The government’s decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail affected Parliament’s functioning on Friday, with angry Opposition protests leading to both Houses being adjourned for the fourth consecutive day. The Trinamul Congress, a UPA member, also sharply criticised the move and joined the
Opposition protests. Commerce minister Anand Sharma laid a statement in both Houses justifying the decision.
The moment that Speaker Meira Kumar announced Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Opposition MPs from both the left and right were on their feet protesting against the FDI decision, with Trinamul MPs joining in. This led to the first adjournment till 12 noon. Later, when the AIADMK’s M. Thambidurai was in the chair, he allowed members of all parties to speak on the resolution moved by Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee condemning the assault on agriculture minister Sharad Pawar. The moment it was passed, other Opposition MPs trooped into the well of the House and forced Mr Thambidurai to adjourn it for the day.
Telangana Congress members and Telangana Rashtriya Samiti MPs also rushed into the well seeking tabling of a Telangana bill. There was a strong uproar in the Rajya Sabha too, with a united Opposition coming together to target the government. BJP and CPI(M) MPs, joined by other parties, including Trinamul, trooped into the well of the House and tore up the statement on FDI.