The Opposition have moved a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh for allegedly violating Parliamentary rules to help the Government pass the two farm sector Bills in the RS on Sunday. The motion, signed by around 100 members, has been submitted in the notice office of Parliament as the Secretary-General was not present.
On the other hand, Rajya Sabha chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu will take a call on the action against the Opposition MPs who trooped into the well of the House and created massive ruckus while protesting against the farm Bills.
Naidu called an urgent meeting with the Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and discussed the issue along with Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Tomar. Sources said Naidu is likely to make a statement on the issue on Monday when the House resumes and may announce action, if any, after the Government moves a resolution on the rules as provided.
As per the rules of the House, the decision to ask an MP to leave is taken by the Chairman. Rule 256 provides for suspension of member. It says, "If the Chairman may, if he deems it necessary, name a member who disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the Council by persistently and willfully obstructing the business thereof.
Congress MP Ahmed Patel told media outside the Parliament that the way these bills have been passed went against democratic processes and amounted to killing democracy.
"Twelve Opposition parties have moved a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Deputy chairman. He (Harivansh) should safeguard the democratic traditions but instead, his attitude today harmed the democratic traditions and processes. So we have decided to move a no-confidence motion against him," Patel said.
Opposition MPs protested against agriculture Bills and were demanding that bills be sent to the select committee.
While protesting, some MPs broke the microphones on the chairman's desk; and were seen on camera tearing papers. Derek O'Brien from the TMC was caught waving the rule book at the chair, AAP's Sanjay Singh was carried out by the marshals later. At least 12 Members of the Opposition later sat in protest in the House, after the proceedings were over.
BJP MP and national general secretary, Bhupender Yadav critcised the "unruly behaviour" of the opposition members. He said the "chair is competent" to take a decision on what action should be taken.
While several MPs complained the audio system was turned off, hampering the live proceedings of the House through the Rajya Sabha TV; there was no clarity on whether the mikes were turned off on the instruction of the chair.
Speaking outside Parliament, parliamentary affairs minister Prahlad Joshi criticised the behavior of the Opposition. "The people of the country have given a mandate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "this (ruckus) is an insult of the people's mandate," he said.
Questions were also raised about the propriety of MPs shooting videos inside the House. O'Brien who tweeted a video from inside Parliament, told mediapersons that recordings were made by MPs to put on record the proceedings. He said he did not tear up the rule book and will put out the proof at the right time.