Winter Session of Parliament, Day 2: As it happened

The Congress party leaders will be discussing within their own party. There would be after sometime a fresh contact between the government and them to discuss this subject further after they have discussed within the party and we have also considered the position that they have taken to us: Jaitley

With regards to Goods and Service Tax Bill, the PM discussed the subject with the Congress leaders. Congress raised three key concerns over the current GST Bill. The history and the background of the legislation and the government's response to these issues in detail were also explained to them, says Arun Jaitley.

The honourable PM had invited former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Ganhi for a discussion on issues pending before Parliament: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh's meeting with PM Narendra Modi ends.

Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh & Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi meet PM. Top ministers are present at the meet. pic.twitter.com/LZlpUVQf0k

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 27, 2015

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh arrive at 7, Race Course Road​ to discuss GST Bill with PM Narendra Modi.

The Lok Sabha affirms its commitment to the principles and ideals of the Constitution and resolves to uphold its sanctity and supremacy. In a resolution moved by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, the House also says that it respected the Constitutional institutions their freedom and authority.
 

PM Narendra Modi concludes the debate on the Constitution.

The PM underlines that the 'Idea of India' is reflected by the aspects like 'Ahinsa Parmo Dharma` (non-violence is supreme duty), 'Sarv Dharma Sambhav' (equal respect to all religions) and 'Vasudev Kutumbakam' (entire world is a family).

Also Read: Parliament's Winter Session: When Lok Sabha reverberated with PM Modi's 'Idea of India'

'India First' only religion of government and the Constitution its only scripture: PM Modi

Giving opportunity is our responsibility. If a part of a body is paralysed, the body cannot be termed as healthy: PM Modi

In a rare gesture, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader praises Jawaharlala Nehru, India`s first prime minister, for his role in the Constituent Assembly. Modi cites an incident when socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia quoted statistics to tell Nehru that his government`s policy was wrong. "Nehru said I cannot refute your statistics," tells Modi, adding "He (Nehru) showed greatness."

PM Modi quotes former Chief Justice of India Justice Gajendra Gadkar as saying: "The Commission believes that, in a democratic country like India which is governed by a written Constitution, supremacy can be legitimately claimed only by the Constitution. It is the Constitution which is paramount, which is the law of laws, which confers on Parliament and the State Legislatures, the Executive and the Judiciary their respective powers, assigns to them their respective functions, and prescribes limitations within which the said powers and functions can be legitimately discharged."

Preserving the sanctity of the Constitution is the responsibility of all of us. The government may be formed on the basis of majority but decisions have to be taken on the basis of consensus. There should be consensus, at least efforts should be made for consensus. And if these fail, then the issue of majority-minority would come in. In this House, we are not going to force any decision but make efforts for consensus... If nothing helps then the ultimate is majority-minority: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

The purpose of the Constitution is not only to define three organs of the State, but also limit their authority: PM Modi 

It was the height of Ambedkar`s personality that he bore all humiliation but there was no sense of revenge in him; no sense of revenge is reflected in the Constitution: PM Modi

BR Ambedkar is being quoted by every political establishment. Each school of thought stands by what he said: PM Modi

If the Constitution simply becomes a document to be followed by the government to run Parliament, democracy will suffer, says PM Narendra Modi.

PM Modi appreciates the efforts of makers of the Constitution, says writing the Constitution of a diverse country like India must have been "really challenging" as people of different beliefs and habits lived in the country. Even today if a law is made after much deliberation, it is never perfect and has to come up for amendment in the very next session of the Parliament, says the PM. 

Many great personalities have played a role in the formation of this country and this should be accepted, says PM Modi.

The PM describes Ambedkar as one of the great people of the country who helped draft such a "perfect constitution" which, after so many years, still fits the bill. "It ensures dignity for every individual and unity for the country," he said. 

India was not made by 'maharajas' but by common people and all the governments since Independence in 1947: PM

I have said from the Red Fort (in Independence Day address) and I am repeating that all previous governments and former Prime Ministers have made efforts and have contributed in making the country great. Hard work of many leaders has gone into shaping India. States also have played a role...There may be complaints that some governments have done less but nobody can that previous governments have done nothing: PM Modi

The government suggests that there should be online competition with regards to Constitution: PM Modi

Constitution has the power to bind and promote entire diversity that India represents, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha.

It is the demand of time that we make people aware of the sanctity and strength of our Constitution: PM Modi 

Today's topic of discussion is not about 'I' and 'You', it is about 'We', says PM Narendra Modi. The PM adds: "26 November is a historical occasion and our intention is not to downplay the importance of January 26. We celebrate January 26 because of November 26."

I thank everyone for the interest shown in the Constitution debate and the support it got. Some people have this misconception, maybe out of habit, that the PM will respond to everything in the end. I don't agree with this. I am just like any other member here and as they have expressed their views on the subject, I am putting forth mine: Modi in Parliament

PM Narendra Modi appreciates the efforts of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, says "I believe your speech will be an inspirational document in parliamentary history. I congratulate you".

PM Narendra Modi begins speaking during a discussion on commitment to the Constitution as part of 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution.

Idea of 'India' under threat from ruling NDA government, says AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi.

No one has the right to tell anyone to go to Pakistan, Indian Muslims consciously rejected the two-nation theory - Mehbooba Mufti

India is the most tolerant society, that is why everyone has been living together for so many years, says PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti.

Baba Saheb Ambedkar had said that the Aryan invasion theory is so absurd that it ought to be dead long ago - Smriti Irani

Baba Saheb Ambedkar's desire to ensure that democratic institutions work best when decentralized is reflected in the Constitution, says Smriti Irani.

Azad has concluded his speech. The Rajya Sabha has now been adjourned till 2.30 pm.

We support death for the attackers of Parliament. We appreciate that. But we will also appreciate when action is taken against perpetrators of Samjhauta Express attack, Malegaon blast etc - Azad

Also Read - Act against Samjhauta, Malegaon attackers: Azad to govt

Whether terrorists were from outside or inside, we have faced them the most - Azad

A tree laden with fruits should bend towards the ground, and not stand in ego looking towards the sky - Azad

You can talk about Germany's dictator Hitler during discussion on Ambedkar and Constitution, but we can't talk about our first PM Pandit Nehru. This is intolerance. - Azad

Azad points out that the notification to celebrate Constitution Day was issued by wrong ministry and department. Jaitley responds by saying, 'why is there a grudging feeling on Ambedkar'?

Intolerance grows from top & percolates down.That you talk about preamble of constitution & not talk about Pt Nehru's contribution: GN Azad

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 27, 2015

Most of the Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950 and not on November 26, 1949 - Azad 

This government is trying to rewrite history, we all know - Azad

From where did the November 26 date come to celebrate Constitution Day. It is neither Independence Day nor Republic Day - Azad

Preamble of the Constitution starts with Pandit Nehru's 'objectives' and you are not taking his name? - Azad

How can it happen that the Parliament is debating Constitution but there is no mention of Pandit Nehru and the resolution of objectives of the Constitution by him. This is called intolerance - Azad

Government is willing to discuss all issues including so-called intolerance. We've nothing to hide, we ready to place everything before people, says Venkaiah Naidu in Lok Sabha.

Also Read: Naidu bats for women's quota bill, uniform civil code

BJP is still following the policy of the Britishers to 'divide and rule' - Azad

Even after their deaths, attempts are being made to make Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and Sardar Patel fight, for the sake of politics. Probably because they didn't have any leader of their own - Azad

Our leaders who spent time in jail during freedom struggle do not need to prove their commitment towards the Constitution. Those who were not part of the freedom struggle need to prove it - Azad

What was being done outside is being done inside, to attack Congress - Azad

Ghulam Nabi Azad says Arun Jaitley tried to use Ambedkar's words as a shield to make attacks on the Opposition in Parliament.

Among our leaders who studied abroad, I think DR Ambedkar was our most qualified, across political spectrum - Azad

A social worker like me was very much affected by Baba Saheb Ambedkar - Ghulam Nabi Azad

Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad is now speaking in Rajya Sabha.

You imposed Emergency, you detained the opposition, you amended the Constitution - Jaitley

Adolf Hitler is Germany and Germany is Adolf Hitler, said Rudolf Hess. I am only referring to what happened in 1933 - Jaitley

A Constitution and its provisions were used to subvert democracy during the Third Reich in Germany - Jaitley

We have three differences with government on GST; talks are underway. We want the GST to be passed, it will help the people. We want a cap on tax to be charged under GST - Rahul Gandhi

PM Modi has invited us for talks on GST amid pressure from the public. This is not their intent, says Rahul Gandhi outside Parliament on PM's invite to Sonia Gandhi.

I meant acts of terrorism; I think it was clear, responds Arun Jaitley

Who does Arun Jaitley mean by "those who want to destroy the sovereignty of India"? He should clarify, asks Congress Anand Sharma.

Some sections passed him (Yakub Memon) as a martyr, how would have Dr Ambedkar reacted to this? - Jaitley

Terrorism is the biggest challenge facing the world. Sometimes, due to votebank politics, we refrain from criticising in fitting manner such extreme acts of violence - Jaitley

Article 15 gave special rights to SC, ST and socially-educationally backward and we respect those rights - Jaitley

We still have personal laws across all religions which violate fundamental rights - Jaitley

No law can violate fundamental rights. After 65 years, are we ready to say all personal laws are compliant with Constitution? - Jaitley

Sitaram Yechury to Arun Jaitley: How can you just pick and choose articles, have others like 45A, 46 been fulfilled?

If Dr Ambedkar had proposed in 2015 instead of 1950 Article 44 (on uniform civil code) and Article 48 (on prohibiting cow slaughter), how would have this House reacted and accepted the proposals - Jaitley in Rajya Sabha

Constitution as envisaged by Dr Ambedkar was not anti- or pro-religion, it rejected theocracy, says Arun Jaitley. He adds: "Article 25 said, every man has a right to practice and propagate his/her religion, what do we conclude from this?"

The Constitution says the State will not discriminate among citizens on the basis of religion - Jaitley

Independence of judiciary is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution. So are PM, President, and Leader of Opposition - Jaitley

​Also Read: Jaitley takes on Congress over constitutional principles

Today, the opposite is happening on appointment of judges as against what was enshrined in the Constitution. BR Ambedkar had said in the Constituent Assembly that it has to be a consultative process - Jaitley

A balance in separation of powers between Executive and Judiciary has to be maintained - Jaitley

We still have to find solution to excessive use of money power during elections, though the menace of booth capturing has been overcome over time - Jaitley

Should we get overswayed and tinker with fundamental rights. We need to ponder over it - Jaitley

Constitution had given a fundamental right of 'right to property'. It was repealed in 1970s following a campaign and amid economic policies of that time - Jaitley

The right to live is the biggest right - Jaitley

Emergency was the greatest challenge to Indian democracy - Jaitley

Following government amended the Constitution and Article 21 was made non-suspendable. Today, we are far more safe - Jaitley

Article 21 (which provides for right to life and liberty to every individual) was suspended during 1970s. This was dictatorship at its worst. Today, someone comes on the TV and makes a statement and it becomes an issue of "intolerance" - Jaitley

India's democracy has survived despite all odds. This shows the strength of our constitution - Jaitley

Democracies have got displaced in many countries since 1947 but not in India - Jaitley

Dr BR Ambedkar firmly believed in democracy - Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is now initiating the discussion in Rajya Sabha on 'Commitment to Constitution' to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.

Congress' Kantilal Bhuria - newly-elected MP from Ratlam parliamentary constituency - takes oath as Member of Parliament and signs in Roll of Members.

Proceedings of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have started.

"I welcome it. Will be a good thing if the leader of government and leaders of main opposition have frank discussions," says BJD leader Jay Panda on PM Modi's invitation to Sonia Gandhi.

PM Modi meets senior Union Ministers in Parliament. Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu present at the meeting.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi reaches Parliament #WinterSession pic.twitter.com/agUax20gcE

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 27, 2015

Sonia Gandhi is meeting Congress' Leader of House in Lok Sabha after receiving PM Modi's invitation.

ANI has confirmed that PM Narendra Modi has invited Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former PM Manmohan Singh over tea this evening after adjournment of Parliament. On agenda will be discussion on GST Bill.

Naidu has also spoken on intolerance and secularism: He said: "Nobody is questioning secularism. Secularism is abused, that's what has been said. What's wrong in Home Minister HM Rajnath Singh's statement?"

"India is secular by nature, secularism is very much there in our genes. Some people may make statements, that should not detract our attention. Some people are unnecessarily trying to score brownie political points on the issue of secularism," he adds.

Venkaiah Naidu says the government is in touch with Congress on GST Bill. "There will be some discussions (on GST) today... we're confident we'll be able to come to some sort of agreement," adds Naidu.

CNN-IBN is reporting that Narendra Modi has invited former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi for a discussion on the crucial GST Bill, which has got stalled in Parliament. The development comes after both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi refused to give any commitment to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on GST Bill.

In Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley will initiate the discussion which will also be carried on, on Monday. Discussion in the Upper House will conclude on Monday, says Naidu.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu confirms PM Modi will intervene and conclude debate on ‘Commitment to the Constitution’ in Lok Sabha today.

Also in Parliament today, Congress' Kantilal Bhuria - newly-elected MP from Ratlam parliamentary constituency - will take oath, sign Roll of Members and take his seat in the Lok Sabha today.

A meeting of Congress Parliamentary Affairs Committee will also take place in Parliament today.