New Delhi, Aug 12 (UNI) Opposition parties on Thursday alleged 'óutsiders' came in Rajya Sabha dressed as marshals and roughed up Opposition MPs, while the government denied the allegation and accused Opposition of assaulting marshals.
A delegation of Opposition leaders, as well as one of union ministers also met Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu over the incidents.
A day after Rajya Sabha saw marshals being called, and a scuffle in the House, Opposition parties alleged that the government censored them in the two Houses and did not allow them to speak, silencing the voice of around 60 percent Indians who they represent.
Congress and other Opposition parties led by former Congress President Rahul Gandhi held a meeting in the Parliament House Thursday morning, and then marched to Vijay Chowk just outside Parliament complex protesting against the government. Other parties which were present included NCP, Shiv Sena, DMK, RJD, SP, CPI(M), RSP, IUML, and KC(M).
"As far as 60 percent of the country is concerned, there has been no Parliament session. Voice of 60 percent of this country has been crushed, humiliated, and yesterday in the Rajya Sabha, physically beaten," Rahul Gandhi said.
He said the Opposition was not allowed to speak, and Opposition members were assaulted by marshals in Rajya Sabha.
"This is nothing short of murder of democracy of this country," he said.
"For the first time in Rajya Sabha MPs have been beaten up. Outsiders were dressed as marshals and MPs were pushed and shoved, and you ask if the Chairman is upset. It is the Chairman's responsibility to run the House, why didn't he run the House? Why can't we speak in the House," he said.
Opposition parties also issued a joint statement later, which said "outsiders who were not a part of Parliament security, were brought to manhandle Opposition MPs".
Trinamool Congress which has been a part of the united Opposition, did not attend the Opposition meeting, but held a separate press conference and condemned the incident. TMC leader Sougata Roy also slammed the government for passing several Bills in din.
"The Prime Minister runs away from the Parliament, they are not appointing a Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha because they do not want any Opposition party to have that post, they are trampling democracy... We represent 63 percent of the people of the country," TMC leader Sougata Roy said.
Government however denied the charge, and accused the Opposition of unruly behaviour and assaulting marshals in the House.
"Yesterday the Monsoon Session was concluded. It was the most unfortunate day... Instead of shedding crocodile tears, the Opposition should apologise to the nation for their behaviour," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said.
Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal said there were 30 marshals - 18 males and 12 females, and no outsiders were called. Opposition has alleged that over 40 marshals were present in the House.
"Opposition is making an excuse to hide what they have done," Goyal said.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament was adjourned sine die ahead of its schedule on Wednesday, and the Rajya Sabha witnessed protests by Opposition parties after the OBC Bill was passed and the Insurance Bill was taken up.
Government and Opposition have been blaming each other for the washout of the session.
UNI AO SHK2012