THE first day of the week began by observing a minute's silence in memory of those killed in the devastating earthquake in Nepal and parts of India. Speaking on this, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury expressed sympathy with the people of Nepal and parts of our own country devastated by the earthquake and said on behalf of CPI(M) funds will be collected across the country to help the affected people. The government should put in place a structure so that there should be a medium for whatever resources are collected.

In Rajya sabha, this week the rail budget was discussed. Lok Sabha discussed the general budget.While discussing the matter regarding the losses of crops due to unprecedented heavy rains and hailstorm, CPI(M) leader in Rajya Sabha,  Sitaram Yechury said the situation of the agricultural farmers is very serious. In this last 20 days, in West Bengal, almost 20 farmers who have been producing potatoes committed suicide as the price of potatoes declined. The government must have to take some concrete measures to protect our agricultural farmers.

THE second week of the Budget Session witnessed a historical victory of the CPI(M). It was only the fourth instance in Rajya Sabha's history that an amendment moved by the Opposition to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address was passed. The amendment was passed in embarrassment to the Modi government reminding it of its minority status in the Upper House.More than 80 amendments were moved in both the houses of Parliament by CPI(M) members.

THIS week too both Houses of Parliament began with an uproar on the issue of religious conversion. In Lok Sabha, during the Zero Hour the House saw uproar with the Congress and the Left parties protesting against the government’s decision to keep schools open on Christmas to observe ‘Good Governance Day’. While Rajya Sabha saw a washout with a united opposition demanding a debate on religious conversion. CPI(M) Leader in Rajya Sabha Sitaram Yechury pointed out that we are not a “talking shop” where we go on talking which is meaningless.

THE second week of winter session began with an uproar in both the Houses of Parliament. Launching the BJPs campaign in Delhi, union minister of state Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti made a highly offensive statement which aimed at sharpening communal polarisation.