DMK, AIADMK lock horns in Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha today witnessed stalemate for about half-an-hour with DMK and AIADMK locking horns over who should speak first on the Finance and Railways Bills that were taken up for their return to the Lok Sabha.

As soon as Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who was in the Chair, allowed V Maitreyan (AIADMK) to speak first on Bills, Tiruchi Siva (DMK) raised a strong objection asking the Chair to go by rules.

As Kurien retorted that "Who is to speak and who not is the prerogative of the Chair," Siva charged him with being partial and always favouring AIADMK out of way, saying, "You are creating problems between two political parties. Chair can not create difference between two political parties."

The logjam continued as the Chair insisted that since he had allowed Maitryean to speak first, it would be a violation of rules if he was not allowed to speak on which Siva and his party colleagues threatened they would not allow the House to run.

As the issue lingered, Environment and Forest Minister Jayanthi Natarajan and Rural Development Minister Jayram Ramesh requested the Chair to recall his decision to allow debate on Bills.

Kurein said, "Once I call, why should I undo this. This happens everyday. Members have to be responsible. You are questioning the discretion of the Chair."

An adamant Siva commented, "Chair cannot be partial and inclined to one side."

Railway Minister P K Bansal urged Kurien to allow Siva first in order to facilitate smooth running of the House to which Kurien said if the House has consensus on it, he could allow Siva to speak first.