The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day amid disruptions by both the government as well as the Opposition, prompting senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader LK Advani to say he was considering resigning from the Lower House, PTI reported.
Advani reportedly informed Union ministers Smriti Irani and Rajnath Singh of his disappointment at the near-washout of the Winter Session because of protests. The senior BJP leader was also believed to have asked Singh to tell House Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to ensure the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha on Friday so that there could be a discussion on the demonetisation of currency notes by the Centre. “If it [a discussion] does not happen and Parliament is adjourned sine die without [a] discussion, it [the session] will be considered a washout,” he reportedly told Trinamool Congress MP Idris Ali.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien criticised both the government and the Opposition for constantly disrupting legislative proceedings. “Both sides are disrupting, it means both sides don’t want [a] discussion,” he said, according to ANI. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad accused the ruling alliance of not letting the House function, NDTV reported. The BJP said that it while it was ready for a debate on demonetisation, it demanded answers from the Congress on the reported revelations made by former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi regarding the AgustaWestland deal.
With only one day left for the session to end, the government and the Opposition have hardened their stance regarding discussions and Parliamentary proceedings. Following the adjournment of the Lower House on Wednesday, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi aid if he were allowed to speak in Parliament, he would give out some exclusive information regarding the “personal corruption” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The claims were refuted by the BJP.
Both the Congress and the BJP have accused each other of wanting to avoid a discussion on the discontinuation of high-value currency notes. On Tuesday, former Union minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram compared the demonetisation of the notes to a natural calamity and said its biggest impact would be felt in rural India.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!