New Delhi: BJP and BSP members clashed in the Rajya Sabha on Monday on the issue of police firing on farmers in Uttar Pradesh protesting land acquisition.
As BJP demanded a discussion during the Question Hour on the farmers` agitation, BSP strongly opposed the demand saying it was a state subject which cannot be discussed in the House. BSP is in power in Uttar Pradesh.
When the House met for the day, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitely said some members have given a notice for suspension of Question Hour so that police action on agitating farmers in Uttar Pradesh could be discussed.
Chairman Hamid Ansari said a decision on the matter would be taken at an appropriate time.
BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra objected to the demand for discussing the issue saying law and order was a state subject and could not discussed in the Rajya Sabha.
But, opposition members countered him while demanding that they be allowed to air their views.
Mishra then pleaded with the Chair for a ruling on matters relating to state subjects.
"Sir, you please give a ruling that state subjects like law and order issues can be discussed in this House," he said.
When the Chairman wanted to proceed with the listed questions, SS Ahluwalia (BJP) said they should be allowed to raise the issue during Zero Hour.
The House then took up the questions.
After the House was adjourned, former BJP president Rajnath Singh demanded that the government should introduce in Parliament the Land Acquisition Amendment Bill, which would address compensation issues.
"BJP has promised its support to the bill as it will help farmers to get a reasonable price for their land but the government is still not doing anything on the issue even after
two years," the former Union Agriculture Minister told reporters.
Singh backed the Aligarh farmers` demand for same amount of compensation as has been awarded to Noida agriculturists.
"We demand that farmers in Mathura and Aligarh should get the same compensation as the farmers in Noida have received," he said.
Singh also demanded strict action against officers responsible for the firing incident alleging that people protesting peacefully were shot at and baton charged by the
Uttar Pradesh police.
"I will go to Aligarh where farmers are protesting to get the same compensation as what farmers have got in Noida for giving their land for the Yamuna Expressway. I will register my protest there," he added.
PTI
