The government today came under sharp criticism from the opposition on the extension of Lok Sabha for three days till 13th of this month. Raising the issue during zero hour in the House, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of bulldozing the opposition on its majority. He alleged that opposition parties were not taken into confidence and the decision was taken unilaterally. He said, there is no justification for extension of the House. Objecting to the government’s decision Sudip Bandyopadhyay of TMC also asked the ruling parties to be more alert in future while making such announcements.
He said, Business Advisory Committee, BAC should be given more importance while finalising the business of the House. Tathagat Satpathy of BJD said that the sudden announcement could have been avoided. He suggested convening a Special Session of Parliament for seven to 10 days dedicated to father of the Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar coinciding with his 125th Birth Anniversary. On the other hand, NDA allies SAD and TDP supported the extension of the House saying there are important legislations to be taken up for consideration and passing.
Responding to the opposition’s criticism, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, the decision was taken in the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs late evening yesterday and the Speaker was the first to be informed of it. He said, due to time constraints leaders of all political parties could not be informed. Mr Naidu said, the government has no hesitation in conducting Zero Hour mentions and other important discussions in the extended session of the House provided Speaker allows. Earlier, the House witnessed two brief adjournments on the issue during question hour.