Not enough, let’s get a House resolution: Opposition

“We will wait for what the government has to say,” Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said.

With the government rejecting demands to sack Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, the opposition on Thursday started working on a “second solution” to break the stalemate in Parliament. As a way out, the nine parties, which have been demanding the minister’s ouster, have proposed a House resolution — moved either by the government or by the Chair — condemning such “provocative statements”.

The opposition’s attempt at reconciliation came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in the Rajya Sabha disapproving Jyoti’s controversial “ramzaadon” versus “haramzaadon” remark. Sources in the opposition camp said that there will be no let up in protests on Friday and that the “ball is in now in the government’s court”. In a rare show of unity, the Congress, Trinamool Congress and the Left would hold a joint protest outside the House on Friday before the sessions begins. The MPs would have their mouths covered with black cloths.

Sources in the opposition camp said that if and when the government agrees to their demand, the two sides can work out the exact formulation of the resolution. “It can be a general resolution. But since she (Jyoti) has expressed regret and the Prime Minister himself has disapproved the remarks, there should not be any difficulty in condemning her statement in particular as well,” a senior opposition leader said.

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Sources added that the government is yet to revert to their proposal. Government representatives said that they are open to the idea of a resolution to end the stalemate. “We are ready to walk more than halfway to resolve the issue. Let them come up with any suggestion. We are willing to consider it,” a senior minister said.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien said, “Let the government come back with a proposal. They can bring a unanimous resolution condemning the incident and making it clear that reliable and responsible behaviour is expected from ministers. They cannot shoot off their mouth. They can bring it to us and we can consider it. There is no room for arrogance here. They have to keep in mind that they do not have the numbers to make Rajya Sabha run on their own terms.”

Both Houses of Parliament remained disrupted for the third straight day on Thursday because of opposition protests. While the Rajya Sabha could not transact any business after Modi’s statement, the Lok Sabha debated a bill and resumed a discussion on natural calamities in the afternoon, but without the Congress, Trinamool Congress and Left in attendance since the three parties had boycotted the post-lunch session.

“We will wait for what the government has to say,” Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said.

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Sharma said the government did not make any meaningful effort to the assuage the feelings of a large section of the population hurt by the minister’s remark. “What has happened is an insult to the Indian constitution… The Prime Minister’s words are not adequate. It is the responsibility of the Prime Minister, respecting the oath of office he took and honouring the post he holds, to have taken the right action and informed the House,” he said.

The leaders of the nine parties met twice during the day to discuss the issue. Government sources, meanwhile, claimed that the Congress had agreed to let the House function after the Prime Minister’s statement. Sharma, however, rejected the claim. When asked, O’Brien too said the opposition parties were together and the Congress has not shifted the goal post. “If it is being said from the government side that there was a deal, then it is wrong. We are all responsible political parties,” Sharma said.