Suspension of MPs stalls Parliament
Government wants unruly members to apologise to Rajya Sabha chairman
Angry MPs of the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday disrupted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha for the third consecutive day to protest against the Women’s Reservation Bill and the forcible eviction of their colleagues in the Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha also witnessed brief disruption in the morning as the RJD and SP members demanded revocation of the suspension of seven members, who were marshalled out from the House for their ‘unruly’ behaviour while protesting against the Women’s Reservation Bill.
The Government said that the action initiated against the unruly MPs were appropriate, but indicated that a motion to revoke the suspension could be moved only if the suspended members expressed regret for their behaviour to Vice-President and RS Chairman Hamid Ansari.
“It (the suspension) was a well-considered action as they (the members) had insulted the dignity of the House,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told journalists. He said that the suspended MPs should at least realise that they had committed mistakes.
The Government would consider the demand of the Opposition for revoking the suspension if they apologised to the Rajya Sabha chairman he said and added, “All of us have to work in a spirit of cooperation.” Bansal’s remark came hours after the BJP and the Lef supported the demand of the SP and RJD for withdrawing suspension of the seven MPs.
As soon as the Lok Sabha met at 11am, the MPs of the SP, RJD and JD(U) led by Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad and Sharad Yadav rushed to the well of the House and disrupted proceedings of the Question Hour. They shouted “call the marshals” to protest eviction of their party colleagues in the Rajya Sabha, forcing Speaker Meira Kumar to adjourn the House.
Even after the House reassembled at 12 noon, the uproar continued and the Speaker could not even start the proceedings. She had to adjourn the House again. But no business could be done after the House reassembled at 2 pm and it was adjourned for the day.
Rajya Sabha also witnessed brief disruption in the morning as the RJD and SP members demanded revocation of the suspension of the seven members.
As soon as the Question Hour began in the Upper House, the issue was raised by Ramgopal Yadav (SP) and supported by RJD members. Even CPM leader Sitaram Yechury favoured the revocation.
