United oppn targets govt in Parliament

A united opposition today cornered the government in Parliament, accusing it of focusing on issues like religious conversions instead of fulfilling promises of bringing back black money and creating jobs.

Accusing the government of allowing conversions and remaining silent on poll promises like bringing back black money and providing employment opportunities, the opposition in both Houses did not allow government to respond and created uproar leading to three adjournments in the pre-lunch period in Rajya Sabha.

The Upper House was adjourned once during the Zero Hour and twice during Question Hour when members of SP, JD-U and TMC rushed to the Well raising slogans and holding placards highlighting unfulfilled promises made by government.

In the lok Sabha, members of Samajwadi Party, RJD and JD-U staged a walkout after Mulayam Singh Yadav (SP) accused the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not fulfilling promises to people who had voted this government to power.

As members protested holding posters, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan allowed Yadav to speak.

The SP supremo said promises were made that farmers would get money in their accounts and that land encroached by China and Pakistan would be taken back. But "these promises have not been fulfilled... Ek kaam karke dikhaye (at least fulfil one promise)," he said.

In Rajya Sabha, Sharad Yadav (JD-U) raised the issue saying government's focus is on "ghar wapsi" campaigns through conversions instead of fulfilling promises made to people ahead of elections.

"You had promised incentive to farmers for their produce. Now a new thing has come... You did not say you will launch 'ghar wapsi' (conversion) campaigns. Your party ministers and MPs are saying this. You did not fulfil the promises made to people. You have forgotten them. That is why this House is not functioning," he said.

Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said the government made so many promises but did not fulfil any. "There are over 5 crore unemployed in the country. You did not create any job. Many parties are today sitting on a dharna and we have given a notice under Article 266 after suspension of all business to discuss this," he said.

He was supported by Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) and Derek O'Brien (TMC) who said they fully support the SP on the issue.

"The Prime Minister has not fulfilled any promise and he sought a 10-year moratorium on communal riots and communal polarisation, but the things that are happening are not good for the nation," Yechury said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who is also leader of the House, rejected the demand for a discussion on the issue while citing rule 169, whereby a discussion once held cannot be done again.

"The discussion has already taken place. The motion on a discussion itself is inadmissible," he said, adding that if there is any other issue the government is ready to discuss.

Anand Sharma (Cong) demanded that the Prime Minister should come to the House and reply to the members after hearing them on the issue of conversions.

"The Prime Minister should assure the House on conversions. Government is running away from a discussion on the issue, it is not the opposition which is running away. It is unfortunate," he said, adding it is the responsibility of the government to bring the House to order.

O'Brien said he was in favour of the SP demand for discussion and the Prime Minister should come and reply. "You don't need a 56-inch chest to come to the House and reply," he said.

D Raja (CPI) alleged that in the name of conversions and re-conversions certain organisations are flexing muscles.