Birla motion could be discussed after Gulf debate: Congress

NEW DELHI: A political clash broke out on the day parliament resumed its session after prorogation, with the government accusing the opposition of irresponsibility while the latter said it was raising issues affecting people because of the conflict in West Asia.The opposition demanded a discussion of the situation in West Asia but refused to propose a resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, resulting in a deadlock.

congress Sources said the discussions are likely to begin on Tuesday as they look to highlight the possible impact of the crisis in West Asia on India on the first day of the second half of the budget session in Parliament.House deadlocked, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi told reporters that the motion against Birla could be moved after discussing the situation in West Asia.“Why do you think West Asia issues are not important? Fuel prices and economic devastation are not important? These are people’s issues that we consider important, so we want to discuss them,” he said, sticking to the “compromise” barb that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government refuses to discuss.As chaos broke out in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju lashed out at Congress, saying he had never seen such irresponsible opposition in his life. “Is the king of this country a person, a family? This country has a constitution and the House has its own rules,” he said in a clear swipe at Rahul.“The opposition signed a motion to remove the speaker and asked for a debate in parliament. We were ready, but now they want to discuss another issue. What is their point? You proposed an unnecessary resolution. If you have the courage, have a debate. Parliament runs on procedure, not political showmanship,” Rigiju said.He pointed out that Foreign Minister Jaishankar had issued a detailed statement on the situation in West Asia.Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to be the last speaker to oppose the Speaker’s motion as the ruling alliance seeks to frame it as part of the main opposition party’s ongoing “attack” on constitutional institutions. The motion was proposed by three MPs and supported by 118 opposition MPs.House Speaker Jagdambika Pal accused the opposition of wasting taxpayers’ money – about Rs 9 crore a day – by holding the House “hostage” to its demands. He described the approach as “immature and irresponsible” and wondered how he could not agree to debate his motion to ask for another issue to be discussed.He said the government and the chairman were willing to accept the resolution, but the opposition was creating obstacles and Bella was unwilling to preside over the House until the no-confidence motion against him was resolved.