Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Alleged Illegal Construction Of Certain Projects By The Government Of ... on 23 July, 2003
nt> LOK SABHA Wednesday, July 23, 2003/Sravana 01, 1925 (Saka) The Lok Sabha met at Eleven of the Clock (MR. SPEAKER in the Chair)RE : Alleged illegal construction by karnataka Government on Certain projects which are creating problems for the state of Andhra Pradesh Title: Regarding alleged illegal construction of certain projects by the Government of Karnataka which are creating problems for the State of Andhra Pradesh and regarding notices given by the Members for suspension of the Question Hour. (Notices disallowed by the Speaker).
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU (SRIKAKULAM): Sir, I have given notice for suspension of Question Hour… (Interruptions)
श्री रतन लाल कटारिया (अम्बाला) :अध्यक्ष महोदय, मेरा आपसे अनुरोध है कि आप सबसे पहले क्वैश्चन ऑवर चलाइये क्योंकि सारे माननीय सदस्य तैयारी करके आते हैं और क्वैश्चन ऑवर पर करोड़ों रुपये का खर्चा आता है। …( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: Please sit down.
… (Interruptions)
श्री रामजीलाल सुमन (फिरोजाबाद):अध्यक्ष महोदय, कल हमने आपसे वायदा किया था कि क्वैश्चन ऑवर भली-भांति चलेगा लेकिन जम्मू में कल जो फिदायीन हमला हुआ …( व्यवधान)यह बहुत गंभीर मामला है।…( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, you are all aware that yesterday there was a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee. We have decided that every day we must first have the Question Hour. Accordingly, I would like to go to the Question Hour. Thereafter, the other issues can be raised.
I may inform the hon. Members that I have received several notices for Adjournment Motion. I have received a few notices for suspension of the Question Hour also. I have studied all those notices and I feel that it is necessary that we go to the Question Hour. After the Question Hour, as I promised Shri Yerrannaidu yesterday, I will permit him to speak.
… (Interruptions)
श्री सईदुज्जमा (मुजफ्फ़रनगर):अध्यक्ष महोदय, उत्तर प्रदेश में पुलिस एनकाउंटर के नाम पर बेगुनाह लोगों को मारा जा रहा है। …( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: I have received your notice also. You can raise it during `Zero Hour’.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: After Shri Yerrannaidu, I will allow you to speak. But I have not been able to accept the notice for suspension of Question Hour. I will allow you to speak during `Zero Hour’. At that time, you can make your point clear.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I have permitted Shri Yerrannaidu to speak.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Sir, I have given notice for suspension of Question Hour. This is a question of life and death for the people of Andhra Pradesh. The entire Opposition stalled the proceedings of the House for two days without any reason. But we have a lot of pain. We are not getting a single drop of water. They stalled the proceedings for two days without any justified cause. We want to raise that point. Therefore, you please permit us.
श्री रामजीलाल सुमन : अध्यक्ष महोदय, हमने कल आपसे वायदा किया था कि क्वैश्चन ऑवर अच्छी तरह से चलेगा लेकिन जम्मू-कश्मीर में जो फिदायीन हमला हुआ …( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: Please sit down. You have made your point clear.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I have not permitted you to speak. Therefore, nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions) …* श्री रामजीलाल सुमन : हमने आपसे कमिटमैंट किया था कि प्रश्न काल अच्छी तरह से चलेगा।…( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I have to conduct the business of the House but I cannot conduct the business of the House in this atmosphere. We have now taken * Not Recorded a decision that from today, the Question Hour will go on. I know that Shri Yerrannaidu had been trying to raise this issue. Shri Jagannath had also met me and had requested that he also wanted to raise the same issue. I have absolutely no objection in permitting you to speak. But let it be according to the procedure and rules of the House. So, during `Zero Hour’ you can raise your issue and you can speak during that time. I have absolutely no problem in permitting you.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I will not be able to accept your demand for suspension of Question Hour.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU (SRIKAKULAM): For the last two days, the Opposition stalled the proceedings without any reason… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: If you are interested in raising your point, I am prepared to give you permission. It is not that I am refusing to give you permission.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I will not be in a position to allow the suspension of the Question Hour unless the Government agrees. If the Government agrees for the suspension of the Question Hour, I have no problem. On the issue that Shri Yerrannaidu has been trying to raise, if the Government has no objection, we can suspend the Question Hour.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: The notice says that there is an alleged construction by the Karnataka Government of certain projects. I have said that this issue can be discussed under some rule or during the ‘Zero Hour’. That is what I have said.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Let the Minister speak.
स्वास्थ्य और परिवार कल्याण मंत्री तथा संसदीय कार्य मंत्री (श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज) : अध्यक्ष जी, अभी जो मसला आंध्रा प्रदेश के साथियों ने उठाया है…( व्यवधान)जैसे अभी आपने आदेश दिया है, मैं आपके आदेश से संबंधित मंत्री जी को अवगत करवा दूंगी। वे सदन में आकर वक्तव्य दे देंगे।…( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: The Government also agrees for the discussion of this issue at the right time. We will take care to see that the issue is discussed. You can also speak during the discussion.
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Yesterday and the day before yesterday you had allowed the Opposition to speak on the suspension of the Question Hour. They had given the reasons for the suspension of the Question Hour. But, today the issue is the most genuine one. The Karnataka Government is blatantly, intentionally, deliberately and without the permission of the CWC, Government of India, constructing projects by which they are unfortunately creating problems for Andhra Pradesh when our State is having drought situation.
MR. SPEAKER: I will see that your issue is discussed today some time.
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : This is a very serious issue. Even the Congress leaders from Andhra Pradesh have made it an issue. We are praying for justice. We are not asking for any favour. … (Interruptions)
11.08 hrs (At this stage, Shri G.S. Basavaraj and some other hon. Members came and stood on the floor near the Table.) MR. SPEAKER: Please go back to your seats. I have to start the Question Hour today.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदय : जब मैं इनको बोलने का चांस दूंगा तब आपको भी दूंगा।
…( व्यवधान)11.09 hrs. (At this stage, Dr. Manda Jagannath and some other hon. Members came and stood on the floor near the Table.) … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I know the issue is serious. During the day time I am going to permit you to speak on this.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Members of both the Parties will be allowed to speak. I will allow you to speak.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदय : मैंने कहा है कि मैं आपको ज़ीरो आवर में बोलने की परमीशन दे दूंगा।
…( व्यवधान)MR. SPEAKER: I am ready to permit you to raise the issue. Please do not disturb the Question Hour. Members are agitated. I have to take care of their interest also.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I am going to permit you also to speak. I am going to allow a discussion on the issue.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I have already made it clear that I am prepared to permit you during ‘Zero Hour’. I cannot take up this matter during the Question Hour. Question Hour has to take place.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Sir, please allow me to speak…… (Interruptions) Please give me a chance to speak.
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Yerrannaidu, I am sorry that I will have to go to the Question Hour. If these Members are not going back to their seats, I have no alternative than to go to the Question Hour.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Let there be no quarrel between you. Do not talk to them. You can talk to me.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Please stop the TV relay.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Please allow me to speak…… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I will allow you. But let these Members go to their seats.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Please go to your seats. I am allowing Shri Yerrannaidu to speak provided you go to your seats. Please go back to your seats.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Let there be a discussion.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Let there be no cross talk among you.
… (Interruptions)
11.14 hrs. (At this stage, Dr. Manda Jagannath and some other hon. Members went back to their seats.) (At this stage, Shri G.S. Basavaraj and some other hon. Members went back to their seats.) MR. SPEAKER: Please sit down and bring the House to order. Please occupy your seats.
I have received notices for suspension of Question Hour on different issues. I have received a notice on terrorist attack on Army Camp at Jammu. This notice has been given by Sarvashri Ramji Lal Suman, Anil Basu, Lakshman Seth and Ram Vilas Paswan. I have also received another notice for suspension of Question Hour and this has been given by Shri Ajoy Chakraborty and Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh. The notice is on reported misuse of the CBI in dropping the charges against three Union Ministers and other functionaries of the BJP in Babri Masjid demolition case.The third notice which I have received is from Shri K. Yerrannaidu against the illegal construction by the Karnataka Government of certain projects. On the deteriorating law and order situation in UP, a notice has been given to me by Shri Saiduzzama. That is also before us. The next notice is on the reported killing of dalits by the police in Jalandhar. This is by Shri Ashok Kumar Singh Chandel. Kunwar Akhilesh Singh has also given notice on the alleged irregularities in the construction of Taj Heritage Corridor in Agra.
… (Interruptions)
कुंवर अखिलेश सिंह (महाराजगंज, उ.प्र.) : ये वहां के सांसद हैं, इन्होंने भी नोटिस दिया है। …( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, do you not want the Speaker to conduct the business in the House? Please sit down.
… (Interruptions)
श्री राज बब्बर (आगरा):यह केवल मात्र ताज का ही मामला नहीं है…( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदय : आप बैठ जाएं। जब आसन पैरों पर हो, तब सदस्यों को बैठना चाहिए। इस हाउस में डिसीप्लिन न रहे, यह नहीं हो सकता। मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि जब मैं बोल रहा हूं, तब सदस्य खड़े होकर अपनी बात कहें, तो यह कौन सा तरीका है।
I want to make a small statement before I take a decision on this. As a courtesy, sometimes I did permit Members to explain as to why the Question Hour should be suspended. But this cannot be treated as a rule that I need an advice every time whether the Question Hour should be suspended or not.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I have gone through the list. You are all aware what issues are going to be discussed in the afternoon today. Still, notices for suspension of Question Hour have been given on those issues which are going to be discussed today. For instance, the issue of Taj Heritage Corridor is going to be discussed today. Still the Member wants that the Question Hour should be suspended on this issue. I do not understand why such notices are given.
Therefore, I have come to a conclusion that sometimes the notices which are given under this rule are really a misuse of the rule, which is not in the interest of the Members of the House. We are all aware that it is the practice in the Lok Sabha to always give priority to the Question Hour. When I came to the House, an hon. Member from this side raised the issue that Members prepare for a question for months together. And then they put the question. Ministers are also ready with the reply. But the Members are not allowed to raise the questions. So, I have now decided that unless and until there is really an emergency, I am not going to take the advice from the Members as to why the suspension of the Question Hour should be taken up. If I feel that a particular issue is really urgent, then only I will treat that issue as an urgent one.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I will tell you also in the same words. Please sit down.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I am coming to that.
Therefore, I have decided that from tomorrow the Question Hour will be given top priority and the Question Hour will take place from tomorrow. I will not be in a position to treat every notice for suspension of the Question Hour to give an opportunity to the Members to make a speech over here. It is because such types of notices for suspension of the Question Hour take the time of those Members who are studious and give the Questions. Therefore, I am not going to do it.
Anyway, I know that for the last two days, as there were discussions on other issues, the issue which Shri K. Yerrannaidu was trying to raise could not be raised. I will allow him to speak.
… (Interruptions)
श्री मदन लाल खुराना (दिल्ली सदर):आज से ही यह शुरू करें। इनको १२ बजे के बाद बोलने का समय दे दें।…( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: I will allow Shri K. Yerrannaidu to speak on a restricted point as to why the Question Hour should be suspended. Thereafter, I will consider the other issues.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): I have got a request to make. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Ananth Kumar, no debate now. I am sorry that there is not going to be any debate now. I will allow you to debate it afterwards.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Muniyappa, you do not want the Question Hour to be suspended. You can speak on that afterwards.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : We have no objection if you allow them. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Yerrannaidu, please make your point.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Sir, the House is not in order.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, please take your seats. Shri Yerrannaidu, you should speak only on this issue. You should restrict your speech to this issue.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a matter of urgent public importance. We are not asking for any favour. We want justice to be done to us.… (Interruptions) We are requesting the Government of India, through you, Sir, to do justice to us. We want justice. … (Interruptions)
SHRI S. BANGARAPPA (SHIMOGA): Sir, under what rule is he allowed to speak? … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Bangarappa, you know the rule. He is speaking on his notice of Adjournment Motion. Let him complete.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : The Karnataka Government is illegally and blatantly violating the constitutional norms, the inter-State agreements and the Bachawat Tribunal’s Awards. It is also illegally constructing projects beyond its limit.… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI (RAIGANJ): Sir, I can understand those Parties, which did not attend the BAC meeting yesterday, giving notice for suspension of Question Hour. But those Parties, which had attended the BAC meeting and which agreed to follow the rule, are not following it. It is not fair. Yesterdary, the TDP was there in the BAC meeting.… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Shri Dasmunsi, I am not yielding.… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI : Yesterday, it was clearly decided in the BAC meeting that no notice would be given for the suspension of Question Hour on 23rd July. We, on this side, are following that norm. If somebody does not follow it, it is not fair on his part. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Why are the hon. Members standing there unnecessarily?
… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI : He was present in the BAC meeting yesterday. When the decision was taken, how can he give this notice today? It is not fair on his part.… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Shri Dasmunsi, we need not discuss that matter here now.
Sir, coming to the point, Shri Jaipal Reddy and Shri Janardhana Reddy know the thing but they are silent. Since three years, Andhra Pradesh is reeling under drought. The Government of Karnataka is illegally constructing the projects. Everybody know that.… (Interruptions) Shri Jaipal Reddy and Shri Janardhana Reddy know about it but they are silent. They are not saying anything. But the agitation is going on in Andhra Pradesh. This is the information which I have with me. The Bachawat Tribunal gave eight awards. They have earmarked 154 tmc feet of water to be utilised.… (Interruptions) Now, Karnataka has taken permission from the CWC and is utilising 166 tmc feet water. It has already utilised 190 tmc feet of water. By that, we are not getting a single drop of water. The Srisailam reservoir is empty. The Nagarjunasagar reservoir is empty. In the Rajolibanda diversification canal, there is no water. Shri Jaipal Reddy was born in Mahboobnagar. The entire district of Mahboobnagar is reeling under drought since the last five years. The Alamati dam is full of water. The Narayanpur dam is full of water. But in Andhra Pradesh, there is not a single drop of water available. … (Interruptions) They have no canals. So far, no canal is used to irrigate the ayacut area . … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: You can raise the issue under some other rule. I will permit you to raise it. The request for the suspension of Question Hour is not acceptable.
… (Interruptions)
श्री रामजीलाल सुमन : अध्यक्ष महोदय, हम आपको सहयोग करना चाहते हैं। कल जम्मू में जो फियादीन हमला हुआ है…( व्यवधान)अध्यक्ष जी, यह बहुत गंभीर घटना है।…( व्यवधान)अध्यक्ष महोदय, हम आपकी आज्ञा मानने के लिए बाध्य हैं।…( व्यवधान)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : This is the most important thing.
MR. SPEAKER: There is no question of suspending the Question Hour. Shri Dasmunsi has rightly reminded me about yesterday’s decision. There will be a discussion. During the discussion, you can speak.
I will now go to the question Hour. Please sit down.
Q.No. 41 – Shrimati Nivedita Mane.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : This is the most important thing. I would request the hon. Prime Minister that Government of India should instruct the Government of Karnataka to stop the projects.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Yerrannaidu, I will permit you to raise a discussion under some other rule .… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : The illegal project construction is going on there.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Yerrannaidu, I have permitted you. That is enough. There cannot be a discussion now on this.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I have not accepted his request for the suspension of Question Hour. Shri Yerrannaidu, you can raise a discussion. I will allow you a discussion and you can speak.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I have rejected all the requests for the consideration of the suspension of Question Hour. I will allow you to speak when you raise a discussion. Hon Members have to cooperate now.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदय : निवेदिता जी, आप अपना प्रश्न पूछिये।
…( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: This is not fair. Yesterday, in the BAC meeting it was decided. But still I allowed you. Now, hon. Members should cooperate with me. Please ask them to cooperate. आप कृपया करके दूसरे मैम्बर पर अन्याय मत कीजिए। उसे अपना प्रश्न पूछ लेने दीजिए। प्रश्नकाल शुरू है।
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Sir, the hon. Prime Minister is here. We want only justice to be done to us. Shri Jaipal Reddy and Shri Janardhana Reddy know what sort of an injustice is done to Andhra Pradesh. We are not asking for any favour.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: The Government will make a statement if it so desires.
SHRI SHIVRAJ V. PATIL (LATUR): If Shri K.Yerranannaidu wants to raise an issue, he should be given proper time. But there are Members from this side and from the other side also who would like to make submissions. They should also be given an opportunity.
MR. SPEAKER: I totally agree with you. The discussion would take place and both the sides would be allowed to speak. You can also speak. I will permit you when the question comes. Please, now let me go to the Question Hour.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : My small request to you, Sir,… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: He is not speaking on the issue but he is making a submission.
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Mr. Speaker, Sir, my small request to you is that whatever projects are being constructed illegally by the Karanataka Government should stop. There should be an independent agency to inquire into it. If it is alright, then they can go further. The hon. Prime Minister should give an assurance. An independent agency should be allowed to visit all the illegal projects.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: During the discussion, you can get a reply from the Government.
DR. MANDA JAGANNATH (NAGAR KURNOOL): We have been making repeated requests in this regard. This is a very serious matter. Lakhs of people are suffering. This is more important. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I am with you.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I have not given permission. I am going to the Question Hour. Yes, Shrimati Nivedita Mane, you may please ask your question.
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): If you are allowing Shri K. Yerrannaidu to place his views before the House, you should also allow the Karnataka viewpoint to go on record. The Central Water Commission has rejected their plea and it has cleared the projects.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: No slogan should go on record.
(Interruptions) … * MR. SPEAKER: Shri Yerrannaidu can get a reply from the Government, when there is a regular debate in the House. I am prepared to permit you to have a debate. What else do you want? I do not want the House to be disturbed like this.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : During the last two days without any cause, without any issue, they stalled the proceedings of the House. It is a life and death problem for us. It is a matter of urgent public importance. That is our worry.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: So, you can ask the Government, and the Government will reply to you.
… (Interruptions)
DR. MANDA JAGANNATH : Mr. Speaker, Sir, are the farmers not human beings?
MR. SPEAKER: Please sit down.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I am really pained. Shri V. Dhananjaya Kumar, when the Speaker is standing, you must sit down. You were a Minister once upon a time.
… (Interruptions)
* Not Recorded MR. SPEAKER: I am making it quite clear that from tomorrow I will not give permission to make submissions demanding for suspension of Question Hour. You can give notices, but I will give priority to Question Hour only because those Members who have really studied must get an opportunity to raise their questions in the House and the Ministers who come duly prepared for Question Hour must get an opportunity to reply to the questions which are asked. As an exceptional case, as a special case, Shri Yerrannaidu wanted to make his point clear. He has made his point clear now. My request to him and to his party is that it is absolutely necessary, in the interest of the business of the House, that he can ask this issue to be raised again under some rule. The Government will have to reply and the Members from this side also will be allowed to speak at that time.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Please let me complete. I am not going to tolerate such things in the House.
Shri Yerrannaidu, you have raised your issue. The parties opposed to your proposal are also interested to speak on this issue. I have to permit them to speak. If the Prime Minister wants to make a statement, he can do so any time.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदय: बंगरप्पा जी, प्रधान मंत्री जी खड़े हैं, पहले उनकी बात सुन लीजिए।
…( व्यवधान)
प्रधान मंत्री (श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी) : अध्यक्ष महोदय, इस सदन में प्रारम्भ से यह मांग की जाती रही है कि प्रश्न काल चलना चाहिए और जो भी सवाल या मुद्दे हैं, उन्हें बाद में उठाने की स्पीकर महोदय आपके द्वारा इजाजत दी जानी चाहिए। आज आपने फिर इस बात को दोहराया है। मैं आपकी आवाज में अपनी आवाज मिलाना चाहता हूं। क्वश्चन आवर चलना चाहिए। यह सब सदस्यों के लिए हैं, सभी पार्टियों के सदस्यों के लिए है, कोई अकेले के लिए नहीं है, एक पक्ष के लिए नहीं है। आपने नायडू जी को अपवाद के रूप में अनुमति दी। मेरा निवेदन है कि एक अपवाद और करिए। इस मामले में कर्नाटक वालों को भी सुन लीजिए। बाद में जो विवाद चलता रहेगा, हम उसे हल करेंगे।
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Sir, my party will give full support to this proposal. Hereafter, only after the Question Hour is over, anybody can raise his issue. But tomorrow if somebody is allowed before that, we will stall the proceedings. … (Interruptions)
DR. S. VENUGOPAL (ADILABAD): Mr. Speaker, Sir, we want justice. This rule should not apply only to TDP. It should apply to all the parties. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: It is most surprising that the Leader of the House, the hon. Prime Minister made a request to all the parties and you are not listening to it. Beyond this nothing can be done.
… (Interruptions)
DR. S. VENUGOPAL : Sir, this should be applicable to everybody. There should be no suspension of Question Hour from tomorrow. … (Interruptions)
DR. MANDA JAGANNATH : Mr. Speaker, Sir, the situation in Andhra Pradesh is very serious. … (Interruptions) Is the farmers’ issue not important? … (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Mr. Speaker, Sir, hereafter, my party will not raise any issue before the Question Hour is over. But this commitment should be made by all other parties. Suppose somebody raises any issue tomorrow, then we are the losers. So, if this kind of commitment is given by the Prime Minister, we will agree. Otherwise we will not agree. From tomorrow onwards, it should be applicable not only to TDP, but to all the political parties in the House. The Question Hour should be allowed to go on and if anybody wants to raise any issue, he should raise it after the Question Hour is over. If they agree to this proposal, we will agree. Otherwise, we do not agree.
DR. MANDA JAGANNATH : Mr. Speaker, Sir, let this commitment be made from that side also. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: So, I can go to Question Hour now.
श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी:अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं शिवराज जी से निवेदन करना चाहता हूं कि वह इस बात का उत्तर दें कि आज आगे के लिए इस बात का निपटारा हो जाना चाहिए कि प्रश्न काल को डिस्टर्ब नहीं किया जाएगा।
SHRI SHIVRAJ V. PATIL : Mr. Speaker, Sir, what the hon. Prime Minister said is correct and we also would like to say that the Question Hour should be taken up, questions should be asked and replies should be given. My only submission on that statement is, having fully agreed with what he has said, that the discretion always lies with the Presiding Officer. Exceptional circumstances may arise and you have to decide then. … (Interruptions)
On behalf of the Congress Party, I would like to say that we understand the importance of the Question Hour. We think that a question should be asked and the reply should be given. But the Presiding Officer should decide about an exception. … (Interruptions)
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : When there is a major opposition party, it is all right. It is their right to raise an issue, whatever it might be. But our former Speaker and Deputy Leader, Shri Patil, has now mentioned about the discretionary powers of the Speaker. This is a matter of urgent public importance. We are praying to you that you should allow us. … (Interruptions)
SHRI ANIL BASU(ARAMBAGH) : Sir, please allow me.
MR. SPEAKER: When he is speaking, how can I allow you? Let him complete.
SHRI ANIL BASU : I am on a point of order.
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Mr. Speaker, Sir, your ruling is good. I am requesting all the Opposition parties also that within one hour, in an exceptional case, the heavens would not have fallen if they could have kept quiet. So, there is no exemption. … (Interruptions)
SOME HON. MEMBERS: No, no.
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : If anybody moves a Motion for Adjournment and the Chair allows it, then it could be taken up. … (Interruptions)
*m07 SHRI ANIL BASU : Sir, I am on a point of order. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: He has raised a point of order.
SHRI ANIL BASU : Sir, I am quoting Rule 32 from Chapter VII of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha:
"Unless the Speaker otherwise directs, the first hour of every sitting shall be available for the asking and answering of questions."
It says, "Unless the Speaker otherwise directs." So, it is the discretion of the Speaker. It cannot be questioned. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I know the Rules of Procedure. Whatever Rule he has quoted is correct. But I still found that the Members have taken a lot of time on other matters than relating to the Question Hour. I did say that in a very exceptional case, such permission can be given. I am treating Shri Yerrannaidu’s issue also as a special case. I have permitted him to convince me. He has also tried to convince me as to why this should be taken up and the Question Hour should be suspended.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Please listen to me. Thereafter the hon. Prime Minister made a request that in the interest of the Members and in the interest of good conduct of the business in the House, it is necessary. He did make clear a number of times that it is applicable to all parties and all the Members of the House that unless it is a must and unless the Speaker feels that it is a must, the House should give priority to the Question Hour. I totally agree with the hon. Prime Minister. Therefore, we now go to the Question Hour.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: It could be taken up tomorrow. You can raise the issue afterwards. Now this is enough.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I am rejecting all other notices. Please sit down. Now, we take up Q. No. 41, Shrimati Nivedita Mane.
...( व्यवधान)
श्री रामजीलाल सुमन : अध्यक्ष महोदय, जम्मू में गम्भीर घटना हो गई है, मुझे एक मिनट कहने दीजिये…( व्यवधान)
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Now, I am on the business.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदय : बिलकुल नहीं, आप बैठ जाइये।
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: You are taking advantage of my courtesy. Please sit down.