Congress MPs demand early debate on communal violence

, Aug 13: Congress in Lok Sabha on Wednesday demanded an early debate on communal violence in the country and questioned the delay in holding it, prompting the Speaker to warn it against casting aspersions on the Chair.

As soon as the House met for the day, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said his party has been pressing for a debate on communal violence but due to various other issues on the agenda, importance is not been given to their demand.

He wondered where the party should raise the issue if it is not been allowed to raise it in Lok Sabha. This prompted Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to say that no finger should be raised at the Chair.

Kharge said his party has all the trust in the Speaker and it was not accusing her of bias but Congress members were merely seeking its protection on the issue.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to say that no finger should be raised at the Chair

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the debate on communal violence was an important issue but the House was proceeding as per schedule decided by the Business Advisory Committee. He said the government too was interested in holding a debate on the subject at the earliest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House when Congress raised the issue. While Kharge was raising the issue of communal violence, Rajesh Ranjan (RJD) wanted suspension of Question Hour to discuss the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT) issue and detention of some students protesting the new format in UPSC exams.

Later, he along with other RJD and SP members rushed to the Well raising slogans. Mahajan repeatedly asked them to return to their seats.

Later Naidu urged SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav to ask his members to occupy their seats and said he will discuss the issue with them after the Question Hour. The agitating members then withdrew from the Well.

PTI