Birla motion can be taken up after Gulf debate: Congress

NEW DELHI: The washout of proceedings on the day Parliament met after recess triggered a political slugfest, with govt accusing the opposition of being irresponsible, while the latter said it was raising issues affecting the people due to the West Asia conflict.

The opposition's demand for a discussion on the West Asia situation led to an impasse as it refused to move its resolution for removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.




Congress sources suggested that the discussion is likely to begin on Tuesday given that they wanted to highlight the likely impact of the West Asia crisis on India on the first day of Parliament in the Budget session's second half.

Amid an impasse in the House, leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi told reporters the motion against Birla can be taken up after a discussion on the West Asia situation.

"Why do you think the West Asia issue is not important? Are fuel prices and economic devastation not important? These are people's issues we consider important, and therefore we want to discuss them," he said, persisting with his "compromised" barb at PM Modi over govt's refusal for a discussion.

As chaotic scenes emerged in the House, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju lashed out at Congress, saying he had never seen such an irresponsible opposition party in his life. "Is one man, one family king of this country? There is Constitution in this country, and the House has its own rules," he said in a clear swipe at Rahul.

"The opposition signed a motion to remove the speaker and demanded a debate in Parliament. We are ready, but they now want discussion on another issue. What is their point? You have moved an unnecessary resolution. If you have the courage, debate it. Parliament runs on procedure, not political theatrics," Rijiju said.

He noted that foreign minister S Jaishankar has already made an exhaustive statement on the West Asia situation.

Home minister Amit Shah is expected to be the final speaker on the motion against the speaker as the ruling alliance seeks to frame it as being of a piece with the main opposition party's continuing "assault" on constitutional bodies. The motion has been moved by three Congress members and supported by 118 opposition MPs.

Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the House, accused the opposition of wasting taxpayers' money - about Rs 9 crore per day - by holding the House "hostage" to its demands. He described the approach as "immature and irresponsible", wondering how it could not agree to debate a motion moved by it, demanding discussion on another issue.

He said govt and the Chair were willing to take up the resolution but opposition was creating obstacles and Birla is not willing to preside over the House until the no-confidence motion against him is settled.
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