Opposition plan to write protest letter to Venkaiah Naidu fizzles out

A section of the Opposition’s planned protest against Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu may have fizzled out even before it could actually start.

Some Opposition parties had earlier this week prepared a draft letter to highlight their “anguish” against some actions of Naidu, but on Friday, at the informal morning meeting at Naidu’s chamber, the Opposition unity appeared in disarray.

According to a leader present in the meeting, Naidu told the leaders that he has read the news about a letter being drafted and added, “I am waiting to get that letter.”

He also added that “As a chairman I don’t have the liberty to speak to the media so I am leaving it to the wisdom of the members” to decide that they want to do.

Congress’ floor leader Bhubneshwar Kalita announced that he doesn’t know anything about any such move by the Opposition and added that he has no issues with Naidu.

“Trinamool’s Derek O’Brien was present but he didn’t say anything. Samajwadi Party floor leader Ramgopal Yadav came late and said that he will never be a party to any such missive to the Chair,” said a political leader present in the meeting.

“The leaders mostly said they were not consulted and don’t support it. Senior congress leaders also said they were not aware of any such draft,” said a functionary present in the meeting.

NEWDELHI: