The monsoon session of Parliament began on a stormy note on Monday with the BJP and BSP members raising the statements made by the former Telecom Minister, A. Raja, on the 2G spectrum scam, and introduction of the new Land Acquisition Bill, forcing the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha for the day.
As soon as the session began after making obituary references, members of the two parties were on their feet demanding that Chairman Hamid Ansari allow a discussion on Mr. Raja's statements in the court.
The BSP members also demanded introduction of the new Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill. Following the din and uproarious scenes, Mr. Ansari adjourned the House for 15 minutes till 12 noon.
Soon after the House reassembled, the BJP and the BSP members were again on their feet not allowing the House to function. The BSP members trooped into the well shouting slogans, blaming the Congress-led UPA government for the plight of farmers.
Seeking to turn the tables on the Congress, whose general secretary Rahul Gandhi had launched an offensive against the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP members made a strong demand for early introduction of the new Land Acquisition Amendment Bill.
“We will not tolerate atrocities against farmers. Bring [in] the new land acquisition law soon,” the BSP members shouted during zero hour.
The BJP members, supported by their Shiv Sena counterparts, took on the government on corruption and 2G scam, referring to Mr. Raja's statements. They were supported by AIADMK members who waved copies of Tamil newspapers on the 2G scam. Amid the din, Mr. Ansari asked for laying of papers by the Ministers concerned. Sensing the mood of the House and the agitating BSP and BJP members, Mr. Ansari adjourned the House for the day. All this while, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was present in the House.
