Parliament disrupted after opposition uproar over PNB scam, other issues

NEW DELHI: The Nirav Modi issue saw both houses of Parliament being stalled on the opening day of the budget session after recess on Monday.

Even before the House opened, Trinamool Congress took the lead in the charge against the government with party MPs holding a dharna to protest against the bank scam.

In a charged atmosphere in Lok Sabha, most opposition parties questioned the government on Nirav Modi, the billionaire jeweller accused in the PNB fraud.

The issue of Andhra Pradesh reorganization package was raised by MPs from TDP and YSRCP, who stormed the well of Parliament while demanding a resolution.

Meanwhile, AIADMK MPs from Tamil Nadu demanded an immediate formation of the Cauvery water sharing body.

Amid loud slogans from Opposition benches, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for an hour, barely minutes after it opened at 11am and then again for the entire day, barely five minutes after noon.

At the business advisory committee (BAC) meeting chaired by Mahajan later on Monday, opposition parties made it clear that only after a debate on the issue of 'bank fraud' will they allow any other business in the House on Tuesday.

Even in Rajya Sabha, the opposition parties led by TMC and then joined in by Congress and others rejected the government’s proposal to hold a short duration debate on the bank scam and insisted that a discussion under Rule 168 (matter of public importance) which entails voting be held.

In Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present when Congress and TMC targeted him with slogans like, “Nirav Modi ke barey mein Narendra Modi chuppi toroh” (Narendra Modi must break his silence on Nirav Modi). In both houses, apart from Congress, TMC, BJD, DMK, SP, BSP NCP, Left were among those who demanded a reply on the Nirav Modi issue from the government.

The opposition has made it clear at the BAC in LS that unless Nirav Modi is discussed, no other business will be allowed. Meanwhile, in Rajya Sabha, the opposition led by TMC rejected the government’s proposal to have a short duration discussion and insisted on debating the matter under Rule 168 which entails voting.

Meanwhile, the business advisory committee has allocated four hours each to discuss budgetary proposals of farmers and agriculture, roads and highways, youth affairs and sports and social justice. Five hours have been allocated to railways and health, another member present at the meeting said.