The Winter Session of the Rajya Sabha began on a stormy note over issues such as rebel JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav’s disqualification and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks linking his predecessor Manmohan Singh to Pakistan.

The Lok Sabha adjourned for the day after paying homage to three Sultan Ahmed, Chand Nath and Tasleem Uddin, who were members of the current House.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he expected the session to be “productive” and push the country’s development agenda forward. In his customary address to the media at Parliament House ahead of the session’s commencement, Modi expressed hope that the sittings would see debates with innovative suggestions from Parliament members. The Winter Session is expected to end on January 5, 2018.

Modi also said the all-party meeting on Thursday had agreed on the need for constructive discussions on issues of national importance. The Centre has listed 41 Bills for consideration and passage during the ongoing session.

Soon after Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu announced his decision to disqualify Yadav, senior member Naresh Agarwal (Samajwadi Party) and Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raised objections. Venkaiah, however, told them that the issue could not be raised as he had taken a final decision on the matter based on a complaint raised by the JD(U)’s leader in the House, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh. Azad said it was Singh and other members of the party who had violated the principles of coalition as the grand alliance was formed to keep the BJP out of power. Opposition members protested against the decision and the House had to be adjourned till 12 pm.

When the House met at 12 pm, Azad said the Opposition had given notices under Rule 267 seeking a statement from Modi on his remarks against former vice-president Hamid Ansari, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and several diplomats. Venkaiah, however, disallowed the notice, fuelling protests by Opposition MPs.

“There has been a serious matter which is not only the concern of the government but also of the Opposition. One allegation has been levelled on a former prime minister and a former vice-president,” Azad said. “There are charges ... many foreign secretaries, high commissioners and ambassadors... charges have been levelled on them that they are hatching a conspiracy with Pakistan in Gujarat election. The PM on December 10 in Palampur in Gujarat has levelled this allegation. This is not an ordinary allegation...against a former PM, vice-president and Army chief,” Azad added.

Venkaiah maintained that he had disallowed the motion, following which protests erupted. The Chairman then adjourned the House till 2.30 pm. When the House met again, Azad raised the issue. Despite pleas from Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, the ruckus continued. Kurien adjourned the House for the day at 3.30 pm.

Later, talking to reporters, Azad said it was for the first time that a Prime Minister had levelled such accusations against persons who held high offices. “I believe this is a very serious allegation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must clarify this in Parliament. If the Prime Minister is using such allegations just to win the elections then it is a worrisome issue.” The Congress leader added that if that allegation is true they should be punished, “but if the remark is baseless then the one who has alleged should be called upon”, he said.

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