Opposition protests in Lok Sabha over disinvestment of PSUs

New Delhi, November 21

The opposition Congress on Thursday protested in the Lok Sabha against privatisation of a few PSUs, including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and issuance of electoral bonds, terming the move as “big scams”.

However, Congress members returned to their seats after the protests and sloganeering in the Well of the House for about 15 minutes when Speaker Om Birla assured them that they would be allowed to raise issues during Zero Hour.

“This is a big scam. The country is being looted. Please allow us to speak,” Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said.

However, Birla told members that the MPs should not lower the dignity of the House by coming into the Well.

“This is wrong. The House is discussing a very important issue on sportspersons. No, no. Don’t talk to the chair from the Well. It is the responsibility of every member to maintain decorum and dignity of the House,” he said.

The Speaker said the Question Hour is very important and the MPs should not disrupt proceedings.

“I am a new member. You are senior. Don’t come to the Well. Maintain the convention,” Birla said, adding that he had not admitted the adjournment motion moved by the Congress but is ready to allow the party to speak during Zero Hour.

With this the Congress MPs went to their seats.

At this, Chowdhury said the opposition would keep cooperating in smooth functioning of the House and the Speaker, too, should reciprocate with them.

“You are not new. You are the chair of the House. We are forced to give the adjournment motions to raise very important issues, not to disrespect the chair. We have given the notice because this is a big scam. The country is being looted,” he said.

At this, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is running the cleanest government and there is no scope of corruption in its functioning.

“You come every day with an adjournment motion bringing some issues. This is not done,” Joshi said.

Chowdhury countered Joshi by saying the BJP, while in opposition, disrupted proceedings of the House for days together by raising issues like the alleged coal scam or 2G scam.

Joshi said at that time the issues were raised in the House as the two cases were either before the Supreme Court or the Comptroller and Auditor General.

However, opposition members calmed down after the Speaker’s assurance.

“You (Joshi) may be tough but the Speaker is soft,” Chowdhury said.

The government on Wednesday kicked off a disinvestment plan, lining up the sale of five public sector units (PSUs), including majority stakes in bluechip oil company BPCL and Shipping Corporation of India.

Also on sale will be a 31 per cent stake in Container Corporation of India along with management control.

Under the electoral bonds scheme, the government had offered complete anonymity to those making donations. A donor can now anonymously buy a bond, and deposit it with the political party of his choice. PTI