Cash-for-vote scam rocks Parliament, both Houses adjourned

New Delhi, Sep 8 (PTI) The cash-for-vote scam rocked both
Houses of Parliament on Thursday with primary Opposition BJP
objecting to the arrest of two of its "whistleblower" former
MPs and demanding suspension of Question Hour to discuss the
issue.
Bhartiya Janata Party Parliamentary Party Chief L K Advani
had given a notice for suspension of Question Hour in the Lok
Sabha (lower house of Parliament) to discuss the new
developments in the case.
A similar notice was given in the Rajya Sabha (upper
house) by BJP member Ravi Shankar Prasad.
When the Lok Sabha met for the day, Speaker Meira Kumar
read out a statement on Literacy Day and its significance and
then took up the Question Hour.
But, Advani stood up and raised his hand for permission to
speak. When the Chair did not allow him, other BJP members,
along with NDA ally JD-U (Janata Dal-United), protested.
In the din, Advani said two of his former MPs - Faggan
Singh Kulaste and Mahavir Singh Bhagora - have been sent to
jail though they were whistleblowers in the scam.
Members from the Treasury Benches were on their feet
demanding that Question Hour be held. The Speaker also said
that since today was the last day of the session, the Question
Hour should be held.
However, when the opposition did not relent, she adjourned
the House till noon.
When the Rajya Sabha met for the day, Prasad said he has
given a notice for suspension of Question Hour. He was backed
by other party colleagues.
As Chairman Hamid Ansari ruled that it was Question Hour
and took up the first listed question, BJP members started
raising slogans against the government. Soon, some Congress
members rushed into the well demanding that Question Hour be
taken up.
Ansari then adjourned the House till 12:30 PM (IST). PTI
RC