Rajya Sabha members on Monday demanded exemption from Delhi’s odd-even policy, saying that it amounted to obstructing a Member of Parliament (MP) from attending the House. Following Deputy Chairman P J Kurien’s intervention, Minister of State, Parliamentary Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi assured the House that the matter would be taken up with the Delhi government. A few days ago, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel had violated the rule in protest and paid the fine. Even as MPs protested, JD(U)’s K C Tyagi stood up in support of the policy, describing it as one that had been “lauded the world over”. However, he said MPs deserved to be exempted from the rule. [related-post] The matter was first raised by Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Agrawal as a point of order. “Many people have been exempted. This scheme is just the Delhi government’s way of showing MPs their place. The Centre too is silent on this. At this rate, the Delhi government can say that on one day, people whose names start with A and B can walk the roads, and on others those whose names start with C and D are allowed,” said Agrawal. Congress deputy leader Anand Sharma said the work of parliamentary committees was suffering. Rajiv Shukla demanded exemption for MPs. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said MPs should be granted exemption at least while the House is in session. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien too conceded that the odd-even rule had become an impediment for MPs to reach Parliament. Naqvi assured the members that the matter would be taken up, but also took potshots at the disruptions in proceedings. “We will take the matter up with the Delhi government but you start working first,” he said. Kurien then quipped: “Naqvi Saab, even if it is for shouting or to disrupt, they have to be here.” He said it was the government’s duty to allow MPs to discharge their duties, and a call should be taken on Rajeev Shukla’s demand for granting exemption to MPs. WATCH INDIAN EXPRESS VIDEOS HERE
