New Delhi, December 16
On a day when the Lok Sabha bulletin devoted two pages to remind MPs of parliamentary etiquette, opposition members threw all rules aside to adjourn the House for the day on the twin issues of rising prices and Telangana creation. The Rajya Sabha also saw two adjournments on the same matters, but managed to transact business post noon. Protests over 19.5 per cent inflation in food prices continued outside the House as well.
Back in the LS, the government took advantage of the din, and cleared three amendment bills, and introduced the Commercial Division of High Courts Bill during the 20 minutes that the House sat.
The events were strangely reminiscent of December 23 last year when the UPA had pushed nine major legislations in 17 minutes as the NDA kept the House on the edge over the then minority affairs minister A.R. Antulay’s remarks on 26/11 attacks.
Today, the Lower House saw a repeat of that day. After causing ruckus twice until noon, the Left, SP, BSP, BJP and its NDA allies kept raising anti-price rise slogans from the well of the House, where TDP members gave them company, flashing “united Andhra” placards.
The pro-Telangana Congress brigade also did its bit by exhibiting “Jai Telangana” posters in utter disregard to procedures, which the bulletin religiously detailed over two pages today. It reminded the members of three major rules — the seriousness of the House requires that no member should shout slogans or sit on dharna in the pit; display of exhibits on the floor of the House is not in order; a member should not approach the Chair
personally.
The Lok Sabha session, earlier expected to be curtailed on December 18, is now slated to continue till December 21, with the Left Parties seeking a statement on the Copenhagen conference from Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. In the Business advisory Committee meet yesterday, the Left sought that Jairam, who is returning from Denmark on December 20, must inform the LS of the developments. Meanwhile, on December 18, the LS will witness discussion on the Valiathan Committee recommendations on AIIMS reforms.
