Winter Session of Parliament a virtual washout

NEW DELHI: Two days ahead of schedule, the Winter Session of Parliament was wound up today after a virtual washout with business being transacted only in the last two days, including passage of historic Lokpal Bill.

Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were repeatedly adjourned over a host of issues since the Winter Session began on December 5.

While the session was to end on December 20, it was adjourned two days ahead of schedule.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rejected suggestions that government was "escaping" by ending the session early.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said Parliament has been adjourned sine die and not prorogued and it could be reconvened any time.

The session saw a virtual washout on all the days. Lok Sabha could not function even till yesterday and saw legislative work today when it passed the Lokpal Bill.

Rajya Sabha worked for two days - yesterday and today - as it passed the Lokpal Bill and discussed India's position at WTO in Bali.

In the Rajya Sabha yesterday, virtually all parties joined hands to pass the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2013 after a five-hour debate.

The Lok Sabha today passed the Lokpal Bill after a brief discussion amid din over Telangana and other issues.

MPs supporting and opposing creation of a separate state of Telangana disrupted the proceedings virtually every day.