The Hindu : Opposition raises a din on diesel, fertilizer price hike

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 05, 2003

National

National

Opposition raises a din on diesel, fertilizer price hike

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI MARCH 4. The Government found itself on the backfoot in the Lok Sabha once again, on the issue of increase in the prices of diesel and fertilizers. Angry Opposition MPs raised a din on the issue during zero hour, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House much ahead of schedule.

The issue was raised by Ramjilal Suman, Samajwadi Party, who accused the Government of turning a deaf ear to the pleas of the farmers. Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi alleged that the Government was playing politics with the farmers.

He was supported by Shivraj Patil, the deputy leader of his party, who said that unless the Government withdraws the hike in prices, the Opposition parties would continue to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament.

Though most of the allies remained silent while the Opposition continued to raise the issue, Devendra Prasad Yadav (JD-U) demanded that the Government say something.

At this stage the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Vijay Goel, told the House that he would convey the feelings of the members to the Government.

However, it appeared to have little impact on the Opposition and soon members from the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the SP trooped into the well of the House shouting slogans against the Government.

They continued their protest for nearly 10 minutes, after which the Speaker said he was adjourning the House.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National