Delhi riots dominate Parliament, leaders lose cool; both Houses adjourned
What's the story
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day after opposition raised the issue of the Delhi riots on Monday. The Budget session of the Parliament resumed today and will continue till April 3. As planned, the opposition tried cornering the BJP over the violence, and the proceedings were disrupted. Politicians also shoved one another in the Lower House.
Background
Northeast Delhi burnt last week, opposition slammed government
Several pockets of Northeast Delhi, like Maujpur, Jafrabad, and Shiv Vihar, witnessed large-scale violence on February 24 and 25. Hindus and Muslims clashed, houses were set on fire, and cops were attacked too. As per the latest reports, the death toll has climbed to 47. Currently, the AAP government in Delhi is trying to rehabilitate the victims, but the task is far from easy.
What happened
MPs demanded Modi-Shah's resignation, protested inside premises
Notably, the opposition demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. This morning, Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, protested inside the premises. There were others who used black bands to blindfold themselves and put their finger on lips, to register a protest against the current regime.
Scuffle
Opposition raised voice, then had scuffle with BJP leaders
The Lower House was adjourned till 2 pm in the initial hours itself, to show respect towards Baidyanath Prasad Mahto, JD(U) MP from Valmiki Nagar, Bihar, who died on February 28. When the proceedings continued, opposition leaders came to the Well and shouted slogans. As they demanded Shah's resignation, a couple of BJP leaders came from benches and soon a scuffle followed.
Details
Azad said PM Modi must speak, Shah should step down
Similarly, in the Rajya Sabha, the leader of the opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad claimed the government "slept" while Delhi witnessed large-scale violence. He said PM Modi should make a statement in the Parliament and that Shah must step down. The opposition has been training guns at Shah as the Ministry of Home Affairs handles Delhi Police, whose way of handling riots was condemned.
Quote
Priority should be restoring normalcy: Naidu
Noting that the matter was extremely important, Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu said, "Our priority should be restoring normalcy. We should see that normalcy is restored and then we can discuss ways and means of preventing it (such violence)."
Plans
Shah will speak after Parliament functions properly: Reports
Reports said Shah, who is a first-time parliamentarian but has been steering most of the important bills, will make a statement only after Parliament functions properly. Yesterday, Union Minister Anurag Thakur suggested Centre is ready to answer questions. Thakur, who is accused of fanning tensions through his speeches, had said those involved in violence should be brought to justice.