Sushma questions absence of ministers

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj today questioned the absence of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar when the house was about to begin a discussion on the price rise and fuel hike issues.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday questioned the absence of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar when the house was about to begin a discussion on the price rise and fuel hike issues.

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"No opposition leader will speak in the absence of the ministers who are answerable to the price rise and fuel price hike," Swaraj said pointing to the absence of Mukherjee, Pawar and Deora in the house after the lunch break.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayansamy said the debate could proceed as other cabinet ministers were present in the house.

"The leader of opposition is trying to set a new precedent in the house," he said.

When Swaraj continued to press her point, Deora came into the house and Deputy Speaker Karia Munda invited Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav for discussion.