The Opposition cornered the government in the Rajya Sabha on Monday for not fulfilling the poll promises made about providing jobs for the unemployed, brining back black money and providing enhanced remuneration to farmers.
Demanding answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Opposition did not allow the House to function and Rajya Sabha was adjourned three times before lunch.
Putting up a joint front, members of the Congress, TMC, JD(U) and the SP accused the government of diverting attention from what it had promised and instead focusing on issues like religious conversions.
Sharad Yadad of the JD(U) said government had spoken of bringing back black money, offering jobs for the “young India” and providing better compensation to farmers, yet it has diverted the discourse to issues like ghar wapsi .
Even as the BJP members rose in protest, Opposition leaders - Anand Sharma of the Congress, Ram Gopal Yadav of the SP, Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M), D. Raja of CPI and Derek O'Brien of the TMC continued to raise the issue of communal violence in the country.
“In his speech from Red Fort, the Prime Minister had spoken of a 10 year moratorium on communal polarisation and riots. We are asking why 10 years, [extend the moratorium] till India remains. The statements that are being made are creating communal tensions,” said Mr. Yechury.
Mr. Yadav of the SP said the government had made many promises, but did not fulfil any.
“There are over five crore unemployed in the country. You did not create any job. Many parties are today sitting on a dharna and we have given a notice under Article 266 after suspension of all business to discuss this."
Leader of the House, Arun Jaitley, however, rejected the demand for a discussion on the issue while citing Rule 169, whereby a discussion once held cannot be done again. He said the government is however, ready to have discussions on other issues.
Opposition Members also rushed to the Well, raising slogans and holding placards that demanded answers from Mr. Modi.
