Special Session of Parliament : Adhir Chowdhury presses for 'pluralism'; LS Speaker applauds Govt's handling of G20

PM Modi's speech in Lok Sabha highlights terror attack on Indian Parliament in 2001

“There was a terror attack (on the Parliament). This was not an attack on a building. In a way, it was an attack on the mother of democracy, on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident. I also bow before those who took bullets to their chest to protect the Parliament and all its members, while fighting the terrorists.”

Other quotes: 

“The success of the G20 is of 140 crore Indians, it is the success of Bharat. It is not a success of an individual or a political party.”

“Many people have a tendency to be suspicious about India, and this has continued since Independence. This time too, they were confident that there would be no (G20) declaration. However, it is India's strength that it happened.”

"When I first entered this building (Parliament) as an MP, I bowed down and honoured the temple of democracy. It was an emotional moment for me. 

I could have never imagined that a child belonging to a poor family, living on the railway platform would ever be able to enter the Parliament. I never imagined that I would get so much love from people.”

“Bidding goodbye to this building is an emotional moment...Many bitter-sweet memories have been associated with it. We have all witnessed differences and disputes in the Parliament but at the same time, we have witnessed 'Parivaar bhaav'. All these memories are our shared memories, our shared heritage and hence, its pride is also our shared.”

“India will be proud that when it was the president (of the G20), the African Union became its member. I cannot forget the emotional moment when the announcement was made, the African Union President said that perhaps he would break down while speaking. You can imagine the fortune India had, to fulfil such huge hopes and expectations.”

On famous speeches by Nehru, Vajpayee; PM Modi said -

“The echo of Pandit (Jawahlal) Nehru's 'at the stroke of midnight' in this Parliament will continue to inspire us. And this is that very Parliament where Atal Ji said ‘sarkaren ayyengi, jayengi; partiyan banegi, bigedgi; magar ye desh rahna chahiye’.”

"India emerged as a voice of peace at the world stage during G20 Summit," LS Speaker Om Birla in his opening remarks. He also said PM Narendra Modi's 'vision and guidance' led to consensus on even sensitive issues during the Summit and it was reflected well in the New Delhi Declaration issued by G20 leaders.

In Rajya Sabha, BJP leader Dinesh Sharma takes oath as a Member of the Parliament. 

Blogger in Parliament House

"I want to congratulate each and every Indian for the successful organisation of the G20 Summit. I also appreciate PM Modi's vision to dedicate this Summit to the people of the country. India's presidency of the G20 has been people-centric and in the coming decades, it will give us a new direction," Speaker Om Birla said.

"Under the leadership of PM Modi, the New Delhi declaration was unanimously accepted by the leaders of the world. India has been the voice of the Global South and under the leadership of PM Modi, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20...".

PM Modi speaks in Lok Sabha 

"It is time to remember inspirational moments associated with this Parliament building before we move to new premises," Modi in Lok Sabha. 

"India's success of G20 is the success story of not one individual but 140 crore people and is right reflection of the federal structure of the country's governance and administration," he said. The inclusion of African Union in G20 when India is the chairman was a special achievement, the Prime Minister said.

India's journey has been unique from Ved to Vivekananda, the Prime Minister said. 

"Before Independence, this Parliament was the place of imperial legislative council. After the Independence, it got the identity of Sansad Bhawan. While it is true that constructing this building was the decision of the foreign rulers, but we can never forget and can say it proudly that the sweat, hard work and money used in building it was of my countrymen," he said. 

PM said 17 Speakers discharged their duties in last 75 plus years and among them were two women Speakers - Ms Meira Kumar and Ms Sumitra Mahajan.

Mr Modi said, "India will be proud that when it was the president (of the G20), the African Union became its member. I cannot forget the emotional moment that when the announcement was made, African Union President said that perhaps he will break down while speaking." 

"You can imagine the fortune India had, to fulfill such a huge hopes and expectations...It is India's strength that it (unanimous Declaration) became possible...Under your chairmanship the P20 - Summit of G20 Parliament Speakers - you announced, will have our full support."

 

The Prime Minister paid homage to those security personnel who sacrificed their lives when parliament was attacked by terrorists. PM also spoke highly about journalists who covered parliament over the years and served as 'mirror' for the people. 

"Bidding goodbye to this building is an emotional moment...Many bitter-sweet memories have been associated with it. We have all witnessed differences and disputes in the Parliament but at the same time, we have witnessed 'Parivaar bhaav'...". 

 

Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury reiterated his party's demand for women reservation. He said on a number of occasions the opposition has been denied opportunities to have say on legislative matters. One party dominance should be discarded, he said. 

He demanded that each session should have at least one day dedicated only to the opposition.  He said 'plurality' is the essential feature of the Indian and Hindu civilisation. Chowdhury said 'ahankar (self pride)' is a dangerous phenomenon to pursue. 

“Architect of modern India - Nehru - had said that parliamentary democracy demands many virtues which are ability, certain devotion to work, and also a large measure of corporation of self discipline and restraint,” he says.