Parliament stalled over Koda

The Parliament witnessed uproar over the multi-crore scam involving former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, after an angry BJP raised the issue, saying the Congress was hand-in-glove with the former CM and was trying to protect him.

The Parliament on Tuesday witnessed uproar over the multi-crore scam involving former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, after an angry BJP raised the issue, saying the Congress was hand-in-glove with the former CM and was trying to protect him.

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Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, the BJP demanded a discussion on the alleged scam. BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain alleged the Congress was trying to shield Koda as many Congressmen were also involved in the scam. “Koda got only a small share of the entire corrupt money,” he claimed.

Soon after, BJP members staged a walkout but came back shouting slogans — “Koda Nahi Akela Hai. Congress ka mela hai (Koda is not alone. It’s a Congress affair).”

While the Opposition raised the Koda issue, BJP deputy leader in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj was heard demanding discussion of the Liberhan Commission report on Babri Masjid demolition.

Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu said Koda should be arrested. “The person (Koda) needs to be put behind the bars immediately and the issue discussed in the House,” Naidu said. The Liberhan Commission report, Naidu claimed, was “leaked” to divert attention from the scam — a charge strongly countered by treasury benches.

Earlier, the Opposition raised the issue of non-availability of fertilisers and seed in the country and demanded immediate assurance from the government for ensuring smooth supply.