Deve Gowda upset over disruptions in Parl., says none concerned about common man

Extremely upset with the disruptions in the month-long Winter Session, former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Friday said that he had not witnessed such scenes in Parliament in his political career so far, adding it was extremely unfortunate that various political parties were acting as per their convenience with least concern for the common man.

"Is there any unity in the opposition? There isn't any unity in the opposition. All parties move forward according to their convenience by suppressing the feeling of others," Gowda told ANI.

"I have never witnessed such kind of behaviour in Parliament in the 55 years of my career. I am sorry this is the people's money they are spending, the common man is unhappy. They are not discussing the problems of the common man," he said.

The Lok Sabha was on Friday adjourned sine die.

The Lok Sabha earlier today passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2016, which replaces the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995.

The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 16 had 22 sittings and the government had listed 10 legislations to be discussed and passed, including the crucial the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned sine die without transacting any substantial business on the last day today.

Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari expressed his anguish over the disruption of the House during the Winter Session of Parliament.

In his valedictory remarks, Vice-President Ansari observed regular and continuous disruptions characterised the session.

He said the symbolism of dignified protests, so essential for orderly conduct of parliamentary proceedings, was abandoned.

He felt that the standoff deprived the members the opportunity to seek accountability of the executive through questions and discussions on matters of public interest.

The Vice-President appealed to all sections of the House to introspect on the distinction between dissent, disruption and agitation.