The death of a girl who was trying to escape molestation in a bus in Moga district of Punjab rocked Parliament on Tuesday leading to two adjournments in the Rajya Sabha and heated exchange of words between members of the treasury benches and Congress Party.
As soon as the House met for the day, agitated Congress members sought to raise the matter. Ambika Soni (Congress) said there was “complete” breakdown of law and order machinery in Punjab and the Centre should intervene. Other parties including the CPI(M) joined the protest with Mayawati (BSP) demanding President’s rule in Punjab.
Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien said the matter could not be raised as no prior notice was given by the member. “I am not going into the merits of the subject. All I am saying is that notice should have been given.”
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury requested the Chair to allow the matter as it had come up so urgently. “Because of the importance of the incidence, please allow us to discuss,’’ he said while Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad described it as a serious issue which should be discussed.
Intervening in the matter, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtaar Abbas Naqvi said it was not proper for the House to discuss the functioning of a State government. “The State government had taken immediate action against the culprits. If the House wants, the government will have no objection in discussing incidents in all States,’’ he said.
As several opposition members pressed for the matter to be discussed, Mr. Kurien said he had to first hear out two members who had given separate notices under Rule 267 for Business to be set aside to discuss matters raised by them. Sharad Yadav of the JD(U) wanted the House to discuss retraction of permission to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to visit earthquake-hit Nepal while Naresh Agarwal (SP) raised the issue of a U.S. Congressional report mentioning that minorities were feeling sidelined under the NDA government mainly because of the statements made by a few ministers.
While Mr. Yadav did not press for his notice, Mr. Naqvi countered the SP member saying that Indian Constitution was supreme and the country did not need certificate from anyone on its secular credentials. The Chair rejected both the notices.
Before Zero Hour submissions could be taken up, agitated Congress members insisted they be heard. Some BJP members too were on their feet wanting to be heard. This prompted the Chair to adjourn the House for 10 minutes. Later, as the ruckus continued the House was adjourned till after lunch.
