Parliament adjourned as FDI policy paralyses proceedings

New Delhi, Nov 28: The political storm over FDI in retail gathered momentum Monday paralysing proceedings in Parliament for the second day amid vociferous demands to withdraw the controversial decision.

Both Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha could not transact any business and witnessed uproar over the FDI issue, leading to their adjournment till tomorrow.

Members of several parties, including Trinamool Congress, a UPA constituent, stormed the Well in Lok Sabha opposing the decision on FDI and on other issues. Left members were also in the Well as BJP members showed posters on the FDI issue.

In the Rajya Sabha too the Trinaool Congress members were on their legs.

The two Houses were rocked on Friday too, a day after government decided to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail.

With several other issues including price rise, separate Telangana and safety of Mullaperiyar dam raising the political temperature, proceedings of Parliament remained a virtual washout since the Winter session began last Tuesday.

Some Congress members from Kerala were seen in the Well on the Mullaperiyar issue, while TRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao and some other members from Telangana were pressing demand for a separate state.

It was a placards galore in the Lower House with members carrying posters 'Don't allow FDI in retail', 'Bring separate Telangana Bill' and 'Mullaperiyar Dam in danger: Save 30 lakh people in Kerala'.

The uproar continued despite Deputy Speaker Karia Munda informing Lok Sabha that "all the notices of adjournment motion on FDI in retail sector are under consideration of the Speaker. She will take a decision in due course."

Taking a dig at his arch rival and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who had alleged that the Centre had adopted an arrogant approach without consulting the state on the issue, Karunanidhi said the Centre's announcement could not be compared with her decision to "steeply hike" milk price and bus fares.

The Centre should neither compel the states nor even suggest to them to implement the decision, he said, adding the Centre should withdraw the decision accepting the views of DMK and other political parties and also the unanimous demand of small traders.

This is for the second time in as many days the DMK had come out against the Centre, the first one being to oppose the Indian Coast Guard's proposal to create a no-fishing zone in Palk Straits to avoid attack on Indian Fishermen.

PTI