Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Tuesday following the Opposition’s protests over price rise and its demand for a discussion on the issue under motions that entail voting, a move rejected by the government.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice over the issue as SP and RJD members kept rushing to the Well of the House even as the entire Opposition raised slogans against the government.
Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj wanted the Speaker to adjourn Question Hour and hold a debate under rules that entail voting for which her party, the BJP, and other parties had given notices. Apart from its NDA allies, the BJP was joined by the BSP, SP, AIADMK, Left parties and BJD in the protest. The Trinamul Congress also wanted a debate, but no voting.
Speaker Meira Kumar requested the Opposition to let the House function but her pleas were lost in the din. When the House reconvened at noon, the Speaker quickly rushed through the listed business before adjourning it till 2 pm as the protesting members continued to disrupt proceedings. The story was the same at 2 pm and the House had to be adjourned for the day.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned soon after two new members, Mr Manoj Pandian and Mr K.V. Ramalingam, took oath of affirmation. The entire Opposition, led by the BJP, was up protesting against rising prices. The BJP was joined by the BSP, SP, AIADMK, Left parties and BJD, whose members started raising slogans.
Shiv Sena MPs went to the Well of the House and protested against the Babli Dam controversy. With the Opposition unwilling to relent, RS Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House till 12 noon.
Later, after reassembling, the Upper House was adjourned till 11 am Wednesday.