The Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha have changed their strategy to block the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill. The Congress created a ruckus in the House on Friday, demanding the resignation of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The party did not allow the taking up of even the private member’s Bills in the House.
The disruption was based on a CAG report tabled in both the Houses a week ago, which named Gadkari in connection with violations in terms and conditions for subsidy schemes availed by Purti Sakhar Karkhana Ltd, promoted by him.
The Congress said it will continue to disrupt the proceedings until Gadkari resigns. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the issue is not a question of allegation against an individual MP or minister. “This is a CAG report,” he said and added that the case is a blow to the BJP, which talks about corruption and transparency in and outside the House.
“Here is a case involving something for which he had to resign as BJP president in the past. This is a CAG report against a company he headed,” he said.
A senior leader told BusinessLine the Opposition will continue to demand Gadkari’s resignation next week too.
The Opposition’s real strategy is to put pressure on the Centre to agree to its demand for a select committee for the GST Bill. If the House gets disrupted for three days, it will be difficult for the government to push the Bill.
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