New Delhi, December 18: Parliament today witnessed outrage over the rape of a para-medic student in the capital with a united opposition stalling the question hour in Rajya Sabha demanding an immediate statement by home minister Sushilkumar Shinde on the issue.
In the Lok sabha members led by Shahnawaz Hussain raised the matter and demanded suspension of question hour.
But, members took their seats after Speaker Meira Kumar assured them that they would be allowed to raise it during zero hour.
"This is a serious issue. This is a heinous act. I will allow you to raise the matter during zero hour," Kumar said.
In Rajya Sabha, soon after chairman Hamid Ansari condoled the death of over a 1,000 people in a cyclone in Philippines, almost all Opposition members were on their feet raising the issue and the law and order situation in Delhi.
M Venkaiah Naidu (BJP) said his party has given a notice for suspension of question hour to discuss the crime.
Ansari at that point allowed Maya Singh (BJP) to make a brief statement.
She said yesterday's rape had crossed all limits and raised grave question mark on safety of women and law and order situation in the national capital.
Singh wanted the home minister to immediately come to the House and make a statement.
Minister of state for parliamentary affairs Rajeev Shukla rose to make a submission but was not allowed to speak by the opposition members who persisted with their demand.
"We all are equally upset and distressed over what happened," Ansari observed, adding the issue was discussed at the morning meeting and it was agreed that the matter would be taken up at noon.
Amid uproar, he adjourned the House for 15 minutes.
When the Rajya Sabha met again, Ansari said the matter would be taken up at noon and the government will make a statement.
But, this did not pacify the opposition members who insisted on a statement by Shinde.
Ansari then said a message has been conveyed and home minister will come to the House after question hour to make a statement. As the chairman took up the first listed question, Jaya Bachchan (SP) stood up and said, "When question hour can be suspended to discuss political issues, why can't it be done to take up the issue of safety of women.
"I stand in protest," she said as her party colleagues and other women members decided to keep standing during the question hour to voice their indignation.
Ram Jethmalani (BJP) said he wished to convey to the Home Minister that "the crime situation in Delhi will not improve unless you remove the most notorious criminal... the present police Commissioner of the city."
As he demanded removal of the police commissioner, opposition members were again on their feet raising the law and order situation in the national capital.
Ansari then adjourned the House till noon.
Comments
Add new comment