Parliament logjam continues, no business 4th day in a row

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha failed to transact any legislative business for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday as members from political parties, including NDA ally TDP, Opposition AIADMK and Trinamul Congress, continued their protests on various issues.

Members from the TDP, AIADMK, Telangana Rashtra Samiti ( TRS) and TMC trooped into the Well, with many holding placards and raising slogans.

While the TDP was demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh, the AIADMK sought immediate setting up of Cauvery River Management Board.

AIADMK members were also seen holding placards of Dravidian movement founder Thanthai Periyar. Members from the TRS were demanding an increase in quota.

Amid the din, minister of state for parliamentary affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal moved the supplementary demands for grants seeking Parliament nod for additional cash spending of ` 85,315 crore.

As the House met for the day, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan extended greetings on International Women’s Day and also read out a message.

Soon after members from TMC, TDP, TRS, YSR Congress and AIADMK trooped into the Well raising slogans.

Members from Opposition Congress who have been protesting vociferously over the ` 12,700 crore fraud at PNB, were also on their feet.

The Rajya Sabha proceedings too were washed out for the fourth consecutive day amid uproar by Opposition members and those from the NDA ally TDP over various issues, including the banking scam. However, the Upper House united to resolve to strive for the empowerment of women, with members, cutting across political affiliations, seeking early passage of the women’s reservation bill.