Riots rock both Houses again

Oppn demands debate, Speaker says “after Holi”

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 3

Scuffles, ugly exchanges and uproar marked the proceedings in the Lok Sabha today as both Houses of Parliament saw disruptions for a second consecutive day over the Opposition’s demand to discuss the Delhi riots. The government said it was ready for a debate at the slot fixed by the presiding officers, who, in turn, are yet to list the debate.

The Rajya Sabha saw two adjournments before the final one around 3 pm but the Lok Sabha witnessed a virtual war between the treasury and Opposition MPs who literally came to blows again today.

The situation deteriorated at 2 pm when the Opposition stormed the well and Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury crossed over to the other side after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman suddenly introduced a Bill taking the non-NDA ranks by surprise.

“In the meeting with the Speaker, it was assured that the House would adjourn at 2 pm after laying papers and a meeting would be held with all sections to finalise the schedule for discussions on the Delhi riots. We were shocked to see the government move a Bill in the din… we have been urging the government to list a debate on Delhi riots on top priority. That’s why we have been moving adjournment motions everyday and we will keep doing that,” Congress leader in LS Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, signalling continued chaos unless the government relents to a debate.

Chowdhury also attacked the Speaker over the latter’s suggestion that Delhi riots discussion could happen “in a cordial atmosphere after Holi”.

“Delhi is witnessing ‘khoon ki holi’, bodies are being recovered every day and they say they will discuss after Holi? That is not acceptable,” said Chowdhury.

The ruling party fielded women members including ministers Smriti Irani and Harsimrat Badal to check the Opposition MPs and BJP’s Bengal MP Locket Chatterjee was seen blocking Adhir Ranjan’s way.

Congress’ Ramya Haridas and Jyothimani clashed with BJP’s Sangeeta Deo who alleged assault. Commotion reigned for several minutes before the Speaker adjourned the House for the day.

Earlier Speaker warned opposition MPs in the house saying he would suspend them if they breached the rule on placards and crossing to treasury side.

The Congress, however, said no such agreement was reached in the meeting.

In the Rajya Sabha when the House reassembled at 3 pm after an adjournment, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said it would appear strange if the Parliament did not discuss Delhi violence when the world was talking about it. Leader of the House in RS Thawar Chand Gehlot then assured the Opposition of a discussion at a time Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu fixed.

Though Congress deputy leader Anand Sharma said both sides had agreed that the discussion should be scheduled for 11 am on Wednesday, it remains to be seen if the same is listed.