The second half of the Budget session of Parliament is expected to start on stormy note on Monday with the Opposition parties set to raise the issue of riots in Delhi and demand the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the “failure” to control the law and order in the Capital.
The Congress, Trinamool Congress, NCP, CPI(M), CPI leaders told media on Sunday that they will give adjournment notice demanding the debate on the communal violence which resulted in 42 deaths and lapses from police machinery.
Reacting to Opposition’s demand, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs said the Government is always for debates and it should not be used to “play politics.”
Congress’ leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the party will strongly raise the issue of riot-torn Delhi and ask why the violence happened. “The Government has miserably failed to maintain law and order. I think there must be some sort of a nexus between the rioters and a section of police officials which resulted in gruesome killings and arson that has tarnished our image across the globe. This is a matter of serious concern for us,” he said.
“We will continue to raise the demand of Shah’s resignation on the floor of the House,” Chowdhury added.
Trinamool Congress as well as the CPI and the CPI(M) will also raise the issue in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and demand answers from the Home Minister. “Left parties will strengthen the voice of the Opposition in Parliament and raise the issue of Delhi violence in both the Houses. I have given a notice under Rule 267 to the Rajya Sabha chairman to discuss the issue in the House,” CPI(M) MP KK Ragesh said.
CPI general secretary D Raja said his party will demand that Shah answer for the “inaction” of the Delhi Police, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs . “The violence in Delhi will be raised in Parliament by our party. We will also reach out to other parties on the issue. We will also raise the issue of hate speeches by BJP leaders and question why they have not been arrested. Also, Shah needs to be held accountable,” he said.
Congress’ senior spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Singhvi also said the Congress will take up in Parliament in the strongest possible terms the “wanton destruction of democratic values” in this country with the “active approbation” and, frequently, the selective “Nelsonian blind eye” of the government.
“The manner and form of protest inside or out of Parliament is a matter of coordinated strategy and not an issue to be publicly aired. But the country is assured that we will discharge our responsibilities vigorously and without fear, despite extreme and illegal intrusion and harassment,” he said.
The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on January 31 and continued till February 11. After a break, it will again commence on March 2 and continue till April 3.