The BJP-led Opposition gameplan to corner the UPA on Coalgate continued to disrupt the functioning of Parliament on Thursday, with the Rajya Sabha being adjourned twice.
Meanwhile in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Meira Kumar made an obituary reference on the death of octogenarian TMC MP from Howrah, Ambica Banerjee, in Kolkata. The House also condoled the death of former DMK member C Kuppusami.Later, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day as a mark of respect to the departed leaders.
In a marked contrast, the Opposition members in the Upper House went on the offensive demanding the PM’s resignation as soon as the day’s proceedings got under way. AIADMK member V Maitreyan, who raised the issue, said that he had given notice for the suspension of the Question Hour. And the House witnessed noisy scenes, with some members rushing to the Well of the House. Following this, the Chairman adjourned the House till 12 noon.
Although a similar situation prevailed after the House reconvened, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who was in the Chair, continued the official business of laying the papers and presenting the reports of the Standing Committees. But he adjourned the House till 2 pm. When the House reassembled, Kurien allowed Union Minister of State for Home Affairs R P N Singh to present the statement on the bomb blasts in Bangalore and wanted to continue the short duration discussion on the atrocities on women.
However, the Opposition members continued their slogan shouting. AGP members Birendra Prasad Baishya and Kumar Dipak Das also came into the Well waving posters that opposed transfer of Indian land to Bangladesh.
Kurien tried to pacify the members saying a very important discussion is scheduled and that “there is no use shouting... I am requesting you to cooperate.”
But as members did not relent, Kurien adjourned the House for the day saying “what can I do.”