New Delhi, (UNI): The Lok Sabha was disrupted again on Friday as Opposition MPs continued to protest against rise in GST of some items, and continuing price rise.
Opposition’s protest started soon after the House met, and several MPs trooped near the Speaker’s podium showing placards, and raising slogans.
Speaker continued the Question Hour amid sloganeering for some time.
“There is an important question being asked… This House is not for showing placards or raising slogans, you can do that outside,” Speaker said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is recovering from Covid, and the debate on price rise will be held when she is back.
“You agreed in the BAC… They are asking for a discussion on price rise, we are ready for it. They can also raise their issues in the Zero Hour.
“They don’t want to ask questions, they don’t want to pass bills, they don’t even want to hold debates… Majority of the MPs want the Question Hour to run,” Joshi said slamming the Opposition.
“They are depriving the rights of the members. I condemn this attitude. Government is ready for discussion after FM comes back… They are belittling the House,” he said.
As protests continued, the House was adjourned till 12 noon.
When the House met again, the scene was no different. Kirit Solanki, who was in the Chair at the time, said government has offered to hold a discussion on the issues that Opposition is raising, adding that the protest was against the dignity of the House.
“Government has said they are ready for debate on the issues the opposition is raising. This House is for debate and discussion… this kind of behaviour is against the dignity of the house,” the Chair said.
Earlier, Opposition MPs also staged a protest near the Gandhi statue in Parliament complex, carrying placards, packets of milk, curd and other commodities on which GST has been hiked.
Friday is the fifth day when Opposition has staged a protest on the issue of price rise since the Monsoon Session began.
Opposition has demanded for a discussion on the issue under rules which allow taking up a debate on an urgent matter by suspending all other business.
UNI
