FDI standoff persists, Parliament paralysed for 9th day

NEW DELHI: The deadlock in Parliament over FDI in retail and several other issues continued for the ninth day today with the opposition and some members of UPA partner Trinamool Congress creating uproar in both Houses to press for their demands.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned minutes after they met for the day.

As soon as Speaker Meira Kumar took up the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Basudeb Acharia (CPI-M) was on his feet and tried to draw her attention to the FDI issue. He was joined by BJP member Murli Manohar Joshi.

Joshi had given a notice for adjournment motion to censure the government on allowing 51 per cent FDI in retail. BJP and Left members were on their feet and raised slogans.

UPA ally Trinamool Congress also protested against FDI in retail with some of its members raising slogans demanding withdrawal of the decision.

MPs from Kerala held placards demanding appropriate steps to deal with the Mullaperiyar dam issue. "Safety of Kerala, Water for Tamil Nadu" read the placards.

As some members walked into the Well to press for their demand, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon.

In the Rajya Sabha, opposition members rose in protest as soon as Chairman Hamid Ansari took his seat. They raised slogans to demand rollback of the decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retailing.

"FDI vapas lo...vapas lo (roll back FDI)...East India Company wapas jao...," chanted members belonging to BJP, BSP, AIADMK and SP.

As they left their seats to enter the Well, Ansari adjourned the House till noon.