As the Opposition ended the logjam and a delegation of floor leaders met the Speaker, there were indications that the suspension of eight Opposition MPs could be lifted soon, possibly as early as Tuesday. During an all-party meeting, the Speaker also asked parties to strictly adhere to rules against bringing placards into the House, raising slogans from the Well, or crossing over to the treasury benches, sources said.
The decision by the Opposition to resume participation in proceedings, it is learnt, was also influenced by MPs’ eagerness to take part in discussions on the demands for grants of the railway ministry and the upcoming debate on the agriculture ministry, allowing them to raise issues concerning their constituencies.
Appealing to the Speaker to revoke the suspension of Opposition MPs, Congress leader K C Venugopal said, “Our eight members were suspended and they are still sitting outside. This House has witnessed many agitations, so at least a decision should be taken on the matter.” Speaker Om Birla responded that the House does not discuss a matter (suspension) already decided by it.
With several holidays falling this week and next, the ruling and Opposition sides also agreed to compensate for the lost time by holding sittings on the coming Saturday and Sunday (September 28 and 29).
Railway discussion
The Lok Sabha discussion on the demands for grants of the Ministry of Railways saw members mostly sticking to their respective parties’ political positions with the ruling side MPs hailing various initiatives in the railways and Opposition members arguing that the actual implementations of projects were far behind the promises made. MPs of some Opposition-ruled states alleged inadequate railway allocation and projects.
Opening the discussion, Congress MP Tariq Anwar listed a series of what he termed “unfulfilled promises” on various railway projects.
