PM Modi, senior ministers meet Lok Sabha speaker amid deadlock in parliament

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his top ministers went for talks with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla this evening after Parliament adjourned for the day in a stalemate that delayed work in the second half of the budget session. Senior Ministers Rajnath Singh, Pralhad Joshi Kiren Rijiju and others accompanied him. The agenda is not known and although it could be a courtesy meeting, it is also possible that the impasse will be discussed. After the budget finance bill, a second bill was passed today, nearly two weeks after parliament opened for the second half of the budget session.

The meeting also comes amid the row over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi, who was today sentenced to two years in prison in a defamation case involving his remarks about Prime Minister Modi. The BJP fought hard for Mr Gandhi’s disqualification and the decision currently lies with the President.

Since last week opposition has been on warpath in parliament over Adani-Hindenburg line and alleges misuse of central investigative agencies, BJP has been adamant in demanding an apology by Rahul Gandhi for his comments on Indian democracy at Cambridge University.

Mr. Gandhi’s conviction today should make matters worse.

This morning, shortly after papers were laid on the House table, members of Congress rose to their feet waving slogans and showing signs calling for a joint parliamentary committee to investigate the Hindenburg-Adani issue. Several MPs also gathered near the Speaker’s podium.

Some members of the treasury benches were also standing. The debates had to be adjourned until 2 p.m.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Chairman Om Birla have repeatedly held multi-party meetings to resolve the issue.