Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day following opposition uproar over different issues, particularly demonitisation.
When the Rajya Sabha reassembled at 2 pm, after the passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2014, Congress member Anand Sharma raised the issue of allegations against Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley vehemently opposed the charges against Mr Rijiju saying, the allegations have been false and fabricated by the Congress. He challenged the Opposition for a debate on it.
The Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien pointed out the House rule mandating prior intimation to the Chair and the Minister concerned before making any allegation against any member or a minister in the House.
Amid the din, Deputy Chairperson tried to take up the two Appropriations Bills listed in the Business, but in vain. As ruckus persisted, the House was adjourned for the day.
Lok Sabha was also adjourned for the day on the issue of demonetization and sting operation by a private TV Channel showing the alleged involvement of some opposition leaders acting as agents for converting black money into white.
When the House reassembled at noon after first adjournment, members from treasury benches and opposition tried to raise their issues. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asked the members to maintain calm assuring them the opportunity to speak.
Amidst the noisy scenes, she allowed Bhartruhari Mahtab of BJD to speak on the of arrest of former Air Force Chief S P Tyagi in connection with Agusta Westland deal, which was objected by Mallikarjuna Kharge of the Congress. Mr Mahtab said the issue should not be politicized.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar took serious exception to Mr Kharge’s remarks against the Chair. He said, it is very unfortunate that the member is challenging the authority of the Chair.
Referring to demonetization, Mr Kumar said, the government is ready for a discussion and charged the opposition with creating ruckus. He also referred to the sting operation on conversion of black money.
He accused the opposition parties including Congress of trying to derail the demonetization move. Amidst the uproarious scene, Speaker adjourned the House for the day.