Parl business cannot be held hostage to minority: BJP

Rejecting Rahul Gandhi's charge, BJP today said the Lok Sabha Speaker observed all parliamentary norms when the bill to amend the IT Act was passed in the House and asserted that business transactions in Parliament cannot be held hostage to a minority.
"We completely reject charges of Rahul Gandhi and opposition parties because all the parliamentary norms were observed by Madam Speaker. The charges show their bankruptcy because though they are in minority in the Lok Sabha, they do not want any business transactions to be done.
"Minority in Parliament cannot hold democratic process hostage. Everything was done as per to rules, laws, traditions and practises," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told PTI.

A 16-party opposition delegation today met President Pranab Mukherjee to protest against the manner in which the bill was passed yesterday and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi later attacked the government for suppressing their voice and breaking parliamentary norms.
Taking a dig at the opposition over its continuing protests in the Rajya Sabha today despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence, Javadekar said he would not be surprised if they demand that Modi attends both the House simultaneously if Parliament is to function.
"Even in the Rajya Sabha they got badly exposed because the PM was there. This was their demand till yesterday. Still they did not start the debate (on demonetisation) because they have nothing to offer to public. Now they say the PM should apologise. I would not be surprised if tomorrow they say he (PM) should be simultaneously present in both the Houses," he said.

Congress quoting parliamentary practise is like pot calling the kettle black, he said, adding that it "destroyed" democracy during the Emergency.
"I still hope they will resume the debate and let Parliament function," he asserted.