Opposition walks out of Lok Sabha seeking debate on farmers' plight

Opposition parties led by the Congress on Wednesday walked out of the Lok Sabha after the Chair rejected a demand to immediately discuss issues related to farmer's plight even as the government said the matter was listed for discussion under Rule 193.

Soon after the house met at noon after the first adjournment, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said he had given a notice for adjournment pertaining to farmer's problems but this was rejected.

"Farmers on a large-scale are facing problems. They are committing suicide. The agriculture sector is in a complete mess and their problems are growing. The central government has failed to resolve the crisis," he said.

Kharge demanded that farm loans across the country should be waived off and farmers should be given MSP with 50 per cent profit on their actual spending.

He was countered by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananthkumar who said it was the Modi government which had done a lot for the farmers.

"The farmers issue has been listed for discussion under Rule 193. We are ready to discuss the issue and respond to the queries raised by members," he said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also urged Kharge to raise his concerns during the debate but Kharge insisted on an immediate discussion.

When Mahajan rejected his demand, the opposition parties including the Left, TMC, SP, NCP, RJD, JD-U and NC walked out of the Lok Sabha.

Earlier, the Congress-led opposition created a ruckus on the issue, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the house till 12 noon. This happened after Kharge wanted to raise the issue but was not allowed to do so.

Soon after, opposition members rushed towards Speaker's podium shouting slogans.

"We are ready for a discussion, so please don't disturb the House," Kumar said.

Amid the din, the Speaker tried to conduct the Question Hour.

P.R. Sundaram of the AIADMK congratulated the Modi government and ISRO for the launch of a nano satellite and queried about the launching of more satellites. Minister of State Jitendra Singh responded to his query despite the sloganeering.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House. As the disturbances continued, Mahajan adjourned the House till noon.

"You just want to create ruckus. You don't want to discuss," Mahajan remarked.

--IANS

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