Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day following uproar over the issue of price rise. While the opposition insisted that the discussion be held under the rules which provide for voting, the government refused to yield to the demand.In the Lok Sabha the BJP led opposition wanted that the burning issue of price rise which is affecting the common man should be discussed through adjournment motion for which the notice had already been given. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal however said that since the issue of price rise is a continuing problem and the responsibility for it also lies with the State, the matter cannot be discussed under adjournment motion.However, he said that the government is ready for a detailed and meaningful discussion on the issue. He said that the government realises that it is a serious issue and is willing for a structured discussion. But the opposition members were unrelenting and the House was adjourned first till noon and later for the day. The same situation prevailed in Rajya Sabha also with the government and the opposition disagreeing on the rules under which discussion should take place, leading to adjournment for the day.Meanwhile, the BJP today said that it will continue to press for discussion on price rise in both the Houses of Parliament under provisions which allow voting. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, party leader S S Ahluwalia said the government is worried that some of UPA allies may vote against it.Mr Ahluwalia said that the government wanted to escape a parliamentary referendum in both the houses if voting takes place. The BJP wants discussion on Price rise under rules 167 and 168 in the Rajya Sabha and through Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha.
News On AIR | February 23, 2010 6:54 PM
Parliament is adjourned as opposition presses for discussion over price rise