Questioning Rs legitimisationRs of anonymous donations to political parties by way of electoral bonds and the privatisation of State-owned firms, the Opposition Congress on Thursday staged walkouts from both the Houses saying Government has made corruption "official".
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon as Opposition parties including the Congress protested after the Chair did not allow discussion on the issues. In the Lok Sabha, the Congress members returned to their seats after Speaker Om Birla assured them that they will be allowed to raise issues during Zero Hour.
Soon after laying of listed papers by Ministers on the table of the House, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said he has received notices from several members to suspend business and take up discussions on the RBI’s objection to electoral bonds, and disinvestment of PSUs. "They (the notices) do not warrant suspension of other business and (notices) taken upon priority," he said.
However, Congress members were on their feet and held protests. Naidu said it was the prerogative of the Chair to decide which discussions should be taken or not. This did not pacify the protesting Congress and other opposition party members. The house was adjourned till noon.
In the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Manish Tewari raised the issue during zero hour. He said, “despite reservations expressed by the Reserve Bank of India and the Election Commission, the Government went ahead with the scheme”. Congress members later walked out of proceedings.
Tewari said anonymity rendered to the donors was not acceptable. Speaker Om Birla did not allow Tewari to go further with his comment when he mentioned ‘PMO’ while raising the issue. Tewari was referring to some documents in his possession.
Under the electoral bonds scheme, the Government has offered complete anonymity to those making donations. A donor could now anonymously buy a bond, and deposit it with the political party of his or her choice. eom "This is a big scam.
The country is being looted. Please allow us to speak," Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said.