Parliament proceedings stalled over farmers' suicides

New Delhi, Feb 26 (UNI) A vociferous Opposition today stalled the proceedings in the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament, protesting the ''apathy'' of the UPA government towards the plight of farmers.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 1200 hrs within five minutes after it assembled as the pandemonium created by the opposition NDA members made it impossible to carry on any business NDA members trooped into the well of the House demanding that the Question Hour be suspended to discuss the farmers suicides.

They were also joined in by the Left in their protest.

The members were raising slogans for total waiver of the farmers loans. Finally, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee adjourned the house till 1200 hrs.

The Rajya Sabha too witnessed similar scenes. As soon as the House assembled for the day to take up the Question Hour, the UNPA Members left their seats and came to the well of the House shouting slogans against the government accusing it of turning a blind eye to the farmers suicides and the problems agriculture was facing.

The NDA Members, including BJP Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, also stood up in their support. The UNPA Members, including Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, were demanding immediate implementation of the Swaminathan Committee report and waiver of all loans of farmers.

They also shouted slogans against Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

The uproar created by them made it almost impossible to carry on any business, though Chairman Hamid Ansari repeatedly appealed to them to resume their seats and allow the proceedings.

But the Members were in no mood to listen and continued with the sloganeering. Ultimately, the Chair announced that the House was being adjourned till 1200 hrs.

UNI Team NAZ RP DB1150