Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned till March 20 amid ruckus
The proceedings at Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned until March 20 amid an uproar over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks on Indian democracy in the United Kingdom (UK). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs shouted slogans in both Houses, demanding an apology from Gandhi, while the Opposition continued to attack the Centre over the Adani Group-Hindenburg controversy.
Why does this story matter?
- The former Congress president's speech at Cambridge University sparked a massive row after he claimed that democracy in India was under attack and opposition leaders were being spied on.
- With the general election just a year away in India, Congress has been attacking the Centre over matters like the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) documentary on Narendra Modi and the Gautam Adani-Hindenburg controversy.
Both Houses adjourned till March 20
Congress gives Suspension of Business Notice to discuss Adani issue
Prior to the session, Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan handed a Suspension of Business Notice under Rajya Sabha's Rule 267 and called for a discussion on the Modi government's "questionable role in promoting the business interest of the Adani Group." In his letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Ranjan said that inaction on severe charges of corporate fraud, political corruption, etc., requires addressing.
Details on Ranjan's letter to Rajya Sabha chairman
"This House do suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other businesses of the day to discuss the Government's questionable role in promoting the business interests of the Adani Group, including through inaction on serious charges of corporate fraud, political corruption, stock-market, manipulation, and financial mismanagement, stations with foreign countries for big-ticket projects, etc.," ANI quoted Ranjan's letter to Singh.
AAP's Sanjay Singh's also issued same notice over Adani issue
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh also gave a Suspension of Business Notice in Rajya Sabha and demanded a discussion on Adani controversy. "Adani has misappropriated public money, and the central government is answerable to the public. Modi's silence on the loss of crores of money is questionable. An in-depth discussion of the issue is the need of the hour," Singh said.
BJP wants Rahul Gandhi suspended from Lok Sabha
Earlier on Wednesday, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey called for a special parliamentary committee to assess Gandhi's "contemptuous" comments on Indian democracy during his UK trip. Furthermore, the BJP leader also suggested suspending the Congress leader from the House to send a message that "no one takes the pride and respect of high institutions for a ride."
Know about Dubey's letter to Lok Sabha speaker
"This conduct of the Member is required to be investigated thoroughly either by the Privileges Committee or by a special committee," PTI quoted Dubey's letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. "Thereafter, House should consider whether such a member should be expelled from the House to protect the esteem of parliament and other democratic institutions and give a clear message," adds the letter.
Gandhi attended Lok Sabha on Thursday
Gandhi attended Lok Sabha on Thursday for the first time since the row over his remarks on India erupted. "Today, within one minute of my coming to the House, they adjourned it," he stated. "If the Indian democracy was functioning, I would be able to say my piece in parliament. What you are seeing is a test of the Indian democracy," Gandhi added.
Know about Gandhi's remarks at Cambridge University
A massive row erupted in India after the Congress leader attacked the Modi-led Central government during his February 28 address at Cambridge University. While speaking on Learning to Listen in the 21st Century, Gandhi alleged that there was "an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy" and that Israeli spyware Pegasus was being used to spy on multiple opposition leaders.
