Protests by Trinamool Congress members led to multiple adjournments during the post-lunch session in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, disrupting a short-term discussion on the issue of minimum support price (MSP) initiated by BJP president Amit Shah.
The discussion on the increase in the MSP of “kharif” crops and challenges in the agriculture sector was to start when Trinamool member Manas Ranjan Bhunia reminded the Chair of a notice given under Rule 267 for suspension of business for another discussion. His party colleague Nadimul Haque also intervened.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu said the issue raised by them would be taken on a priority basis on Wednesday morning, as agreed by other members, stating that the MSP was an issue of national importance, particularly for farmers.
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The Trinamool members then took their seats, and Mr. Shah started his speech.
The BJP president had spoken for about five minutes when Trinamool members again drew the Chair’s attention to their notice and some of them gathered in the Well of the House. Mr. Naidu said the discussion on the MSP had already started.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel accused the Trinamool MPs of deliberately disturbing proceedings. Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Prakash Javadekar and J.P. Nadda also protested against the disruption, saying they were not allowing Mr. Shah to speak.
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“Suddenly, what happened to you? The farmers’ issue is a burning issue of the country, and you are now obstructing discussion on it. Please go to your seats,” the Chairman said.
No stop to protests
The protests did not stop, at which Mr. Naidu adjourned the House for 10 minutes. When the proceedings resumed, the Trinamool members again gathered in the Well of the House.
The Chair then said he would name them under Rule 255 (withdrawal of member from the proceedings for the day).
“You had raised this issue and I had answered it. Suddenly, you have gone into a disruptive mood. I do not know what the reason is,” Mr. Naidu said.
However, the MPs continued to protest, leading to adjournment till 3 p.m. As the slogan-shouting continued, the Chair adjourned the proceedings for the day.