Rajya Sabha proceedings were taken off air on Monday as Telugu Desam Party MPs trooped into the well of the House demanding discussion on special status for Andhra Pradesh. The proceedings were not aired for almost 15 minutes even as the Question Hour continued to progress from noon.
“This is not the way to disrupt the House and deprive a large section of the valuable opportunity that they get by way of Question Hour. I once again appeal to all the members of the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress to go to their respective places, cooperate and help the House function so that the people get justice. This is not the way. I have admitted the motion. The government is ready for a discussion. If you make noise, the voice of members who are raising questions is not heard. Live telecast is not there, why are you wasting your energy?” Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu said.
The TDP had earlier in the day forced a pre-noon adjournment of proceedings. Party members were up on their feet as soon as listed papers were laid on the table of the House.
Mr. Naidu said their notice has been converted into a short-duration discussion which would be taken up on Tuesday.
He then received two Zero Hour mentions — minimum support price for paddy raised by Vijila Sathyananth of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and another raised by Anand Sharma of the Congress on the alleged misuse of investigating agencies by the government to settle political vendetta — before TDP members rushed into the well of the House.
Mr. Naidu said he was willing for a discussion on the issue last week itself but the TDP leaders wanted it to be slated for Monday and on Sunday they sought its listing on July 24.
“Please don’t do injustice to other members,” Mr. Naidu said, adding he has admitted 15 Zero Hour notices which should be taken up.
