Odd-even scheme under attack in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's pet odd-even car rationing scheme came for a scathing attack in the Lok Sabha today with an expelled RJD member dubbing it as a plan that would generate corruption.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav contended that the scheme would only help CNG companies and companies manufacturing buses and cars and would hardly reduce pollution.

He said Kejriwal has introduced the scheme to gain "cheap popularity".

Citing an IIT-Kanpur study, he said the pollution from cars was a mere five per cent and the Delhi government has failed to address other issues which contribute for 95 per cent pollution.

This was strongly contested by AAP member Bhagwant Mann, while some BJP members were seen supporting Ranjan's plea.

At an all-party meeting convened here ahead of the session, some MPs sought relief from the Speaker saying members were facing inconvenience due to it.

Raising the issue at the meeting, TRS leader A P Jithender Reddy said even Parliamentarians like him were facing problems in commuting in Delhi due to the scheme as they had only one car here and only one sticker was issued to them by the Lok Sabha exempting them.

His request found some favour from the Speaker who later said that she has asked the Lok Sabha secretariat to work out ways so that MPs do not suffer while commuting.

The second phase of the scheme began on April 15 and will go on till April 30.