Rising prices derail Parliament

Not unexpectedly, parliament was held up today as the opposition united in demanding an immediate discussion on the rise in prices followed by a vote, leading to adjournment of both houses. The government has ruled out a vote.

While the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day, the Lok Sabha saw repeated disruptions and was adjourned till noon. The unruly scenes continued when it reconvened, and the house was again adjourned at 2 pm.

As soon as Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members assembled for the first working day of the monsoon session at 11 am, opposition MPs began shouting slogans, stalling proceedings as they gave vent to vociferous protests. Even parties allied to the government like the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal joined in the opposition demand.

Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj asked Speaker Meira Kumar to "set aside all the business and allow a discussion over rising prices, followed by a vote".

She said the increase in prices of kerosene and cooking gas (LPG) had upset the budget of the common man.

She said a number of opposition members have submitted adjournment motions on the issue.