From Our Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Government has conveyed to the Opposition to hold a discussion on the price rise in Parliament next week. It was this issue resisted by the government earlier that resulted in blockade of both the Houses by the Opposition since start of the monsoon session on July 18.
The Opposition parties have, however, insisted on lifting of the suspension of four Congress MPs of the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the session as a condition for the debate. That may not be necessary in case of suspension of 23 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, including three on Thursday, since their suspensions are only up to this week.
The opposition leaders said the government, however, does not appear keen for debate on the Agnipath recruitment scheme of the Armed Force as it may evade the matter on the ground that it was sub judice in the top court.
The opposition parties kept creating ruckus to insist on the debate first on the price rise and the GST hike on the eatables, while the government maintained that it will be taken up only after the return of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on recovery from Covid-19.
Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said in a meeting with the leaders of the parties that the suspensions can be revoked if the concerned members apologise for their conduct. However, none of the opposition leaders acquiesced.
