The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the 17th consecutive day amid protests. The no-confidence motion hasn’t yet been taken up yet. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha bid farewell to some of its retiring members including Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien and Sachin Tendulkar.
Lower House Adjourned
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day. It will reconvene at 11 am on Thursday, 29 March.
Leader of Oppn Welcomes Returning Members
The Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad welcomed the returning members of the Rajya Sabha. Taking a humourous dig at BJP MP Naresh Agrawal, Azad said, “Naresh Agarwal ji jaise ek suraj hai. Idhar nikle, udhar dubey, udhar dubey, idhar nikle. Mujhe yaqeen hai jis party mein vo gaye hain vo unki kshamta ka poora upyog karegi” (Naresh Agrawal ji is like the sun, he rises here, sets there, then rises somewhere else. I hope that the party he has joined will make full use of his capabilities).
PM Modi Thanks Kurien and Other Retiring Members for Their Contribution
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a farewell speech for the retiring members of the Upper House. He thanked Kurien for his role in the Rajya Sabha. “He always delivers everything with a smile.”
All those who are retiring from the house (Rajya Sabha) today have their own significance and each of them tried their best to contribute to the glorious future of this country. I wish you success in future.PM Narendra Modi
He also said he wished that the retiring members could have been a part of historic upcoming bills like the Triple Talaq Bill.
Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien Bids Farewell
Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu bid farewell to retiring members in the beginning of Wednesday’s session. He said, “A politician never retires, only his role changes.”
Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien bid farewell to those member of the Rajya Sabha whose terms have ended. Kurien himself will be retiring as well. He addressed the issue of deterioration in parliamentary proceedings.
“The highest form of protest, then, was a walkout. Now instead of walking out of the House, they are walking in to the well. In those days, I remember how the Opposition used to grill ministers. Today, ministers are very happy, as the sloganeering ensures that nothing is achieved.”
He said that nobody in particular or no party in particular was to be blamed for the disruption in business, instead he urged all the members to walk together.