AMN /
Both the Houses of Parliament today conducted smooth business barring occasional acrimonious exchanges between Opposition and Treasury benches over various issues including JNU and Hyderabad University.
Just before the Lok Sabha began discussion the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, BJP Member Anurag Thakur referred to reports quoting former Home Minister P Chidambaram about Afzal Guru and former Home Secretary G K Pillai about Ishrat Jahan case. He alleged, a deliberate attempt was made to malign the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi. But, the Congress Members opposed the allegation.
Congrees leader Mallikarjun demanded the Speaker that some derogatory remarks were allegedly made against Congress member Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi which should be expunged.
In the Rajya Sabha, when the House took up the Zero Hour soon after it met for the day, opposition parties sought an apology from HRD Minister Smriti Irani for what they said, her objectionable comments against Goddess Durga.
Mrs Irani defended herself saying she was asked for proof of her statements against JNU students. Responding to charges made by BSP leader Mayawati in Rajya Sabha,Mrs Irani denied charges that the deceased student of Hyderabad University was not paid his fellowship money.
Ms Irani gave details of payments released to Rohith Vemula and said, an incorrect impression is being created. She also clarified, a member from the backward class was included in the in house inquiry committee appointed by the Executive Committee of the University.
Disagreeing with the response, Mayawati accused the NDA government of being anti-Dalit. She insisted the proposed one-man judicial commission should be expanded to include a dalit member. Ms Mayawati also demanded, Rohit’s brother be given employment by the government.
Sitaram Yechury of the CPIM, charged the HRD minister with trying to manipulate records to show as evidence in the JNU and Hyderabad University incidents.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Chairman Prof. P J Kurien said that he will go through the records and expunge if any irrelevant references are there.Being Friday, both the Houses devoted their time to private members’ business post-lunch.