Both Houses of Parliament witness multiple adjournments

Both Houses of Parliament witness multiple adjournments amid uproar over fuel price hike. The Rajya Sabha has witnessed repeated adjournments on the first day today of the second phase of the Budget Session with the opposition Congress demanding a discussion on the hike in petroleum products. The House faced four adjournments till it was adjourned finally for the day.  Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge gave a notice for suspension of business in the House to discuss, what he called, a huge and frequent increase in prices of petrol, diesel and LPG even when global prices are ruling low. 
Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu disallowed his notice but suggested him to make a mention of the matter. But, however, he said the issue can be debated during the course of discussion on the Appropriation bill. Describing the issue as a burning subject, Mr. Kharge said people are agitating in the country and they be given an opportunity to raise the issue in the house. Kharge insisted on his demand for a discussion, noting that the people are suffering. Following this Congress members raised uproar.The Upper House was first adjourned for a few minutes after 10 am till 11 am and then again till 1 pm. Thereafter, it was adjourned in quick succession for 15 minutes each at 1 PM and then at 1.15 pm, till it was finally adjourned for the day.  

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day following opposition uproar over the rise in prices of fuel and LPG cylinders. When the House met at 7 PM after second adjournment, members from Congress, TMC, DMK BSP, NCP and others again trooped into the well raising slogans against the government over the issue. Amid noisy scene, the House took up discussion on the calling attention over the issue of women empowerment.

Referring to International Women’s Day, the Speaker said the house will have discussion over the women empowerment and related issues and a women member will preside over the house on the occasion. He urged the protesting members to allow the house to take up discussion. Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury demanded immediate passage of the Women Reservation Bill. He also raised the issue of price rise of diesel and petrol. Harsimrat Kaur Badal of Akali Dal also raised the issue of price rise. She attacked Congress saying why it is not decreasing taxes on petroleum products in its ruled states. 
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government is ready for a discussion on the women issue and the House should take it up.  As the ruckus continued, the House was adjourned till 7 PM. The Speaker also announced Tuesday onwards the House will commence its sitting from 11 AM.