Lok Sabha passes Farm Laws Repeal Bill amid protests by Opposition seeking discussion

With more MPs rushing to the well of the house speaker Birla adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon. Only one question was taken up during Question Hour.

Congress leaders protest outside Parliament (Express photo/Prem Nath Pandey)

The Lok Sabha passed the Farm Laws Repeal Bill on Monday without any discussions even as the Opposition was vociferously demanding talks regarding it.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar introduced and tabled the Bill for consideration and passing. The MPs of TMC and DMK came to the well of the House seeking a discussion while the Congress MPs, who were initially there, went back to their seats to let their leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhary to raise the demand.

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“When it is listed as consideration and passing of the Bill, why can’t there be a debate? This government, since 2014, has been passing and repealing Bills without any discussions. You have taken this house for a ride,” Choudhary alleged.

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However, the Speaker said that there could be discussions later but there has to be decorum in the House. He repeatedly said that the House has to be in order for a debate.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were present in the House when the Bill was passed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the Lok Sabha when it met in the morning but didn’t come back when the House resumed its session after a brief adjournment at 12 noon.

Tomar stood up and pushed the bill for passage and the House passed it with a voice vote amidst sloganeering by the Opposition. TRS MPs were also in the well of the house holding placards demanding uniform procurement policy.

The first day of Parliament’s Winter Session began on a disruptive note as the Opposition MPs rushed to the well of the House in Lok Sabha, raising various issues. While the Congress and TMC MPs were raising slogans in support of farmers, DMK’s T R Baalu was heard demanding that the House passes a resolution condoling the death of farmers who lost their lives during the agitation against the contentious farm laws.

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As soon as the House met for the day, two new members — Congress’ Pratibha Singh and BJP’s Gyaneshwar Patil — took oath. While Singh represents Mandi in Himachal Pradesh), Patil has been elected from Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh.

Obituary references were also made for eight former members — B Senguttuvan, Kalyan Singh, Oscar Fernandes, Godil Prasad Anuragi, Shyam Sunder Somani, Rajnarayan Budholiya, Devwrat Singh and Hari Danve Pundlik. The House stood in silence for a while as a mark of respect.

The session is scheduled to conclude on December 23.

Liz Mathew

Have been in journalism covering national politics for 23 years. Have covered six consecutive Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls in almost all the states. Currently writes on ruling BJP. Always loves to understand what's cooking in the national politics (And ventures into the act only in kitchen at home). ... Read More

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