Amid the mimicry controversy involving Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh points to a 2017 video where PM Modi allegedly "mocked" former VP Hamid Ansari's identity. Ramesh calls it a diversion from the suspension of 144 MPs and the recent Parliament security breach. The shared video suggests Modi reduced Ansari's identity to religion. Ramesh criticizes the PM and supporters, labeling them hypocrites. Dhankhar slams Banerjee's mimicry, calling it shameful. A police complaint has been filed against the TMC MP for the incident.

The opposition bloc in INDIA explores formidable contenders to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Sources reveal that two prominent names proposed are Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Varanasi, a stronghold for the BJP since 1991, poses a significant challenge for the opposition. The deliberations come amid discussions on seat-sharing within the opposition bloc, aiming to break BJP's dominance in the constituency. The choice of candidate remains crucial in the face of Modi's electoral prowess and the BJP's successful campaign strategies.      

Three bills that would replace colonial-era criminal laws were passed in Lok Sabha today, virtually in the absence of the Opposition. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, will replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973 and Indian Evidence Act of 1872. The laws were passed amid suspension of 143 Opposition members following protests over a security breach. Insisting the new laws will replace colonial rules "completely unsuitable for this day and age", Home Minister Amit Shah said they "lay emphasis on Indianness, the Indian Constitution and the well-being of the people".

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday suspended two more Opposition MPs - Thomas Chazhikadan (Kerala Congress-M) and AM Ariff (CPM) - for the remainder of the Winter Session for misconduct. This takes the total number of suspended Opposition MPs to 143. The MPs were suspended for displaying placards and entering the Well of the House. The Opposition has been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the recent Parliament security breach. They allege their voices are being muzzled by the government. The government says the MPs were suspended for violating directives of the Speaker. The Winter Session ends on December 22.

Amidst controversy over a Trinamool MP mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in Parliament, Rajya Sabha BJP and NDA members will stage a unique protest today by standing in solidarity with Dhankhar for an hour. A video of Kalyan Banerjee imitating Dhankhar's gestures sparked outrage from the Vice President who said he felt "deeply pained" over the personal attack, especially Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filming it. Dhankhar slammed Congress, saying its official handle posted then deleted the video insulting his farmer background and position as Rajya Sabha Chairman. The protests signal escalating tensions between the opposition and chairman Dhankhar over parliamentary conduct, after 141 MPs were suspended for the security breach protest.

Facing criticism over mimicking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee defended himself saying he intended no disrespect as mimicry is an art form. He claimed to hold Dhankhar in high regard and was unsure why the Vice President took offense. The controversial act outside parliament earned rebukes from PM Modi and President Murmu. Earlier, Dhankhar had slammed it as a personal attack. As a symbolic gesture, ruling alliance MPs will stand in the Rajya Sabha for an hour to honor him. Banerjee dismissed it as routine behavior, recalling PM Modi mimicking others in Lok Sabha during 2014-2019. Despite the row, the TMC leader insists he bears no ill will towards Dhankhar.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi criticizes the government for suspending 141 Opposition MPs, stating "democracy has been strangulated." She emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the suspensions, attributing them to MPs raising a "reasonable and legitimate demand" for a Home Minister statement on the December 13 security breach in Parliament. Gandhi condemns the government's response to the request and expresses concern over the Prime Minister addressing the incident outside Parliament. She accuses the BJP of undermining diversity, weakening unity, and attacking the Indian Constitution, alleging a systematic assault on democracy by the ruling party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches out to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar amid a heated mimicry row involving suspended TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. PM Modi expresses deep concern and condemnation for the disrespectful behavior exhibited in the Parliament complex. Video clips of Banerjee mimicking Dhankhar sparked controversy, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recording the incident. Dhankhar, in response, asserts his commitment to constitutional principles, stating, "None of the insults will make me change my path." The controversy is labeled "ridiculous" and "shameful," reflecting a new low in parliamentary conduct, according to Dhankhar.            

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee today proposed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's name for Prime Minister, taking a 180-degree turn from her declaration yesterday that the Opposition bloc will not take a call before polls. Twelve parties applauded the plan to have "the country's first Dalit PM," sources said. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, known for being out-of-sync with Congress, also seconded it, saying "This is a chance to have the country's first Dalit Prime Minister." However, Kharge poured cold water on the plan, politely refusing as he only wants to work for the downtrodden. "We have to win first and think what to do to win. What is the point in discussing PM before having MPs," he later told reporters.

After the fourth INDIA alliance meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced a nationwide protest on December 22 against the suspension of 141 MPs. The suspension followed a demand for a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah regarding the Parliament security breach. Kharge emphasized that the suspension is undemocratic and called for a united fight to save democracy. The INDIA bloc, led by Congress, aims to challenge the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Tensions rise as the opposition seeks accountability on the security breach issue.