Opposition parties on Wednesday staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha, protesting the government’s failure to keep its promise to hike the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Expressing outrage, the opposition also condemned Uttar Pradesh administration’s decision to ban Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi from visiting violence-hit Sambhal.
Akhilesh Yadav of Samajwadi Party criticised the BJP-led government, saying the government was trying to conceal the truth on the violence in Sambhal. “When the BJP government is hiding something?” The BJP is clearly behind the administration’s actions in Sambhal. Yadav said they had stopped delegations from visiting the affected areas.
A heavy police presence and barricades on the Ghazipur border on Wednesday prevented Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from entering Sambhal along with other senior Congress leaders. It further inflames tensions between the opposition and the government-controlled party.
It comes a day after a busy legislative session in the Lok Sabha. The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed by Lower House after deliberations. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2024 was also passed by the Rajya Sabha.
However despite their achievements, Parliament’s ongoing Winter Session has been marred by repeated disruptions. The opposition has taken issue on allegations of corruption against the Adani Group and case of violence in Sambhal. In both Houses these issues have crippled proceedings at the session’s outset.
Despite the government and opposition leaders reaching a temporary consensus on December 3, the protests over MSP and Sambhal show the divisions widening between the two leaders, damaging the smooth working of Parliament.
