Winter Session 2023 Day 3: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla strikes out at the controversial remarks made by DMK MP
Winter session 2023: In the recent parliamentary session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took action to expunge remarks made by DNV Senthil Kumar, a DMK MP, that targeted Hindi heartland states. Kumar's comments, made while criticising the ruling BJP, sparked controversy due to their derogatory nature. In response to the backlash, Kumar later apologised for his choice of words, acknowledging the inappropriate use of language and expressing regret for any unintended offense caused.
Following this incident, senior BJP leader Sushil Modi condemned Kumar's remarks, stating that they had offended the sentiments of millions of Hindus. The contentious statements overshadowed the parliamentary discussions, particularly those concerning crucial bills and debates on legislative amendments.
One of the primary debates centered around the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha. While proponents from the Treasury Benches defended the decision to repeal Articles 370 and 35A, the Opposition raised concerns regarding the constitutional implications of the actions that led to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Amit Shah was expected to address these bills in the ongoing session.
Simultaneously, in the Rajya Sabha, discussions regarding the country's economic status, initiated on the previous day, were anticipated to continue. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was slated to present a statement detailing the Supplementary Demands for Grants, 2023-24. However, amidst the legislative proceedings, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee's report on the alleged involvement of TMC MP Mahua Moitra in the 'cash-for-query' case emerged as a significant point of discussion within parliamentary circles. The report's consideration and discussion on the House floor were pending at the time.
This Winter Session holds particular significance as it represents the last legislative opportunity for the government to pass key bills before the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. With a limited timeframe of 15 sittings until December 22, the session serves as a critical window for addressing and finalising pending legislation.
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- With inputs from agencies
