Lalit Modi Row, Vyapam: No End In Sght To Parliament Logjam

31 July, New Delhi

The tug of war between the government and the opposition continued has claimed one more week. Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day amidst continuous uproar by opposition members demanding the resignations of External Affairs Minister and the Rajasthan Chief Minister on the Lalit Modi controversy and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister over the Vyapam Scam.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge took exception to Home Minister’s statement on terrorist attack in Gurdaspur in Punjab. He said, the statement was aimed at defaming the UPA government.

Responding to Mr Kharge’s allegations, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the Home Minister has not said anything wrong and the government is ready to hold a discussion on the Punjab terror issue.

In the Rajya Sabha the opposition Congress continued to insist on Prime Minister’s statement on the action taken against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister for his alleged role in Vyapam scam. The House witnessed repeated adjournments during the day.

However, there was one positive sign when treasury benches agreed to a proposal put forward by leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad to defer Private Members’ business of the day to the next session.

Appreciating the bonhomie, Deputy Chairman Prof. P J Kurien, said the government and the opposition should sit together to settle the issues to ensure smooth functioning of the House.