Winter session: Opposition slams PM Modi for Manmohan jibe, demands apology

The first day of the winter session of Parliament remained stormy with Opposition leaders stepping up attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his allegations that former PM Manmohan Singh connived with Pakistan to influence the recently concluded Gujarat polls.

The Opposition leaders continued sloganeering against the government, demanding an apology for the remarks bringing business in the Upper House to a standstill.

While Lok Sabha was adjourned after tributes were paid to three sitting and seven former members who passed away since the last session and will resume on Monday, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned thrice.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, led the charge against Modi, demanding an apology for his allegations against Singh.

"Gave notice that today's business be suspended and a big issue that is not just national but international, be discussed. The issue is that the allegations made by PM against former PM, former vice president, former army chief and others of conspiring with Pakistan for Gujarat elections.

Prime Minister must come to the house (Rajya Sabha) and give proof of what he said or he must apologise not only to the House but to the whole nation," Azad told reporters.

As decided in the all Opposition parties meet on Thursday, Azad also raised questions on the disqualification of former JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav. "I was the only member from this House who went for the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar was also there. What had been decided was that the chief minister of the Mahagathbandhan will be Nitish Kumar, and the votes will be asked-for on the basis of the Mahagathbandhan. Now you have left the 'Grand Alliance' high and dry. The mandate was for the 'grand alliance', not for Nitish Kumar. He must resign," he added.

President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Venkaiah Naidu, attempted to bring order in the House and appealed to members, "Please do not waste time. None of what you are saying will go on record. Do you want to do this (protests) on the very first day itself? Do you not want to hear the problems of the people?" "Generally, winter starts with Diwali.

But due to global warming, winter has not come in full force. But winter session has started now and I hope that country would be benefited from fruitful 2017-2018 winter session in parliament. I hope for positive and innovative arguments," PM Modi said.

"There will be good and positive debates and innovative suggestions in the winter session of Parliament."

During the winter session, the government is likely to table 25 pending bills and 14 new bills including one on the right of Muslim women to seek maintenance in case of triple talaq.

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