The Congress also did not agree to the government request to allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in the Lok Sabha on the government beginning celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Independence on March 12.
Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said that ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’ celebrations will begin on Friday and requested members to maintain decorum to allow the PM to make a statement in the House. While all parties agreed, Congress MPs did not relent and continued the protest over the farm laws. Parliament was later adjourned till March 15.
While the Rajya Sabha managed to pass the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021, amid the din, the Lok Sabha passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Amendment Bill, 2021. Opposition members refused to participate in the debate on the bills. As soon as the Lok Sabha met at 11 am, Speaker Om Birla requested the Opposition to allow the House to function. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “farmers are committing suicide.
How can we keep quiet? We should be allowed to raise the issue.” The Question Hour continued amid sloganeering by the Opposition. The House was adjourned at 11:30 am. Later, the House met again for Zero Hour and then passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Amendment Bill, 2021, to regularise unauthorised colonies in Delhi. The House was adjourned till 2:30 pm after this and for the day later as disruptions continued. The Rajya Sabha faced similar scenes.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said some members had given notice under Rule 167 for suspension of business and discussion on farm laws. He said 25 farmers had died in the protests at Delhi’s borders. Deputy Chairperson Harivansh said Chairman Venkaiah Naidu has turned down the request as a debate on the farm laws has already taken place in the Rajya Sabha before the recess.
Meanwhile, keeping up the presure on the government, farmer unions on Wednesday called for a Bharat bandh on March 26, when their protest at Delhi’s borders against the three new farm laws completes four months.