In LS, govt on defensive

 Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 22

Unprecedented chaos marred the atmosphere in the Lok Sabha today after the government said it was not involved in conversions and state governments had the responsibility to act against such moves.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu’s defence of the Narendra Modi government on the ongoing row around conversions led to four adjournments of the Lok Sabha after 1 pm ending in the final adjournment of proceedings at for the day.

What irked the Congress-led Opposition the most was Naidu’s comment: “You will know tomorrow beginning 8 am who the people are standing with. You will get your answers when the results come tomorrow.” Naidu was referring to the counting for Jharkhand and J&K assembly polls scheduled for tomorrow.

Reacting sharply to Naidu’s jibe, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge warned the BJP against the ills of arrogance comparing it to Bhasmasura, the demon who, in Hindu mythology, burnt himself to ashes when he had the power to burn others.

“Be warned of your vain ways lest you end up like Bhasmasura,” Kharge said after Naidu boasted of victory for the BJP tomorrow. Earlier in response to a Zero Hour reference by Congress’ KC Venugopal, who alleged mass conversions in Kerala by the VHP, Parliamentary Affairs Minister dared the Congress government in Kerala to act against conversions and also insisted VHP not be named in the records.

“The government doesn’t support conversions or reconversions. The country is peaceful, please don’t create problems,” Naidu said to the opposition Congress, TMC, RJD, SP and JDU members sloganeering against the PM from the well. The government’s statement cut no ice with the protestors who demanded PM’s reply.