NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2021 amid opposition protests climaxed by outbursts by Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan who lashed out at BJP members with a “curse” that the party will face bad days, alleging that “personal” remarks were made against her.
When Jaya Bachchan rose to speak on the bill, there were heated exchanges between her and the treasury benches, forcing Bhubaneswar Kalita who was in the Chair to adjourn the House till 5pm. She called out the Chair for not listening to the opposition side as 12 members continue to remain outside. “We want justice. Don’t expect justice from them (pointing at the ruling party) but can we expect justice from you,” she said.
Amid the din, she alleged that “personal” remarks were made against her and sought protection from the chair. “I expect you to take action on the comment made on me and my career … How can they make personal remarks in the House… Aap logon kay buraey din aayengay (Your bad days will come), I curse you,” she said.
Jaya’s remarks came on a day her daughter-law and actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was questioned by ED in connection with disclosures in the Panama Papers case.
Objecting to her remarks, Rakesh Sinha (BJP) said she was casting aspersions on the Cair. “Opposition is casting apersions on the Chair. They are degrading the House. This is not the custom of the House. Any member can sit on the Chair,” Sinha said.
Moving the bill in the House, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it replaces the ordinance which was promulgated in September. The House passed the bill by a voice vote.
The House was adjourned thrice till 5pm and later several opposition members, including those of Congress and RJD, walked out after the Chair refused to allow them to speak on their demand of seeking the sacking of Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni, whose son is an accused in the killings of protesting farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh.
The Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill-2021 was passed by Lok Sabha on December 13.
Congress MP Digvijay Singh expressed regret that it has taken the government six years to correct the mistake in the bill. Taking the protest further and referring to the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, he alleged that an “accused” is sitting inside while those who have “done no wrong” are left outside.
In the morning session, the stalemate over the suspension of 12 members continued with Chairman Venkaih Naidu expressing disappointment for the lack of progress in resolving the issue. The meeting that was to take place between the government and opposition leaders to resolve the issue didn’t happen because the latter did not turn up, sources said.
