Parliament proceedings were washed out for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday amid uproar by Opposition members and NDA ally, Telugu Desam Party, over various issues, including the PNB bank scam and special status for Andhra Pradesh.
The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments through the day. Members from the TDP, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), AIADMK and the Trinamool Congress trooped into the Well of the House, holding placards and shouting slogans.
Cauvery Board
While the TDP demanded special status for Andhra Pradesh, the AIADMK sought immediate setting up of the Cauvery Management Board. Members from the TRS too were seen protesting holding placards.
Starting Thursday’s proceedings, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan read out a message on the occasion of the International Women’s Day and extended her greetings. Soon, members trooped into the Well even as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar got up to request the Speaker to continue with the Question Hour and agreed to discuss the bank scams under a rule that didn’t entail voting.
A discussion on alleged systemic irregularities in banking sector over the years and its impact on Indian economy had been listed under rule 193. “We are ready to discuss irregularities in the banking (sector),” Mr. Kumar said.
As the protests continued, Speaker Mahajan first adjourned the proceedings till noon. When the House reconvened, members continued to raise slogans and trooped into the well of the Lok Sabha, forcing an adjournment for the entire day.
Women’s Bill
The Rajya Sabha functioned for an hour as members united to resolve to strive for the empowerment of women, with members, cutting across political affiliations, seeking early passage of the women’s reservation Bill. But soon after the hour-long discussion on women’s issues, several member trooped into the Well carrying placards and raising slogans, forcing Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu to adjourn the House till 2 p.m.
When the House reassembled, Minister of State for Finance Pon Radhakrishnan tabled the supplementary demand for grants for 2017-18. Almost immediately thereafter, the Opposition members again stormed the Well raising slogans and displaying placards. Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien, who was in the Chair then, to adjourn the House for the day.
