Delhi violence: Debate in Parliament likely on March 11 and 12

New Delhi: Parliament will debate the Delhi violence which saw killing of 53 people on March 11 and 12. Home minister Amit Shah is likely to reply to the debate in both Houses. Announcing the government plan in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that debate will be held in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, when the session resumes after the Holi recess, and in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The Opposition had sought discussion on the subject since resumption of the budget session on March 2. It is not clear if the Opposition will cooperate in the smooth conduct of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday as it has insisted so far that the Delhi violence must be debated before the House takes up any other matter.

When the Rajya Sabha met on Friday, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu lauded the role of women in various fields but no business could be taken up as the Opposition raised slogans, demanding Shah’s resignation. As soon as minister of state for finance Anurag Singh Thakur rose to place a paper pertaining to his ministry in the House, Opposition members rose to their feet and started raising slogans over the Delhi violence. Naidu urged the Opposition MPs to allow House proceedings, but to no avail. Congress, DMK, Trinamool, AAP, SP and Left parties MPs trooped into the well to continue their protest.


“What happened in this House or what is happening in the other House also is a matter of concern. I can only appeal to all, including the government and the Opposition, please discuss among yourselves and come to some sort of a meaningful solution to see that the House functions very effectively because the country is watching what is happening in Parliament, that too in the budget session,” Naidu said. He also reminded MPs important legislations were pending. “I only appeal to all of you please take care of the same.”