Sumitra Mahajan

Shashi Tharoor and few media organisations had on Thursday announced the demise of Mahajan (78). However, the Congress MP and others had later deleted the tweets after BJP leaders pointed out that she was fine

Addressing an election rally here, Modi said, "As the Lok Sabha speaker, 'Tai' (as Mahajan is popularly known in the constituency) has carried out her duties in a skilful and controlled way. It is because of this, she has left an indelible impression on the minds of people."

Asked about the delay in announcing her candidature, the eight-time MP from Indore told PTI that BJP leaders might be having "something" on their mind.

A BJP leader said Mahajan, who will turn 76 on April 12, was guiding the party cadre during these meetings.

Mahajan, in a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, said she had stopped using these government vehicles from March 10 itself, when the Election Commission announced the Lok Sabha poll schedule.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Mahajan said, "All parties have assured their cooperation in smooth functioning of the house. Members from various parties have suggested that there should be debate on farmers' issues."

The veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader representing Indore in the lower house of parliament since 1989 further said that talented people must be given an opportunity to come forward.

Experts would present papers and discuss issues related to drinking water, sewage disposal, water audit and optimal designing of sewage network, and also make recommendations on these subjects.

The winter session from December 11 to January 8 will be the last full-fledged session before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes for election in five states, on December 11, will coincide with the beginning of the session.

A Bharat bandh was called Thursday by some anti-reservation bodies against the amendment to the Act last month.

TRS members were demanding allocation of defence land in the state for certain projects, similar to that given in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

The notices were submitted by the Congress charging the two leaders with allegedly misleading the House on the Rafale deal issue during the debate on the no-confidence motion on July 20.

Mahajan made the appeal to leaders of various parties at a dinner hosted by her, a day before the start of the budget session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of various parties attended the dinner at Parliament House Library.

"It is being said in discussions that the decision to demonetise currency notes was taken suddenly. But, if we look at the chain of events then it seems that the government had planned it long back," Mahajan told the gathering while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Digi-Dhan Mela.

Ahead of the Budget session of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar have convened separate all-party meetings on January 30

As soon as the House assembled, leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge wanted to raise some issue but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan did not allow him and started the Question Hour.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge said the Opposition was ready to initiate the debate under Rule 184 instead of their original demand for it to be held under Rule 56, and the government must now agree to it.

Marking another week of virtual washout of proceedings barring the passage of the Bill to amend the I-T Act without discussion, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the proceedings for the day little past 1230 hours.

With a combative Opposition raising their pitch and protesting in the Well, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for an half-an-hour soon after the Question Hour began.