The devastating landslide in Wayanad, claiming over 200 lives, took center stage in Parliament discussions. Alongside this tragedy, members engaged in dialogue over the Union Budget 2024-25, with Finance Minister providing responses in the Rajya Sabha.
Updates on the situation continue to unfold.
Lok Sabha Highlights
The Lok Sabha’s morning session was marked by protests from the Opposition, particularly directed at BJP leader Anurag Thakur’s remarks regarding Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Opposition’s conduct while emphasizing their double standards related to caste discussions. Additionally, Lok Sabha MP Charanjit Singh Channi lodged a notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for violating privilege after he shared part of Thakur’s expunged speech on social media.
A significant legislative piece, the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, was introduced, seeking to modernize the outdated British-era Aircraft Act (1934) to enhance the civil aviation sector. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu underscored the Bill’s purpose of eliminating redundancies.
During a conversation regarding the Wayanad landslide, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal emphasized the importance of implementing early warning systems for natural disasters. Following tensions rising from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya’s comments on encroachment issues, the House was briefly adjourned. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised India’s early warning systems, affirming their capability to predict disasters well in advance.
The Parliament also scrutinized the Railway Ministry’s budget demands, with MPs focusing on infrastructural needs in regions like Amravati. Concerns were raised about train safety, with reports indicating multiple accidents and the lack of comprehensive inspections being major issues. Speaker Om Birla indicated that Prime Minister Modi would address railway projects and concessions in the following session.
Rajya Sabha Highlights
The Rajya Sabha’s agenda included discussions on the tragic Wayanad landslide through a calling-to-attention motion, highlighting national significance. BJP MP Arun Singh revealed the Prime Minister’s announcement of compensation for victims’ families, while CPI (M) MP Dr. John Brittas pressed for comprehensive rescue measures beyond the district, citing the extensive impact of the landslide.
Several MPs advocated declaring the tragedy a national emergency, with discussions pivoting toward enhancing disaster preparedness and environmental conservation efforts to mitigate future incidents. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured support to the Kerala government, highlighting proactive measures taken in advance of the disaster.
The House also addressed the Union Budget, with Finance Minister defending its allocations against allegations of bias. She emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing economic growth with social welfare while aiming to reduce the fiscal deficit.
In closing, the Rajya Sabha paused its deliberations to focus on pressing issues such as climate change and social security before adjourning for the day.
Both Houses are set to reconvene at 11 a.m. tomorrow.
