Uproar as just one cabinet minister present in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Opposition today created uproar in the Lok Sabha over the presence of just one Cabinet minister during Zero Hour when it was raising matters of public importance.

Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj complained against the 'casual attitude' of the government towards important issues being raised in the House.

HRD and Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal was the only Cabinet minister present in the House. The Treasury Benches had very few MPs in attendance.

Sanjay Nirupam (Cong), backed by several of his party colleagues, insisted that government was not required to respond to demands during Zero Hour.

"Virtually the Treasury Benches are empty. There is only one minister present. We raise these issues as the Speaker insisted that these matters be taken up during Zero Hour. But the government is indifferent towards Zero Hour," Swaraj said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal walked in hastily when the uproar was on. He tried to pacify the members, saying the whole cabinet is not required to be present in the House.

However, the Opposition refused to relent with Yashwant Sinha (BJP) insisting that this government is "dumb, deaf and absent".