New Delhi: The Opposition parties on Thursday caused uproar in both Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the delay in landing of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s flight on Wednesday night and once again raked up the issue of demonetisation.
The Opposition in Rajya Sabha also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present in the House, speak on the note ban.
While Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following uproar, the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm as Opposition demanded an apology from Modi for allegedly accusing them of supporting black money.
The TMC and the Congress had earlier raised the issue of Banerjee's safety over the incident on Wednesday. TMC had alleged the IndiGo flight with the chief minister on board hovered in the sky for over 30 minutes before landing at the NSCBI Airport in Kolkata though it was short on fuel. The party claimed it was a conspiracy to kill her.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju refuted the allegations and said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had ordered an inquiry into the incident.
“Wrong to say the IndiGo flight was made to hover for 30-40 minutes. DGCA has ordered an inquiry to check how three flights to Kolkata reported low fuel,” Raju said in Lok Sabha.
The Congress too raised the issue of the West Bengal Chief Minister's safety.
“When there is no fuel, it’s the duty of the ATC to have allowed the landing. Her life was in danger,” Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge said in the Lok Sabha.
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raised this issue in Rajya Sabha, saying, "The aircraft should have been given priority, this is a serious issue, should carry out investigations."
Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha, in the Rajya Sabha, said the DGCA will investigate the allegation of shortage of fuel in three flights to Kolkata, including the one in which Banerjee was flying.
Meanwhile, IndiGo said the flight from Patna to Kolkata, with Banerjee on board, had landed normally at Kolkata airport. The flight was kept on hold due to air traffic, the airline said.
Modi remained seated in the Rajya Sabha even during an adjournment of 15 minutes as members from various political parties, including some from the Opposition, were seen going to his seat to exchange pleasantries or for a chit-chat.
Amid Opposition demand for the presence of Modi through the debate on demonetisation, the Prime Minister reached the Upper House shortly before the Question Hour at 1200 hours. Questions relating to Prime Minister's Office were listed to be taken up on Thursday.
During adjournments, Modi remained seated in the House and so were most of the members from both Treasury as well as Opposition benches.
Cinestar-turned politician Jaya Bacchan (SP) went to the Prime Minister and was seen exchanging pleasantries. She was followed by AIADMK members and a Left MP.
Renowed boxer and member Mary Kom was also seen discussing certain things with Modi.
As members kept meeting him, there were some lighter moments too, as the Prime Minister was seen smiling at times.
Both Houses were eventually adjourned till 11 am on Friday.
