The Hindu : National : Lok Sabha witnesses protests by Opposition

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Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009
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Lok Sabha witnesses protests by Opposition

J. Balaji

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed protests by the Opposition on a host of issues such as gas allocation to Ambani brothers, Bundelkhand and political violence in West Bengal, forcing three adjournments before being finally adjourned for the day in the post-lunch session.

When the House assembled in the morning, BSP and BJP members opposed the Centre’s move to set up the Bundelkhand Development Board without taking the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh into confidence. Trinamool Congress members raised the issue of political violence in West Bengal, triggering protests from the Left parties. Even as the din continued, Speaker Meira Kumar adjourned the House till noon.

Again when the House met, SP members led by Mulayam Singh shouted slogans against the Union government for discriminating against Uttar Pradesh (Dadri power plant) on the allocation of gas. Amid the din, the Speaker continued with the business wherein some papers were laid, a few Bills were introduced and Petroleum Minister Murli Deora made a statement on the gas allocation issue.

As the disorderly behaviour of SP members continued, she again adjourned the House till 2 p.m. Post-lunch, the SP continued its protest and finally Mr. Singh was allowed to raise a question on the issue.

When he sought the resignation of Mr. Deora, there was furore in the House, and the Congress members criticised Mr. Singh’s remarks. Later the SP members walked out.

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