Oppn corners govt, anger over Moga molestation case disrupts both Parliament

New Delhi: Both houses of Parliament were adjourned repeatedly on Tuesday as the Opposition protested demanding a discussion on the death of a 14-year-old girl who was molested and then thrown off a bus in Punjab’s Moga last week.

Opposition led by Congress on Tuesday forced two adjournments in Rajya Sabha demanding discussion over the Moga incident. When the Rajya Sabha met for the day, Ambika Soni (Congress) raised the issue saying there was a complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab, necessitating Centre’s intervention.

Other parties including the Left joined in the protest with Mayawati (BSP) demanding imposition of President’s rule in the state.

The demand for a discussion on the issue was strongly opposed by Akali Dal members, forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the Upper House for 10 minutes. Opposition continued to vociferously press their demand when the House reassembled, forcing another adjournment till noon.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha was adjourned twice amid protests by TRS members demanding immediate creation of a High Court for Telangana, even as the government said the matter is pending before court.

As Lok Sabha met for the day, the members started protesting and trooped into the Well with placards.

Amid the ruckus, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asked the agitating members to go back to their seats and stop showing placards.

“Please don’t show all these things (placards)… They are not allowed,” Mahajan said and also cautioned that action could be taken against the members.

With the protests continuing, the House was adjourned during Question Hour, first for ten minutes and then again for 30 minutes till noon. The Lower House was again adjourned till 2 pm.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the government was in favour of setting up a High Court for Telangana but the matter was pending before the court.

“The government is in favour of a separate High Court for Telangana but a case is going on…,” he said.

An united Opposition cornered the government in both the Houses and disrupted proceedings over various issues – the main issue being the Moga molestation case.

Ambika Soni said the situation in Punjab merits direct intervention of the Centre as law and order has broken down. Anand Sharma of Congress said this was a very serious issue and the House should condemn the incident.

Kurien said no notice on the subject had been given. “I am not saying anything about merit of what you are saying. All I have said is please give notice.”

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the chair should allow some matter that has come up so urgently. “Because of the importance of the incident, please allow us to discuss.” Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the matter needed to be discussed as the bus belonged to a company run by senior goverment functionary.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the state government had taken immediate action against the culprits and it was not proper to discuss the working of state governments in the House.

“If you want to discuss various issues, give a notice,” he said.

Kurien said he has two notices for suspension of business under rule 267 on separate issues and wants to dispose of them first.

Soon after the notices were disallowed after the movers spoke briefly, Opposition was again on their feet raising the Moga incident.

Mayawati (BSP) said no action has been taken against the real culprits. “Life and property of women in Punjab is in danger… President’s rule should be imposed,” she said.

Kurien however insisted that a notice be given seeking a discussion on the issue. But opposition members were unrelenting and moved into the aisles shouting slogans, forcing adjournment.

PTI