The relentless furore in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday over the missing files on coal block allocations scuttled the government’s attempt to push through the UPA’s ambitious National Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha. The bill is now expected to be taken up in the Lower House only on Thursday.
The Opposition has demanded a response from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the missing coal files.
Sensing an opportunity, an aggressive Opposition paralysed proceedings in both Houses as coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal insisted that “no stone would be left unturned” in tracing the documents to be provided to the CBI, and that he was “ready to accept any punishment” if he was found guilty.
The Food Bill, that provides for entitlement of highly-subsidised rations to two-thirds of the nation’s population, was listed for debate in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the 69th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. But it could not be taken up as the Opposition created a ruckus over the missing coal block files. Congress MP Jagdambika Pal, who was in the Chair for the first time, made repeated appeals for taking up the Food Bill, but to no avail.
“This House has a long tradition of not disturbing a new member making his maiden speech. Since this is my first day, as you all have reposed faith in me, I would appeal to you to cooperate and help in running the House,” Mr Pal