PM Modi Speaks On African Union Merger, G20 Declaration, And Old Parliament Building In Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Lok Sabha, marking the commencement of the Special Session of Parliament. This five-day special session is slated to conclude on September 22.

In a stirring address to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attributed the success of India's G20 presidency to the collective efforts of the entire nation. He emphasized that the G20's achievements were not the result of the hard work of any individual or political party, but of the Indian people as a whole.

He also spoke about the G20 summit in New Delhi as a watershed moment in India's history, and expressed confidence that the country would continue to rise on the global stage in the years to come.

One of the most poignant moments in Modi's speech came when he spoke about the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent invitee to the G20. He described it as an emotional moment for him, as it was a recognition of Africa's growing importance in the world.

Modi also spoke about the challenges that India faced in hosting the G20 summit. He mentioned that there were doubts about whether India would be able to successfully organise such a large and complex event. However, he said that the Indian people had overcome all odds and delivered a resounding success.

During this unique parliamentary session, approximately eight bills are slated for consideration and passage. Additionally, the session will delve into Parliament's illustrious 75-year journey. Notably, the proceedings will take place within the confines of the new Parliament building, commencing from tomorrow.

Earlier, Speaker Om Birla commends the highly successful culmination of the G20 Summit in 2023. He highlighted that India has prominently emerged as a global advocate for peace and prudence throughout the G20 Summit. Speaker Birla attributed the achievement of consensus on even the most delicate matters in the New Delhi Declaration, released by G20 leaders, to the visionary leadership and guidance provided by Prime Minister Modi.

On Sunday, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar ceremoniously hoisted the national flag at the new Parliament building, with the flag adorning the "Gaja Dwar" or the Elephant Gate of the new Parliament edifice.

The announcement of this Special Session took political circles by surprise, as political parties brace themselves for upcoming assembly elections in five states later this year. Opposition parties have criticized the BJP-led central government for convening a special session of Parliament without disclosing the agenda.

The Congress party has vociferously called for the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill during this special parliamentary session. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized the historical context, saying, "Rajiv Gandhi first introduced Constitution Amendment Bills for one-third reservation in panchayats and nagarpalikas in May 1989. It passed in Lok Sabha but failed in Rajya Sabha in September 1989."

Furthermore, he noted that Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao reintroduced Constitution Amendment Bills for one-third reservation for women in panchayats and nagarpalikas in April 1993, and both bills passed and became law.

"As PM, Dr. Manmohan Singh brought a Constitution Amendment Bill for one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. The bill passed on March 9, 2010, in Rajya Sabha. But it was not taken up in Lok Sabha," Ramesh explained.

He underlined that bills introduced or passed in the Rajya Sabha do not expire, and thus, the Women's Reservation Bill remains in force. This bill, passed in the Rajya Sabha during the Manmohan Singh-led government, retains its validity as the Upper House of Parliament never dissolves.