While fissures within Opposition ranks over FDI in multi-brand retail came to the government’s rescue on Thursday, the first day of Parliament’s Winter Session got washed out with both Houses adjourned several times, and finally for the day, without any meaningful business being transacted.
The Trinamul Congress’ attempt to move a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha also ended in an embarrassing flop, with Speaker Meira Kumar rejecting it at its introduction itself for failing the muster the required support of at least 50 MPs. After Trinamul parliamentary leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay moved the motion, only 18 TMC MPs and three BJD members stood up in support, leading the Speaker to disallow the motion, saying it “does not have the leave of the House”. The treasury benches ridiculed the TMC, leading to a verbal clash between them.
After this motion failed, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj sought a discussion under Rule 184, that entails voting, accusing the government of not honouring the assurance given by former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee to the House in December 2011 that all stakeholders would be consulted before any FDI decision. This was supported by the Left parties. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called on colleagues in Parliament to make common cause in addressing the issues and challenges facing the nation. The government has called an all-party meeting Monday.
The Samajwadi Party and the BSP, whose members disrupted both Houses by rushing to the well protesting against the cap on subsidised LPG cylinders and SC/ST reservation issues, refused to play ball with the rest of the Opposition. The Speaker, however, acknowledged she had got a notice given by SP member Shailendra Kumar on FDI, and said it was under consideration.