Venkaiah Naidu Breaks Down Over Ruckus in Rajya Sabha, Says Had Sleepless Night

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday, 11 August, broke down in the House.

(Photo: RSTV screengrab)

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday, 11 August, broke down in the House as he addressed the session and expressed "deep anguish" over the ruckus created by MPs on Tuesday, 10 August, over a discussion on farm laws.

"I am distressed by the way the sacredness was destroyed yesterday (Tuesday) when some members sat on the table, some members climbed on the table of the House, perhaps to be more visible, which is an act of sacrilege. I have no words to convey my anguish and to condemn such acts," he said.

Naidu was referring to the ruckus that ensued in the Parliament on Tuesday during which Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa climbed atop a table and was seen throwing an official file at the Chair over a decision to allow a short discussion on “agricultural problems and solution” instead of one on three farm Bills that they have been demanding.

"As I spent a sleepless night... Last night, I struggled to find out the provocation or reason for forcing the August House to such a low yesterday," said a teary-eyed Naidu.

What Naidu Said

Naidu said that the ruckus that has continued in the House for days is "propelled by a sense of competition among some sections of the House since the commencement of the Monsoon Session".

Naidu said that entering the sanctum sanctorium of the House itself is an act of sacrilege and it has been happening as a routine for some time.

"A discussion on agricultural problems and solutions was listed. There can be a difference of opinion, and there can be a specific demand from anybody. They could have discussed this in the House, protested, and voted against it. Every member has every right to demand for withdrawal also, but you can't force the government to do this or not to do this," Naidu said.

Naidu further said that action will be taken against the members who created ruckus on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Adjourned Ahead of Schedule

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, two days ahead of schedule.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament was scheduled to go on till 13 August.

"The Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die, as opposed to its scheduled date, 13 August. The government took the sudden decision to adjourn it, there was no discussion on important issues. It only wants to paint the Opposition in a bad light," said Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, as quoted by ANI.

"Despite our constant appeals to discuss 'Pegasus, the issue was not taken up (in the House). When there is a global discussion over it, with France, Germany, Hungary discussing it, why have our demands been ignored?" he added.

Chowdhury further said that Bills were passed within seven to eight minutes, and the the Opposition's appeals were left unheard.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that the obstructions created by the Opposition could not be resolved.

"I am hurt by the fact that the proceedings of the House did not take place as per expectations in this session. I always make an effort to see that maximum business takes place in the House and discussions are held over issues related to the public," Birla said, as quoted by ANI.

"But there was continuous obstruction this time. This could not be resolved. Last two years were more productive, as far as business in the House is concerned. The proceedings had continued till late in the night and MPs had made active contribution even during COVID," he added.