Opposition MPs stage protest against govt at Parliament in black clothes
NEW DELHI: Govt and opposition were locked in intense discussions Wednesday to break the deadlock in Parliament, as the aftermath of the police crackdown on student protests led to a hardening of stance by the anti-BJP bloc – with both Houses witnessing a washout of proceedings for the third consecutive day.Opposition is sticking to its demand for education minister Pradhan’s resignation – termed “non-negotiable” by Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. Govt is not ready to accede even as it offers a discussion on paper leaks.Sources said LS Speaker Om Birla reached out to Congress’ K C Venugopal while parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju called on Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Opposition said a final view will be taken at a meeting of parties in Kharge’s chamber Thursday morning.Sources privy to the discussion feel that among the options a compromise is possible on an adjournment motion — discussion under Rule 56 in Lok Sabha and Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha.Amid the deadlock, LS and RS failed to transact any business for the third day. In the lower House, Congress’s Venugopal demanded Pradhan’s resignation, even as he sought a discussion under the adjournment motion. But Union minister Rijiju merely reiterated govt’s willingness to hold a discussion, with the rule to be decided by the speaker and the parties. Amid the back and forth, Akhilesh expressed anguish that while BJP and Congress members are allowed to speak, he does not get a chance to air his views. He asked if a deal has been reached, asserting that the issue is not about political parties but about students. The feeling in opposition camp is that BJP is on the defensive, and they should leverage the situation to maximum.At the same time, the opposition is wary of coming across as letting down the students. There are multiple players ranging from the political class to civil society to Sonam Wangchuk in the mix. As a result, a joint stand will be taken by opposition parties only after considering all the possible options.The difficulty in reaching a middle ground was visible through the day as the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, attacked the Modi govt, drawing a furious response from Union health minister and Leader of Rajya Sabha J P Nadda. Rahul said while police were dragging him away outside the PM’s residence on Tuesday, they were whispering in his ears “remove this govt”.
