NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha failed to transact any significant business on Thursday as repeated disruptions were caused over Telangana and Setusamudram issues. The Cauvery water dispute, drought-like situation in Karnataka and farmers’ suicides in Vidarbha were also raised, which led to disruptions in the functioning of the Lower House.
Minutes after the House met for the day, members of the TRS, TDP and the Congress stormed the Well, raising slogans in favour of a separate Telangana state. The AIADMK members demanded that the Ram Setu be declared a national monument, while the DMK members demanded that the Setusamudram issue project be implemented. The Karnataka BJP members were also seen protesting, by waving placards that read ‘Justice for Karnataka in Cauvery river water dispute’.
The BJP had also given a notice for suspension of the Question Hour on the issue. The Shiv Sena, along with a couple of MPs from the BJP, demanded a special package for Vidarbha.
Amidst continuous disruptions, the House was first adjourned till 12 pm and then till 2 pm. When the House reassembled at 12 pm, it functioned for a brief period, enabling Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj and other members to take up a ‘calling attention’ on the incident of ‘child separation of an Indian couple by Norway authorities’.
Swaraj said the matter of the separation of two young Indian children from their parents was one that involved ‘national pride’ and it was now imperative that the ‘government acted firmly and resolutely’. She also said false stories were being spread about differences between the children’s parents.
“In any case, how can this country of 121 crore appear meek before a country of 39 lakh? This is the time for tough measures,” said Sushma. Amid continuous din, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House for the day.