Day 1 of monsoon session: Rajya Sabha proceedings disrupted over Lalit Modi issue

Proceedings of the Rajya Sabha were disrupted on the first day of the Monsoon session which began on Tuesday, with Opposition Congress demanding the resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj over the Lalit Modi controversy and the BJP accusing it of "running away" from a debate on it, reported PTI.

Congress members forced three adjournments in the pre-lunch session making both Question Hour and Zero Hour a casualty. However, Leader of the House, Arun Jaitley offered to resolve the matter by saying that Swaraj could make a statement on the issue.

Jaitley said: "Please start a discussion immediately. You don't want a discussion.... You don't have to press your case for a discussion. I am making an offer and would suggest ... if they want to start a discussion, then start it immediately. If they want a statement from the External Affairs Minister, we are ready for it. Sushma Swaraj will make a statement within five minutes."

However, Congress members continued to disrupt the proceedings of the House. Chairman Hamid Ansari urged them to allow the Question Hour to function. Ansari later adjourned the House till 2 p.m.

As soon as the House assembled in the morning, Congress members were on their feet targetting the NDA government on the matter and raising questions over its "probity".

They reminded the ruling dispensation of the assurances given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

Raising the matter soon after the obituary references, Congress leader Anand Sharma demanded a reply from PM.

He asked why the External Affairs Minister requested the British government to issue travel documents to Lalit Modi within in two and half months of NDA coming to power.

Sharma also raised the issue of affidavit signed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje favouring Lalit Modi.

"The PM had assured to ensure transparecy, accountability in governance and acting against those indulging in corrupt practices... Where is the probity left? You have violated the dignity," he said.

Amid objections from the treasury benches to his remarks, Congress members trooped into the Well of the House and raising slogans for her removal.

Sharma also questioned the "humanitarian grounds" on which Britain was requested to issue the travel documents to Lalit Modi, alleging that the former IPL chief was travelling around the world as if "on a pleasure trip and as a tourist".

(Image: Indiatimes)