Stall tactic hinders serious debate in Parliament: Arun Jaitley

NEW DELHI: It was “11 o’clock activists” who held up functioning of Parliament on the instruction of their party leaderships while the need was more serious and considered debates, finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Wednesday.

“Earlier it was the zero hour activists obstructing Parliament and now we have the 11 o’clock activists,” Jaitley said at the release of a book on speeches of senior BJD leader Bhartuhari Mahtab, referring to parties stalling Parliament over political issues by rushing to the well as soon as Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha meet.

The FM referred to Mahtab as a “post lunch” speaker who used the time after recess in Parliament to speak at length on issues of national importance after having done his homework.

He said first time parliamentarians could learn from Mahtab and make their mark. Jaitley also lauded Mahtab’s preparations, saying the MP made “copious hand written notes” himself. Senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily also praised Mahtab and referred to the BJD MP’s record in parliamentary committees.

“He always rescues me (in the finance standing committee) when robust MPs like Nishikant Dubey become active,” Moily said, even as Dubey — BJP MP from Godda — was present in the audience.

Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan applauded Mahtab’s contribution and said it was important for lawmakers to come prepared and be on top of issues while participating in the house proceedings. Mahtab, a veteran LS member, is known for his incisive speeches in Parliament as well as his interventions during crucial debates.