Disruptions mar debate in Parliament on Food Security Bill

Disruptions caused over the Telangana issue marred the government's attempts to take up for discussion the National Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha for the second consecutive day.

After two adjournments, when the House met at 2 pm, Food Minister KV Thomas stood up to make a statement on the legislation. Amid slogan shouting by TDP members on the Telangana issue, BJP members stood on their benches demanding that House be brought to order since they couldn't hear the minister.

Some members from Congress, however, were heard saying that they could easily hear what Thomas was stating using the earphones.

All the while, TDP members kept raising slogans in the Well against the decision on formation of a separate Telangana. Amid din, the proceedings were adjourned till 3 pm.

When the House met again, Speaker Meira Kumar read out a resolution against attack on an Indian patrol on LoC. The House also rejected a resolution adopted by the Pakistan National Assembly.

The bill could not be discussed on Tuesday too under similar circumstances. Thomas had risen then, too, to make a statement but could not be heard amid din.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was on Wednesday slated to speak on the bill as the first speaker from the ruling party. However, after successive adjournments, the House was adjourned for the day to meet again on Monday.

While Thursday is a holiday on account of Independence Day, Parliament would also not meet Friday. Parliament does not sit on weekends (August 17-18).

The Congress is believed to have issued a whip to its members to be present in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Food Security Bill, which it has termed as a "game-changer" proposal.