Lok Sabha walk-out over Christmas circular

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed a verbal clash between the government and Opposition over the controversial HRD ministry circular for school effectively keeping them open on Christmas Day. Anti-NDA parties staged a walk-out. It peaked after the government referred to the “Gandhi parivar in Congress” to counter the Opposition charge of a Sangh Parivar agenda. Seeking clarification from the government, Congress’ KC Venugopal read out the HRD Ministry circulars to schools and universities that asked them to observe the day by organising several activities. The circulars, he said, also sought photographs and video-recordings of the events as a proof of compliance.

“How can you send photographs and videos without holding events in schools,” he asked, countering the government’s claim that these were online activities.

Government’s reply is “incorrect” and “misleading”, he said as several Opposition members raised slogans. While HRD minister Smiti Irani was seen patting on her forehead to express.