Despite the Government’s stand in Parliament that it had no role in deciding the price of petrol, the Opposition and the United Progressive Alliance’s supporters disrupted proceedings on Monday, demanding an immediate rollback.
The Opposition said the Government insulted the House by allowing the decision to be announced outside the House on Friday, when Parliament was in session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rajiv Shukla, said in Rajya Sabha that petrol prices were deregulated and the oil companies could decide on the prices, independent of the Government.
The Opposition alleged that the Government was running away from its responsibility, as the oil companies were under the public sector.
The BJP said it would continue to protest the price hike in the coming days. It also demanded a discussion on the decision to deregulate petrol prices.
“Parliament and the public are kept in the dark by the Government. We have every right to know of the Centre’s decision to deregulate oil prices,” BJP spokesperson, Shahnawaz Hussain, said. The party is likely to press for a discussion on the issue in both the Houses.
The issue was raised in Rajya Sabha by senior Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal who was joined by members from the Opposition.
Adjournments galore
The Lok Sabha also witnessed uproarious scenes on the issue. The Lower House was adjourned twice in the morning and adjourned for the day when it met at 2 p.m. The Rajya Sabha witnessed four adjournments till 3 p.m. before being adjourned for the day.
Deputy leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Government was taking Parliament lightly. “This is an insult to your dignity,” he said.
Agarwal said the oil companies were 100 per cent owned by the Government and were controlled by the Centre, according to the Companies Act.