jyaNew Delhi: Deadlock in Rajya Sabha continued for the fourth day today as opposition kept demanding reply by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a debate on religious conversions which the government steadfastly rejected.
Though the Prime Minister was present in the House during the Question Hour, the proceedings were consumed by arguments between the opposition and treasury benches over procedures of a debate on the communal incidents in the country.
Thursday is a day when questions related to the portfolios held by the Prime Minister are listed for reply.
As the Opposition continued to press its demand leading to repeated adjournments, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government was ready to debate the issue immediately but asserted that Opposition cannot dictate who will reply from the government side and what will be the terms and conditions.
“In this very House the Prime Minister made a statement on request of opposition… Three days after the Prime Minister’s statement, the House was not allowed to function…I repeat government’s (offer). If they want (discussion), let it start just now,” Jaitley said.
Ruling out a reply by the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkiah Naidu said as per the rules the Home Minister will reply after the debate as the issue relates to his ministry.
But almost the entire Opposition insisted on reply by the Prime Minister only.
“The Prime Minister should reply,” Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said, and got support from Congress members.
Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said since the Prime Minister is present, he should listen to views of members and then reply as there is “unease” outside as well as inside the House.
Deputy Leader of Congress Anand Sharma said, “Opposition is serious to end the deadlock…The Prime Minister is a good speaker…He should reply.
PTI
