Lok Sabha adjourned for the day over intense sloganeering; Rijiju slams Oppn

New Delhi:The Lok Sabha witnessed noisy and uproarious scenes on Friday, soon after it reconvened at noon, with Opposition benches resorting to intense sloganeering and demanding the presence of the Home Minister in the House.

As the constant shouting threatened to drown out the House proceedings, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Chair appealed to the Opposition to maintain order, but the din prevailed. The House witnessed several mentions and submissions by various members before being adjourned till Monday.

The ruckus was yet another continuation of the disruption that has left the House paralysed for days, owing to government-Opposition stalemate over the absence of the Home Minister from the House.

As the House resumed at noon, the Opposition members took to sloganeering, chanting “Amit Shah, sadan mein aao”.

Dilip Saikia, acting as the officiating Speaker, told the protesting members that this was a crucial hour of the House, when Parliamentarians under Rule 377 get a chance to raise issues of their constituencies and hence everyone should co-operate in running the House.

“It is my request, you go to your seats, and please co-operate in running the House,” he exhorted the members, but the Opposition refused to budge.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took strong exception to slogan-shouting by the Opposition benches, questioning the seriousness and sanctity of their noisy protests. He claimed that their mere purpose was to derail the House proceedings.

Pointing fingers at the Opposition, Rijiju said, “They have been creating chaos since morning; they are taking the Home Minister’s name just for disrupting the House. I must tell them the Home Minister has been present in Parliament since morning and leaves only by night.”

“He is one person whose name alone is enough for frightening the terrorists and insurgents to the core. If he comes to reply on any matter, you won’t sit to listen,” he added.

Further, accusing the Opposition of holding the House to ransom, Rijiju cautioned that the protesting lawmakers from the Opposition must stop this drama as they can’t dictate the proceedings of the House.

Dilip Saikia, in the Chair, told the members that they had been advised against waving banners and pamphlets, but they were not paying heed despite repeated requests.

As the pandemonium prevailed, the House was adjourned for the remainder of the day.

Before this, the Micro, Small and Medium enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lower House through voice vote.

Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi presented the Amendment Bill amidst noisy protest for the House’s consideration and passage. It was subsequently cleared by voice vote.

IANS