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Parliament adjourned sine die

June 10, 2004 11:44 IST
Last Updated: June 10, 2004 14:58 IST


The pre-budget short Parliament session on Thursday ended on an unsavoury note with an aggressive opposition sticking to its demand for removal of "tainted ministers", but allowing adoption of a motion thanking President A P J Abdul Kalam for his address to the joint sitting of both Houses.

The motion was adopted without any debate by a voice vote in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha after all the amendments were negatived or withdrawn.

The opposition members shouted slogans like 'daagi mantri isteefa do' (tainted ministers resign) and 'daagi mantri ki sarkar nahin chalegi' (A government with tainted ministers cannot function).

Members from the ruling benches said the opposition had no moral right to raise such an issue as many of them were chargesheeted and were in the National Democratic Alliance government.

Making brief remarks in both the Houses, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said, "I learn there is understanding on both sides that the motion be put to vote straightaway and passed unanimously."

The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die by Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, bringing to an end the first session of the new House.

The budget session is likely to begin this month-end or the first week of July.

Before adjourning the Rajya Sabha sine die, Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat asked the members to introspect how to resolve conflicts and overcome "situations of obstructions and interruptions".

"Let us, through dialogue and building up mutual trust and understanding, find ways for smooth functioning of the House without having the need for interruptions or adjournments," Shekhawat said.

Lamenting that the normal business of discussion on the President's address could not take place despite many efforts, the chairman reminded the members that they had an obligation to strengthen democracy and uphold the dignity of the House.

He choose the occasion to bid farewell to 61 members who will retire by July 4 and said: "I do hope the heat of summer will be over soon and by the time we meet again in the monsoon session, the environment will be turned pleasant and will be full of harmony and understanding."


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