SHOW OF OPPN UNITY AT KHARGE DINNER PARTY, AAP JOINS

Hours after the protest march to the Election Commission (EC) headquarters over the voter roll revision in Bihar and alleged 'vote theft', Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge hosted a dinner party for the INDIA bloc leaders.

- PREETHA NAIR @ New Delhi

THE government on Monday passed two crucial bills, the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, in the Lok Sabha amid Opposition protests over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The bills were passed by a voice vote without any discussion. The Opposition members were not present in the House when the bills were introduced for consideration and passage, as most of them had been detained while marching towards the EC headquarters against the SIR exercise and alleged voter-data fudging.

In the Lok Sabha, amid opposition sloganeering, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, "It is the single biggest reform in sports since independence. This Bill will ensure accountability, ensure justice, and best governance in sports federations."

After two ruling party members spoke about the Bill, the opposition members returned to the House and started raising slogans.

"It will have massive significance in India's sports ecosystem. Unfortunately, such an important bill and reform does not have the Opposition's participation," the minister said.