New Delhi: For the second straight day, the government found itself in an awkward situation in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as lack of quorum delayed post-lunch proceedings.
With most of the Treasury benches being empty at 2.15 PM when the proceedings were to start, some Opposition leaders were heard making remarks about the situation.
The House can function only when there is quorum -- which means that at least 10 per cent of the total members should be present. This translates to a minimum of 55 in the 543-member Lok Sabha.
While Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge exclaimed "kya haal hai" (what is this situation), BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab was heard saying "everyday, this is the situation".
At 2.15 PM, there were only about 20 members in the House, representing both ruling and Opposition sides. Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi and VK Singh were among those present at that time.
Soon Minister of State for Parliamentary Affair Rajiv Pratap Rudy came in and was seen walking out immediately, apparently to ask members to return to the House.
The proceedings began after about five minutes of delay, with the House taking up matters of urgent public importance.
Yesterday too, lack of quorum had forced members to wait for nearly 10 minutes to begin the debate on Demand for Grants for Railways.
