Opposition continues protests over demonetisation, Lok Sabha adjourns for the day

NEW DELHI: The logjam in Lok Sabha persisted for the fourth consecutive day due to an uproar by a united Opposition against demonetization.

The opposition leaders stuck to demand for discussion on demonetisation in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had to adjourn the House without holding any businesses.

However, Prime Narendra Modi's presence during Question Hour defused Opposition strategy.

Opposition members came with banners highlighting PM's absence. House adjourned till 12 noon over hungama,. The Speaker first adjourned the House till noon amid the Opposition persisting with demand for a discussion under rule 56, which entails adjournment and voting.

When the House reassembled at noon the Speaker made a bid to bring about a compromise and run the house by allowing members to state their respective positions on the issue which is agitating them.

Even while the congress, TMC, AIADMK, LEFT, SP, RJD stuck to their demand for a discussion under rule 56, Shiv Sena leader Abdul said his party is not marching with opposition.

They are ready under the rule of 193 for discussion. The Speaker refused three adjournment motions moved by Opposition leading to a continuation of the logjam in the House.

The Shiromani Akali Dal leader Chandu Maharaj and BJD leader Bhartuhari Mahatab also came in support of the government and argued that discussion should take place under a rule which is acceptable to govt and opposition.

Mahatab suggested that the discussions could be held under Rule 184, which also entails voting but without adjournment of the business of the House.