The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday attended both Houses of Parliament, bringing to the fore divides in the Opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that has been boycotting proceedings since April 28.
"While condemning the vindictive and hostile attitude of the Government, we would like to participate in the parliamentary proceedings under protest," TDP leader Yerran Naidu said in the Lok Sabha.
He deplored the Government's "attitude" towards the Opposition and said: "Without opposition, there is no parliamentary democracy. We decided to attend proceedings to raise matters of public importance."
Though the TDP has five Lok Sabha MPs, only two attended the House and Speaker Somnath Chatterjee welcomed them.
Earlier in the day, the TDP clarified after a parliamentary party meeting that their demand for the dismissal of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government would continue.
The Opposition has been boycotting both Houses of Parliament since last Thursday after a Bihar court chargesheeted Lalu Prasad in a multi-billion-rupee fodder scam.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has categorically said he would not drop the minister, as he was not convicted.
The BJP-led Opposition has announced that it would continue the boycott till May 13, the last day of the Budget Session.