Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 29

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the eighth day today without transacting any major legislative business with the Opposition reiterating its demand for a discussion on Pegasus snooping row and the government questioning non-BJP parties for “obstructionism”.

Of the 19 sittings of the monsoon session until August 13, eight stand washed out.

Two attempts by the government to break the logjam failed. Leader of the Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi met Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in his chamber twice today to attempt resolution of the impasse, but the Opposition was steadfast on its demand to discuss Pegasus in the presence of PM Narendra Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah.

Opposition leaders assembled in Kharge’s room this morning and gave similarly worded notices of adjournment of House proceedings to debate the Pegasus issue. The notices were later disallowed in both Houses.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “The Modi government is not allowing the Opposition to discharge its responsibility of raising people’s issues in Parliament. It should not waste Parliament’s time. It should enable a discussion on prices, farmers and Pegasus.” As Opposition MPs sloganeered and stormed the well in both Houses, some even whistling in the Rajya Sabha besides flashing placards at presiding officers, the government questioned their conduct.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged MPs not to repeat unruly conduct, as seen yesterday when 10 Opposition members tore and tossed papers around.

“You are not individuals. You are institutions. Let us devise ways to raise the dignity of this House. Some MPs are repeating unruly conduct. If this doesn’t stop, I will have to act to maintain the majesty of the House,” said the Speaker.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi asked the Opposition, “You should tell us whether the yesterday’s conduct of Opposition MPs was right or wrong.”

The LS business advisory committee met to discuss issues, but failed to break the logjam. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi later said, “This government has much to hide on Pegasus. Have a discussion on Pegasus today and we are ready to discuss anything from tomorrow.”

Govt obstructing Oppn: Rahul

"The Modi government is not allowing the Opposition to discharge its responsibility of raising people’s issues in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi, cong leader."

Stop unruly conduct: Speaker

"Some MPs are repeating unruly conduct. If this doesn’t stop, I will have to act to maintain the majesty of the House. Om Birla, ls speaker."

Discuss snooping for truce: Cong

"Have a discussion on Pegasus today and we will discuss anything from tomorrow. Abhishek Singhvi, cong spokesperson."