The Rajya Sabha on Monday was marred by repeated adjournments and slogan shouting by Congress and BSP members over torture of two Dalit youths resulting in death of one of them in Punjab recently. The Opposition did not allow the House to function demanding dismissal of the State Government while the treasury benches rejected the demand and said Punjab Government has already taken action by filing FIR against 11 people and arrested one.
The Opposition made their intentions clear to raise a din as soon as the House met for the day and rushed into the well shouting slogans against the Punjab Government over alleged atrocities against Dalits. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had to read out statement on her visit to Pakistan last week amidst uproar. When Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien asked the members to seek clarifications from the Minister, the protesters did not oblige.
The ball for the protest was set rolling by BSP leader Mayawati who raised the issue of chopping of limbs of two Dalits at a farmhouse in Abohar leading to the death of one of them. Her party members then rushed into the well of the House and the Congress too joined them raising slogans.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Government condemns the incident in strongest possible terms but a State subject cannot be discussed in Parliament.
leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the incident took place in a farm house and alleged that there was “jungle raj” in Punjab. Demanding dismissal of the State Government, Azad also said the coalition Government in Punjab was worse than terrorism. The Question Hour was also a total washout with the Opposition members in no mood to relent.
In the post lunch session amidst continuing din, Social Justice and Development Minister Thawar Chand Ghelot introduced the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Bill. But no discussion could take place as the House due to bedlam. With the Congress and BSP determined to continue with its protest, the Chair adjourned the House for day at 4 pm.