Nadda’s refresher course jibe as Opposition walks out of Rajya Sabha over rejected adjournment notices

The Rajya Sabha on Monday witnessed a walkout by the Opposition led by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, a move that prompted the government to advise a refresher course in parliamentary work for its political rivals.

Soon after the Budget session of Parliament resumed post recess on Monday, Opposition MPs gave 12 notices in the House of elders to adjourn all proceedings to discuss a range of issues including impact of impending delimitation on Tamil Nadu, duplicate voter ID cards, discussion on US President Donald Trump’s remarks that USAID gave funds for voter turnout in India.

Deputy chairman Harivansh, in the chair, rejected all notices, leading to the walkout which Kharge led.

After the walkout, Leader of the House JP Nadda alleged that adjournment notices had been reduced to tactics for defaming the House.

“This trend of moving adjournment notices is a vicious design to demean the institution of Parliament. They (the opposition) are not interested in debate. They want to give an impression that the government does not want to answer. The government is ready to discuss anything under rules and regulations. We will discuss the budget of ministries. They will have ample time. There is a provision for a short duration and long duration discussions but they do not know how to debate. I was Leader of Opposition in Himachal and got the best legislator award under their government. They should read the rules,” said Nadda.

He also said the Opposition should go for a refresher course to get accustomed to parliamentary rules and regulations for discussions.

“I consider their walkout a grave attempt to demean Parliament,” Nadda said.