No work in Rajya Sabha for third day over suspension

No substantial business was conducted in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday as the opposition disrupted the House over its demand that suspension of 12 MPs be revoked. House chairman Venkaiah Naidu reiterated his stand that the concerned MPs would need to apologise for the suspension to be revoked.

When the House met for the day, Congress and TRS MPs trooped into the Well. Other opposition parties asked the Chair to allow Leader of the opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to speak on the issue of suspension. Naidu, however, didn't accede to the demand. TRS MPs displayed placards on the legal status to MSP and other farmer issues.

The House was initially adjourned after a few minutes, till noon, and then again till 2 PM. When it met again, minister Gajendra Shekhawat moved the Dam Safety Bill, 2019, and enumerated its objects and reasons. Congress, AITC and other party MPs, however, continued to raise the suspension issue. Following the protest, House proceedings were adjourned till 3 PM and then for the day.

In another incident, Kharge expressed "deep anguish and shock" that only a few journalists were allowed access to proceedings. In a letter to Naidu, he said following Covid-19 protocols was acceptable, but senior journalists should be allowed into Central Hall and reporters permitted into press gallery to cover House proceedings.