Opposition’s insistence on a discussion over Gautam Adani bribery charges and the counter of the treasury benches that the Congress brass was hand-in-glove with US-based investor George Soros led to repeated adjournments in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. With no signs of functioning, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has convened a meeting with leaders of both sides to find a way out.
When the proceedings began on Monday, Dhankhar dismissed the notices received under Rule 267 on various issues from the Adani bribery charge to violence in UP’s Sambhal, and the alleged link between Congress brass and Soros.
The BJP members kept pressing for a discussion on the Soros issue while the Congress leaders alleged that the ruling party is not willing to run the House. “When the chairman has already rejected the notices and allowed the House to continue with normal business, the ruling party members are still trying to disrupt the House. This shows their intention,” Congress leader Pramod Tiwary said in the House. After 40 minutes of repeated appeals to both the treasury as well as Opposition benches, the House was briefly adjourned.
When the house reassembled in the afternoon, Leader of the House JP Nadda said that BJP members are agitated over the newspaper reports that there is a direct link between a political party and anti-India forces. “Our members want a discussion in the House,” Nadda said.
Congress leader Digvijay Singh blamed the chair for allowing statements from leaders. “With due respect, I want to say that it was not expected from you, sir (Chairman). Under which rule are you allowing the members to speak by taking their names,” Singh said. The chairman once again adjourned the House.
At 2pm, the chairman asked Nadda to speak, who remarked, “The events which have unfolded have enraged our members and the whole nation is concerned.” He added, “National security is crucial. A troubling link has been found between George Soros and the Forum of Democratic Leaders in Asia-Pacific. Co-president of this House is a female member who views Jammu and Kashmir as an independent entity. Their funding structure is linked to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. This tarnishes India’s image.”
He demanded that a discussion be held on this issue in the House.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge countered the charge, saying it was completely false and it is the BJP which is trying to destabilise the nation. Dhankhar denied Kharge an opportunity to speak further, cutting him short within a minute and adjourned the House.
