Both the Houses witnessed frequent disruptions over the Cauvery dispute. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day without transacting any business. In the Lok Sabha, the Opposition stormed to the well demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Rafale deal.

On Mekadatu Dam

The Bulandshahr violence and the construction of Mekadatu Dam on the Cauvery River were the main issues in Rajya Sabha. Andhra Pradesh members demanded a special status for the State on Friday too.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said he does not want people to see the “ugly scenes” of the House. “Time has come to think of some action,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition in Rajya Sabha stepped up its protest against the triple talaq Bill.

They have been demanding that the Bill must go to a Select Committee for Parliamentary scrutiny.

The differences within the Opposition over the Bill were clear when MPs belonging to Left parties told reporters that the Congress showed its double standards in Lok Sabha on the Bill. The Left MPs said the Congress preferred a walk-out rather than moving amendments to the Bill.

The Left parties have been alleging that the Centre is not keen on gender equality and the provision to criminalise divorce procedures is a major flaw in the Bill.

Women’s Reservation Bill

“If women’s equality is the concern, what about all others abandoned by their husbands? Why is BJP opposing the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala temple, giving equal rights to women?” asked CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.

Related Topics