New Delhi:
Tuesday, the second day of the Parliament's Budget session, saw a major showdown over the way price rise should be discussed. Due to the uproar, both Houses had to be adjourned - first till noon, and then for the day.
"I could not hear what both side were saying, I couldn't decide under what rule to allow the discussion," said Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.
The price rise issue dominated proceedings, with the Opposition insisting on an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the issue of price rise, followed by voting, as previous debates have yielded no results. The government had agreed to a special discussion under Rule 193, which means a reply at the end of the debate, but no voting.
The BJP-led NDA also demanded suspension of Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha on the price rise issue, and asked for a debate on price rise under Rule 167 which allows voting.
"This government has completely failed to check rising prices," said Arun Jaitley, adding prices have risen since discussion on the issue in the previous winter session of Parliament. Sitaram Yechury (CPM) said the opposition was "very very agitated" on the issue and discussion should be held under substantial motion.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari said there was consensus on discussion on the issue but not on procedure. A short duration discussion on the issue is listed later in the day, he pointed out.
But this did not satisfy the Opposition members who were up on their feet seeking discussion under Rule 167 and 168. "I am afraid we can't conduct business like this," Ansari said before adjourning the House till mid-day.
The government has its back to the wall. While the Opposition is ready to go straight for the jugular in Parliament and outside on price rise, the government is also facing criticism from within the ruling alliance. Two of the UPA partners, the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, are upset with the government's handling of the price rise issue.
"I could not hear what both side were saying, I couldn't decide under what rule to allow the discussion," said Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.
The price rise issue dominated proceedings, with the Opposition insisting on an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the issue of price rise, followed by voting, as previous debates have yielded no results. The government had agreed to a special discussion under Rule 193, which means a reply at the end of the debate, but no voting.
The BJP-led NDA also demanded suspension of Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha on the price rise issue, and asked for a debate on price rise under Rule 167 which allows voting.
"This government has completely failed to check rising prices," said Arun Jaitley, adding prices have risen since discussion on the issue in the previous winter session of Parliament. Sitaram Yechury (CPM) said the opposition was "very very agitated" on the issue and discussion should be held under substantial motion.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari said there was consensus on discussion on the issue but not on procedure. A short duration discussion on the issue is listed later in the day, he pointed out.
But this did not satisfy the Opposition members who were up on their feet seeking discussion under Rule 167 and 168. "I am afraid we can't conduct business like this," Ansari said before adjourning the House till mid-day.
The government has its back to the wall. While the Opposition is ready to go straight for the jugular in Parliament and outside on price rise, the government is also facing criticism from within the ruling alliance. Two of the UPA partners, the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, are upset with the government's handling of the price rise issue.
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