The Lok Sabha was on Monday adjourned for the day after paying tributes to former Haryana Chief Minister and sitting member Bhajan Lal, who died during the inter-session period. In the Rajaya Sabha uproarious scenes were witnessed over the government’s handling of the corruption issue.
As soon as the House met on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament, Speaker Meira Kumar made obituary reference to Lal, a member from Hissar, who died on June 3.
She described him as an able administrator and champion of the causes of the masses and worked for the uplift of the weaker sections throughout his political career spanning over four decades.
The House also made obituary references to former members Dharmabhiksham, Sribatcha Digal, Sripal Singh Yadav, L S Tur and Chaturanan Mishra.
The House also mourned the loss of lives in twin attacks in Norway, the terrorist attack in Mumbai on July 13, train accidents at Thanagaon on July 7 and at Fatehpur, both in Uttar Pradesh, on July 10.
“I am sure the House would join me in expressing grief over these terrorist attacks and tragic accidents,” Ms. Kumar said.
The members observed silence for a while before the House was adjourned for the day.
Adjournment in RS
The BSP and the Opposition BJP forced adjournment of the Rajya Sabha protesting delay in introduction of new law on land acquisition and scams, including 2G spectrum.
The Upper House witnessed uproarious scenes, both in the Question Hour and at noon with BSP members trooping into the well and shouting slogans, blaming the Congress-led UPA government for the plight of the farmers.
The BJP, on the other hand, sought to corner the government on various scams which are hogging the headlines.
In an apparent bid to turn the table on the Congress which has launched a movement against land acquisition in Mayawati-ruled Uttar Pradesh, MPs from her party made a strong demand for early introduction of new land acquisition amendment bill. The Congress is working hard to gain ground in the state which goes to elections next year.
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi had promised a new law which will give a fair deal to those displaced by land acquisition. Mr. Gandhi had also supported the farmers’ agitation in Greater Noida on Delhi’s outskirts.
New Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has since released a draft bill, which has provisions for higher compensation and rehabilitation of farmers losing land.
