementation of recommendations from various reports on education, women, children, youth, and sports. The ongoing debate on the Union Budget 2024-25 continued, focusing on financial allocations and development strategies for the upcoming fiscal year. Manickam Tagore and Manish Tewari, Congress MPs, introduced adjournment motions in the Lok Sabha, calling for discussions on Delhi’s infrastructure issues and the country’s trade deficit with China, respectively. The parliamentary session underscored the government’s efforts to address financial appropriations for Jammu and Kashmir while grappling with the immediate need for regulatory reforms following the Delhi coaching center disaster. The discourse reflected a blend of budgetary considerations and urgent social issues, indicating a session marked by both legislative progress and poignant reflections on governance and public safety.