Main opposition Congress, BSP and TMC competed with each other in trying to raise the issue more vociferously, throwing the House into a pandemonium and forcing two adjournments, first for 10 minutes and then for about 30 minutes till noon.
No sooner the listed papers were laid, Derek O'Brien (TMC) was up on his feet raising the issue. "Dalits are being oppressed in Gujarat but it is not being discussed here," he said as other members joined in.
By this time, Congress and BSP members too were on their feet with Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad seeking permission to speak.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien allowed him but Mayawati (BSP) appeared eager to speak before him saying she wanted to raise a 'point-of-order'.
Congress members asked under what rule does she want to raise point of order as they rushed into the well shouting slogans against the government. They contended that Azad should speak first.
But as none relented, he was forced to adjourn the House for 10 minutes.
When the House met after the brief break, Congress members rushed into the well shouting slogans like "Dalit Virodhi yeh sarkar nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi (this anti-dalit government will not be tolerated)."
BSP members followed suit and matched Congress members in slogan shouting.
In the melee, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot got up to make a statement but his submission could not be heard in the din.
In the din, Gehlot could only be heard as saying that the state government had taken prompt action over the incident and arrested the accused persons. An inquiry has been ordered and strict action would be taken against those found guilty, he added.
(Reopens PAR4)
When the House re-assembled at noon to take up the
Question Hour, slogan shouting Congress members again trooped in the Well.
Chairman Hamid Ansari tried to pacify the agitated members, but to no avail.
Other opposition parties MP including Mayawati (BSP) and Naresh Agrawal (SP) were seen standing at their places.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
