Cong raises Prez speech issue in Rajya Sabha

A day after President Ram Nath Kovind delivered his inaugural speech, the Congress on Wednesday tried to raise the issue in the Rajya Sabha about not mentioning Jawarharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in the speech, alleging that the BJP is trying to undermining the leaders of the freedom movement.

As Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit back at the Congress saying notices of adjournment motion were being “grossly abused” for publicity, the Opposition vociferously protested, demanding an apology.

This led to a din in the House, forcing the chair to adjourn the proceedings twice.  When the House met for the day at 11 am, Congress leader Anand Sharma wanted to raise an issue under Rule 267, which prescribes suspension of business to take up a matter.