Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s charge that Zero Hour in Parliament cannot “run just for the television camera” caused an uproar, with Rajya Sabha being adjourned for three times on Wednesday as Opposition MPs wanted the Chair to expunge the remarks. He made the remarks after several MPs raised issues outside the agenda for the day under Rule 267.
When the proceedings began in the Upper House, several parliamentarians, most of them from the Opposition, wanted to raise various issues under Rule 267 seeking suspension of business. Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien allowed them to speak but rejected their Point of Orders.
At this point, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy too raised an issue. He wanted the House to take up the Samjautha Secret Tapes, based on a media report that suggested Pakistan’s links in the 2007 blast. Some members of the Treasury Bench too joined him seeking suspension of business.
A visibly upset Mr. Kurien objected to it saying it is the government that decides the list of business after discussing with the Parliament Secretary and the Chairman. “Then how can you move suspension?” he asked.
Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue of government observing the birth centenary of Madan Mohan Malviya but neglecting the contributions of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. At this point, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley responded: “Most of the issues raised are neither Point of Order nor Rule 267. The Rule 267 is grossly misused. We can’t allow Zero Hour run just for the television camera.”
Opposition MPs objected to the television camera remark. Congress MPs approached the Well raising slogans. As Mr. Kurien proceeded with the Zero Hour, slogans too continued. The Treasury Bench responded to opposition’s claim.
Non-Congress MPs D. Raja and Tiruchi Siva too spoke in favour of Opposition MPs. When Mr. Siva objected to Mr. Jaitley’s remarks, the latter retorted: “Please do not provide an alibi for them.” Mr. Kurien adjourned the House.
At noon, when the Rajya Sabha reconvened, opposition MPs demanded Mr. Jaitley’s remarks be expunged. Chairman Hamid Ansari said Mr. Kurien, who was in the Cahir, has already said that he would look at the records and take appropriate action. Unhappy with the response, the opposition MPs continued their protest. Mr. Ansari adjourned the House for 10 minutes, and later till 12:30 pm.
When the House reconvened, the Question Hour was taken up after Mr. Ansari said he noted everyone’s comments and they will be examined.
