New Delhi: Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day on Wednesday amid protests by the Opposition demanding immediate discussion on the issues of price rise and imposition of GST on some items of daily necessity. Earlier in the day Rajya Sabha proceedings were also adjourned for the day due to similar protests. Despite repeated requests by Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, the Opposition continued shouting slogans leading to adjournment.
Earlier in the day Opposition MPs including those from Congress started raising various issues soon after the Lower House convened. Several Opposition MPs, some displaying placards and shouting slogans, trooped into the Well of the House.
Speaker Om Birla said that he will give the protesting MPs to raise the issues during Zero Hour. Expressing his displeasure he said "This House is for discussions and not for shouting slogans. This kind of conduct is not appropriate for the decorum of the House and there is a process to be followed by the members."
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "Are the protesting members interested in discussions or not?" As the Opposition continued with their protest the House was first adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and others were present during the protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament premises.
Also read:Both Houses of Parliament adjourned for the day amid Opposition protest
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said that he has allowed a discussion on the issue of price rise, Opposition MPs demanded that it be held immediately setting aside the agenda of the day. When Opposition MPs trooped to the Well of the House holding packets of milk and curd, Naidu adjourned the proceedings of the House till 2 pm. Five per cent GST was effected from July 18 on the two items.
Soon after listed official papers were laid on the table, Naidu allowed Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to briefly mention the subject on which he and others had given a notice under rule 267. Kharge said that the rising prices of essential commodities is having an adverse impact on the common man. Naidu said that the business advisory committee (BAC) of the House has agreed to hold a discussion on the issue of price rise.
"I am allowing a discussion, you don't want it, I will adjourn (proceedings) then," he said. When Opposition MPs demanded that their notice under rule 267 notice that calls for setting aside the listed agenda and taking up the issue that is being raised be accepted, Naidu said " "You cannot dictate to me." "In the BAC it was suggested we must have a discussion. I have agreed for the discussion on price rise (but) you people don't want," he said before adjourning the proceedings. (With Agency inputs)
