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- 1. President mentions Emergency in joint sitting of Houses
1. President mentions Emergency in joint sitting of Houses
President speaks- After the Speaker’s election on Day 3 of the ongoing Parliament session, the highlight of Day 4 was President Droupadu Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of both Houses.
- The President asked all members to let the Houses run smoothly for a healthy debate.
- She said disruptive forces are using modern means of communication to mislead people and weaken democracy.
- The President also touched upon the EVM issue, saying the machines have passed every test.
- She said a high-level probe is on in the alleged NEET-UG paper leak (more below).
- She also said the government is working to ensure peace and stability in the Northeast, and repeal AFSPA in a phased manner.
Emergency’s echo- The 1975 Emergency, which first figured in PM Modi’s media address on Monday, and newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s address on Wednesday, also found a place in the President’s address.
- She said the entire country was “plunged into chaos during Emergency, but the nation was victorious against such unconstitutional powers”.
Congress protests- Congress on Thursday sent a letter to Speaker Om Birla, saying his reference to the Emergency in his address was “deeply shocking” and “unprecedented”.
- Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also met Birla to express his displeasure and convey that the “clearly political” remark could have been avoided.
AAP protests- MPs from AAP boycotted the President’s address as they protested against the arrest of party chief Arvind Kejriwal.
- They shouted slogans outside the Parliament building demanding Kejriwal’s release.
Deputy Speaker?- Suspense over the appointment of a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha continued on the 4th day of the ongoing Parliament session.
- There’s speculation that the government may give the post to an MP from one of its allies.
- However, BJP’s biggest ally, TDP, on Thursday said it is not interested in the post.
- The opposition INDIA bloc wants the post to come its way.
End of Article
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