Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha today stalled proceedings in its pre-lunch session over their demand for sacking union Minister Niranjan Jyoti for her hate speech. This is for the fourth day the opposition has been disrupting proceedings of the House. The Lok Sabha continued with its listed business despite the walk out by members from Congress, Samajwadi party and Trinamool Congress.
In a passionate statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to them that the Minister in question is the first timer coming from a rural background. He thanked the opposition members for allowing the Lower House transact its listed business.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu also pleaded with the opposition that the matter may be treated as closed since the Minister Niranjan Jyoti had already apologized in both the Houses of Parliament. He also said the Prime Minister also made a statement in the two Houses in this regard.
The Rajya Sabha which witnessed uproarious scenes since this morning was subject to repeated adjournments. Chairman Hamid Ansari rejected outright a move by opposition for adopting a resolution demanding the sacking of the Minister. Sitaram Yechuri of the CPIM sought permission to move the resolution which was vehemently opposed by ruling benches.
The House was adjourned to meet at 2.30PM.Congress and TMC members from both the Houses held a joint protest about side Parliament in support of their demand. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi displayed posters against the derogatory remarks. The agitating members were wrapping black cloths around their mouths as a mark of protest. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy charged the opposition with politicizing Ms Jyoti’s remarks.
Replying to a query on the protest, BSP chief Mayawati said, her party is supporting the stand taken by the opposition on the issue. BSP Chief Mayawati accused the BJP of playing dalit card over the derogatory remarks of Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. Ms. Mayawati said, if anyone violates the Constitution, action needs to be taken against them.
