Opposition stalls Rajya Sabha proceedings protesting PM's Pak jibe against Manmohan
New Delhi: Opposition Congress forced adjournments in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “conspiracy with Pakistan” remark against his predecessor Manmohan Singh on Wednesday, which led to a virtual washout of the Rajya Sabha proceedings, even as its Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said there was no question of an apology.
“Nobody is going to give apology. Nothing happened in the House. No statement is made in the House. There is no practice of suspension of Question Hour. Don’t make a mockery of the House. Already wrong message is going,” a visibly agitated Mr Naidu told the protesting members when the House reassembled at noon after the first adjournment.
Vociferous protests by the Congress leaders and other Opposition parties seeking an apology from Mr Modi on his remarks started as soon as both Houses met for the day.
Lok Sabha witnesses adjournments
The Rajya Sabha saw two adjournments during the pre-lunch period, till the Chairman Mr Venkaiah Naidu finally called it a day a little after 2 pm.
Lok Sabha also did not transact any business till lunch and resumed work only after 2 pm.
Lok Sabha proceedings had to be adjourned for an hour, within three minutes of it having assembled, as Congress members stormed into the well and surrounded Speaker Sumitra Mahajan’s chair. With the Prime Minister present in the House, the unrelenting Opposition members shouted slogans and sought his resignation. Amid pandemonium the Speaker adjourned the House till 12 pm.
When the House met at 12 pm, the Congress members again trooped into the well and resumed shouting slogans even as the Speaker began Zero Hour proceedings. However, after 19 minutes she again adjourned the House till 2 pm.
Lok Sabha resumed work at 2 pm even though Congress MPs continued their protests and later walked out. The Lower House transacted business till late in the evening and even passed the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill 2017.
