The issue of alleged corruption related to Karnataka's Maharshi Valmiki Society was raised in both houses of Parliament on Friday. Four BJP MPs from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had given notice under Rule 267 to discuss the issue in Rajya Sabha. However, the Chairman did not permit any of the notices, leading to an uproar from the ruling party members. Opposition members also joined the protest. BJP MP Iranna Kadadi raised the issue in Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, due to the uproar in Lok Sabha, the proceedings had to be adjourned.
BJP MPs Sudhanshu Trivedi, Iranna Kadadi, and other ministers gave notice for discussion under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that four notices under Rule 267 were received regarding the Maharshi Valmiki Society. He mentioned that none of these notices were permitted. Following the Chairman's decision, ruling party members stood up and started protesting. The Chairman warned members about misbehavior and noted that his ruling indicated the issue was not significant enough to disrupt the listed business.
After the Chairman's remarks, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stood up and stated that the Chairman is the custodian of the house and that this is a serious issue. The Chairman reiterated the importance of his rulings under Rule 267, which have been made four times. The ruling party members continued to protest. The Chairman emphasized that the house could not function if one party is in order and the other is not, warning that he could name any member for misbehavior. During Zero Hour, the ruling party members created an uproar over the rejection of discussion notices related to Maharshi Valmiki Society under Rule 267. The Chairman asked Kiren Rijiju to pacify the MPs.
Opposition members also protested. The Chairman stated that no notices were permitted. Congress MP P. Chidambaram suggested adding the issue to the listed business on another day. The Chairman reiterated his rulings under Rule 267. BJP MP Iranna Kadadi was allowed to raise the issue of alleged corruption in Karnataka's Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Caste Society during Zero Hour, to which the opposition members objected. The Chairman stated that if any member gives notice under Rule 267 and seeks to raise the issue during Zero Hour or Special Mention, permission will be granted.
As the BJP MP began speaking, Congress MPs protested and came to the well of the house. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala raised a point of order, accusing BJP members of political drama. The Chairman countered, stating that Surjewala was indulging in political drama and emphasizing that the issue at hand was corruption. Both ruling and opposition members came to the well. The Chairman warned members that no one should stand when he is standing, warning of immediate action against misbehavior.
Mukul Wasnik raised a point of order on the issue, to which the Chairman responded that Wasnik was not fully informed. TMC MP Sushmita Dev from West Bengal objected, noting that multiple notices about Bengal floods had been denied, but permission was granted for this issue. The Chairman clarified that permission was not given under Rule 267. He asked BJP MP Iranna Kadadi to continue, as opposition MPs protested. Despite the opposition's protests, the Karnataka BJP MP continued speaking. Following his speech, opposition members continued to protest in the well.
Lok Sabha Proceedings Suspended Due to Uproar
After Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, BJP MPs from Karnataka raised the issue related to the Maharshi Valmiki Society and demanded a discussion. Speaker Om Birla did not grant permission. Consequently, central ministers Prahlad Joshi, Anurag Thakur, and BJP MPs stood in protest. Opposition MPs also joined the protest in the well. Amidst the chaos, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the proceedings until 12:30 PM. Before the parliamentary session began, Karnataka BJP MPs had already demonstrated in the Parliament premises.
