Congress MPs stage demonstration in favour of Lokpal discussion

NEW DELHI: After adjournment of the Lok Sabha over the Lokpal issue, about a dozen Congress MPs on Friday staged a demonstration in front of Parliament gate near Gandhi statue shouting slogans against BJP accusing the party of not allowing debate in the House on the legislation and disrupting its proceedings.

As Deputy Speaker Kariya Munda declared that the House will take up the debate under Rule 193 (short duration discussion), BJP members were on their feet protesting the move demanding it should be done under a rule which provides for voting.

The din prompted the Deputy Speaker to adjourn the House for an hour.

"It is unfortunate that BJP did not allow the discussion on the Lokpal in the House. It seems there is a conspiracy not to let Anna break his fast," Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit told reporters outside Parliament.

The short duration discussion was moved by Dikshit and UP Congress MP Jagdambika Pal.

Meenakshi Natrajan, the young Congress MP who was part of the core team of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, said "They (BJP) are exposed today. It is now clear what they want."

Referring to Rahul's speech in the House, she said, "We want a constitutional body like Election Commission to fight corruption as a long term policy."

Pal who had moved the discussion said, "By disrupting the House BJP proved what it wants. There should be a discussion in the House."

Congress MPs Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora and Jitin Prasad were also part of the group that staged demonstration.