NDA Govt Faces Embarrassment In RS , Oppn. Forces Adoption Of Amendments To Motion of Thanks on President’s Address

3 March New Delhi

The NDA Government Tuesday faced embarrassment in the Rajya Sabha when it adopted an Opposition amendment regretting no mention of action against corruption in President’s address.

Sitaram Yechury of the CPI (M) moved the amendment, saying the government’s motion did not mention any action against corruption or black money. The motion was accepted by majority in the House with 118 members voting in favour and 57 against.

This came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply on the motion of thanks on President’s address to both the houses of Parliament.

After the Prime Minister concluded his reply, the Opposition members tried to seek some clarifications. However, Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari observed that it is not permissible under the rules as the debate has concluded.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, the motions have been adopted in the past too with Amendments.

He said, it happened in 1980, 1989 and 2001. Mr Naidu said, the opposition wants to attack and criticise but was not ready to listen.

Reacting to a media query outside Parliament, Sitaram Yechury said, what happened in Parliament was unprecedented. He said, stifling the opposition is not done.

The CPI (M) leader said, the way the Prime Minister spoke and was not ready to hear the opposition it created an environment where voting took place.