The Monsoon session of Parliament came to an end today. The Lalit Modi controversy and Vyapam scam of Madhya Pradesh dominated the entire four week long session paralyzing the functioning of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The proceedings in both the Houses were drowned during the entire session in slogan-shouting by Congress members who were pressing for resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Ministers over Lalit Modi controversy and Vyapam scam.
The session witnessed several bitter scenes including throwing pieces of papers on the chair and suspension of 25 Congress MPs by the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for unruly behaviour.
Unfortunately, more action was seen outside Parliament than inside with opposition parties staging protest. The Speaker’s action made several opposition parties join hands with Congress and they collectively boycotted the house for five days to show solidarity with the suspended MPs.
The Lok Sabha managed to work during Question Hour amid din for a number of days and saw some business in the absence of boycotting opposition parties.
The House finally took up a discussion on the Lalit Modi row on the penultimate day yesterday, which saw attacks from both treasury and opposition benches against each other. Even today, when the House was adjourned sine die, Congress and other Opposition parties staged a walkout raising a variety of issues.
The logjam stalled the passage of key legislations including GST bill. However, if we go by the reports, government may convene a Special Session to clear the GST bill later this month.