BJP says it will not disrupt rail budget presentation

BJP today promised that it would not disrupt railway budget presentation and said it has given notice for adjournment motion in Lok Sabha to discuss price rise after deliberation in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow.

BJP today promised that it would not disrupt railway budget presentation and said it has given notice for adjournment motion in Lok Sabha to discuss price rise after deliberation in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow.

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Deputy Leader of BJP in the Rajya Sabha, S S Ahluwalia, maintained that both Houses of Parliament had to be adjourned today as the government did not agree to put to vote the discussion on price rise in the Upper House and did not accept adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha.

"Parliament is not a "talking or debating club" and discussions on an issue should be put to vote," Ahluwalia said, adding, "The government wanted to escape a parliamentary referendum in both Houses on the issue of price rise."

Some UPA allies like DMK, TMC and NCP are reported to be against the recent decision to remove 10 per cent subsidy on urea. As such, in case of voting the government may face embarrasment with some of its allies going against it. Similarly, some UPA allies are miffed at rise in prices of sugar and dal.

Moreover, in the Rajya Sabha, the UPA does not enjoy majority. BJP wanted a discussion on price rise under Rule 167/168 which calls for voting on the issue discussed.

However, BJP will allow the rail budget to be presented tomorrow.

"Presentation of the rail budget is a constitutional process and we will not interrupt it," Ahluwalia said.