New Delhi: Stormy sessions have become a routine in Parliament this Winter Session. Opposition parties on Friday stalled the proceedings in both the houses of Parliament. While BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj’s statement on Nathuram Godse rocked Lok Sabha, the Agra conversions created ruckus in the upper house or Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile, Sakshi Maharaj apologised for his statement in the Lok Sabha. “I take my statement back,” said Maharaj.Â
While Opposition took pot-shots at the government and demanded an apology from the ruling BJP, the government said Opposition had no valid agendas to discuss in the house. The Opposition parties have united and want PM Narendra Modi to speak on the Godse issue in the Parliament.
Earlier, the Centre on Thursday said an anti-conversion law was needed in all the states and the issue needed a wider debate. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Nadu said this while replying to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the Agra conversion issue even as the major opposition parties staged a walkout.
Naidu said conversion is not a simple issue and it needs wider debate. The opposition parties had accused BJP of spreading communal tension in the country through forced conversions.
Defending his government, Naidu said, “We are clear about what we have promised to the people and we will work hard to fulfill that agenda, others should not have any misconception.”
He said if anything had happened, the district magistrate and district administration of Agra will take action. “If you want an advisory to be issued by the Centre, the Centre is ready to help the state to maintain law and order,” he said.
Talking about the accusations against RSS, Naidu said, “What is the relation of this debate with RSS? The RSS is a great organisation of the country, ready for selfless service. I have RSS background and I am proud of it.”
The Minister also replied to charges against HRD Minister Smriti Irani consulting an astrologer. “What’s wrong in Smriti Irani going to astrologer? Why do you insult others’ belief?”
The House had witnessed similar uproarious scenes on Wednesday with the Opposition MPs demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. They said at least 100 Muslims were converted by an RSS offshoot by force and allurement, which was a criminal offence.