Opposition surrounds MPs in 'threatening fashion', FM Sitharaman condemns

Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman termed the disruption in Rajya Sabha in a 'threatening fashion' as 'unacceptable.'

New Delhi: In a scathing attack against the protesting Opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman termed the disruption in a 'threatening fashion' as 'unacceptable.' Pressing on Pegasus snooping row, Covid crisis, inflation, Opposition MPs have been raising slogans, holding placards in the Well of the House during proceedings.

Sitharam in her remark said that it is 'absolutely condemnable.' She made the remarks during her response to questions on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Bill, 2021.

While speaking about Amar Patnaik, Biju Janata Dal MP from Odisha's remarks, she said disrupting a member who is speaking and surround in a threatening fashion is unacceptable. "It is absolutely strange that people who are disturbing the House want order in the House during their turn... How selfishly can they speak? ...The House is disrupted whether it be question hour, zero hour... Papers are thrown at the Chair... It is absolutely condemnable," said Sitharaman.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Bill, 2021 was passed in the Upper House amid Opposition's ruckus. The stalemate between the Opposition and government continued today also.

The House has been witnessing stormy sessions since the beginning of the session. Vociferous sessions kicked off after Union Minister of IT Ashwini Vaishnaw's statement that media report on Pegasus row was an attempt to malign Indian democracy. The session commenced on July 19 and is scheduled to end on August 13. Twenty-five Bills are to be taken up for consideration and passing.