Parties move forward according to their convenience: ex-PM HD Deve Gowda on Opposition unity

New Delhi: Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda on Friday expressed unhappiness over total washout of Parliament's Winter Session and, at the same time, questioned the unity within the Opposition.

While doubting the unity among the opposition parties, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader said, “Is there any unity in the opposition? Parties move forward according to their convenience.”

Anguished over no work in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, the ex-PM said, “I never witnessed this type of atmosphere. I am sorry this is people's money, common man is unhappy.”

The JD (S) leader also backed Vice President Hamid Ansari's concerns saying “I agree with him 200 percent, the Parliamentarians should introspect.”

Gowda's comments came shortly after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die after an emotional speech by Chairman Hamid Ansari, who voiced anguish over disruptions of the house during the entire Winter Session.

"I had fervently hoped that I would not have to repeat what I said at the conclusion of the 221st session in December 2013.''

"My hope stands belied. Regular and continuous disruptions characterised the session. The symbolism of dignified protest so essential for orderly conduct of parliamentary proceedings was abandoned," he said.

A host of opposition leaders including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, vice president Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress lawmaker Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Sharad Yadav of the Janata Dal-United met President Pranab Mukherjee and blamed the government for not allowing Parliament to work over demonetisation.

Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, however, stayed away from joint Opposition delegation meeting President on demonetisation and Parliament logjam.