Parliament stalled for fourth day

Parliament failed to transact any business for the fourth day today despite government's efforts to break the logjam over FDI through an all-party meeting as the Left and the Right made a common cause by pressing for a debate under a rule that entails voting.

Both Houses witnessed the repeat of the scenes that have marred the Winter Session ever since it began on November 22.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day at noon after one adjournment during Question Hour, while the Lok Sabha witnessed two adjournments till 2 PM because of ruckus.

The impasse continued notwithstanding efforts by the government to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament by convening an all-party meeting yesterday over whether the FDI decision should be put to vote.

The meeting had seen SP and BSP providing comfort to the government by not insisting on voting. Trinamool Congress, which had given a notice for no-confidence motion last week over FDI issue, sprang a surprise by not pressing for vote.

Lok Sabha today witnessed the Left and the AIADMK members carrying placards for discussion on FDI under Rule 184 which entails voting. While AIADMK members as also those of CPI stormed the Well, BJP members raised anti-FDI slogans.

UPA constituent DMK utilised the occasion to vociferously raise the issue of recent disclosures by a former CAG official in the 2G case to project itself in better light.

On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, the ally-turned-foe of UPA, sought to show the government as anti-poor.