Oppn demands debate on Kheri violence, Govt says matter sub-judice
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Wednesday as opposition members raised slogans and waved placards demanding sacking of Union minister Ajay Mishra ‘Teni’ in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, which claimed the lives of eight people, including four farmers.
Opposition members trooped into the Well of the House, waving newspaper reports on the findings of the Special Investigation Team probing the violence and forced adjournment of Lok Sabha proceedings during the Question Hour. Congress members wanted Speaker Om Birla to admit the notices for Adjournment Motion on the Lakhimpur Kheri killings submitted by party leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition members.
“I always give adequate time to members to raise issues. You (protesting members) are disrupting the Question Hour. It is not a good tradition and does not respect the dignity of the House. You don’t want to have discussions,” Birla said.
Meanwhile, the BJP rejected as unfounded the opposition’s demand for the resignation of Union minister Ajay Misra ‘Teni’ and all but ruled out a discussion on the Lakhimpur Kheri issue as the matter is sub-judice. “The probe is on under Supreme Court’s directions. Such comments (of opposition) are unfounded,” Union minister and Piyush Goyal said, adding, “Parliamentary rules dictate that a sub-judice matter is not discussed.”
Rahul Gandhi said the government will have to sack the minister in order to provide justice to the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. “He should resign,” Gandhi said when asked whether Mishra should put in his papers.