New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday said the impasse in the Rajya Sabha is entirely because of the continued refusal of the government to have a discussion under Rule 267 on issues such as the use of excessive force by police against peaceful student protesters.
Ramesh said various opposition parties, led by the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, have submitted a notice under Rule 267 seeking suspension of the day’s ordinary business and an immediate discussion on the alleged use of excessive force by police against peaceful student protesters on July 20.
The notice alleged that police used lathi-charge, tear gas, pellet guns, shock batons and water cannons during the protest.
The notice also sought a discussion on the alleged manhandling of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders on July 21, alleging that they were pushed around and dragged on the roads by police personnel.
They want a discussion on the complete silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the student protests and police barbarity, as well as the continued unwillingness of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign in the face of the mounting evidence of his unfitness to hold office, the Congress general secretary in-charge communications said.
The opposition wants a discussion the mounting frustration and hopelessness of youth across the country with the education and examination system, Ramesh said.
“The impasse in the Rajya Sabha is entirely because of the continued refusal of the government to have this discussion under Rule 267,” the Rajya Sabha MP said.
Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha allows Members of Parliament to issue a written notice requesting the suspension of the day’s pre-decided agenda. It requires the consent of the Chairman to move a motion. If carried, it sets aside regular business to discuss urgent matters of public importance.
The Rajya Sabha has witnessed repeated adjournments since the Monsoon Session began on Monday, after Opposition members tried to raise the issue of police action against students protesting the NEET examination paper leak. PTI ASK NB
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