by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group
New Delhi Dec. 2
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The ruling BJP is facing its first litmus test in Parliament's Winter Session with the combined Opposition demanding the resignation of Union minister of state for food processing Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti for using expletives at a public rally. Though the minister tendered apology in Parliament and the Lok Sabha functioned smoothly, the Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned for the day as the Opposition wants to taste the blood.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on his part sent out strong warning to party MPs this morning. As if this was not enough, Modi went on to say that he would not "compromise on this kind of indiscipline."
But the PM's statement did not douse Opposition's fire against Sadhvi saying how could a minister of the Central government use such words against the members of the minority community and divide the country on communal lines. Sensing that the issue has given an opportunity to unite against the government in Rajya Sabha where it is in a hopeless minority, Arun Jaitley made the minister to apologise for her statement. The minister tendered similar apology in Lok Sabha too.
But the Rahul Gandhi-led agitation outside and inside the parliament gained grounds with SP, BSP, JD (U), TMC, Left parties and others joining. But the AIADMK, BJD and a couple of other parties opted to watch the situation quietly.
The unity amongst the Opposition parties was more visible in the Rajya Sabha rather than in the Lok Sabha.
The Congress leadership has conveyed to the treasury benches that the Opposition would not allow the House to function until the minister resigns. It is stated that even the BJP had held up the Parliament for weeks together on various issues including the 2G and coalgate.
It is pertinent to mention that the Sadhvi had said at a public rally in Delhi, "You have to decide. Do you want a government of Ramzaadon (followers of Ram) or those who are illegitimate?"
When the Opposition said the apology is not enough, Jaitley said in the Rajya Sabha that she had not done anything inside the Parliament. She has already apologised for what she had unintentionally said at an election rally. Therefore, if someone had a problem outside, he or she could launch criminal proceedings.
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