Govt-Opposition Lock Horns Over 7 Congress MPs Suspension

New Delhi: The suspension of seven Congress Lok Sabha MPs on Thursday, is bound to heighten the friction between the Modi government and the Opposition. The seven MPs from the Congress were suspended for the remaining part of the budget session of Parliament on grounds of gross misconduct, following unruly scenes in the Lower House. The Congress has called for a meeting party MPs over the matter on Friday at 10.30 am.

The Opposition on Thursday pressed for a discussion on the Delhi violence and during noisy scenes which followed, MPs rushed into the well of the House. Some of the members snatched papers from the Speaker's table.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi moved a resolution for the suspension of seven Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, Dean Kuriakose, Manicka Tagore, Rajmohan Unnithan, Benny Behanan, Gurjeet Singh Aujla and TN Prathapan. The Minister said that the MPs with their inappropriate behaviour had undermined the dignity of the house.

The Lok Sabha adopted the resolution for the suspension of the seven MPs for the remaining part of the budget session by voice vote and the House was adjourned for the day.

The Congress described the suspension of its seven members as a 'black day' in the functioning of the Parliament. It said that the government is running away from a debate on the Delhi riots.

Congress party leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury remarked that the Modi government was trying to stifle the voice of the opposition. He added that the opposition would not back off from its demand for a discussion on the Delhi violence before any other matter was taken up in the house.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had earlier, told the house that the government was ready for a discussion on Delhi violence and that the debate would be held after Holi. The Opposition has been insisting on an urgent discussion.