Cong, BJP MPs in a war of words over adjournment notices

Congress and ruling BJP members were engaged in a verbal duel in the lok Sabha today after the government objected to the practice of daily notices for adjournment motion given by the opposition members.

"Every day we cannot have an adjournment motion and discussion later," Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan disallowed the notices given by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and others on the "tardy procurement" of grains.

Mahajan said the Congress members could raise the issue later but Question Hour would continue. A notice for adjournment implies that, if accepted, the Question Hour does not take place and the time is used for a discussion on an issue of public importance raised through the notice.

Naidu attacked Congress for submitting adjournment notices on a regular basis and said any discussion should happen only through a "proper forum". "This is no way of doing it," he said, drawing angry response from Congress members.

Rahul Gandhi, who has been raising issues concerning farmers since his return from a long break, was present in the House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present as members of both parties exchanged angry responses.

"Tardy procurement of grains is causing a havoc for farmers. Tepid response of some states has severely affected them. It's very important," Kharge said, pressing for the motion which was also given by Congress members Jyotiraditya Scindia and K C Venugopal.