RAJYA SABHA

Venkaiah: Protesting MPs testing country's patience, murdering democracy

Venkaiah Parliament Vice President Venkaiah Naidu presiding over the Rajya Sabha as TDP MPs raise placards on their demand for special status for Andhra Pradesh | PTI

In the wake of the regular adjournment of Rajya Sabha sessions, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, who is also the speaker of the Upper House, on Wednesday criticised the members for murdering democracy by relentlessly protesting and not allowing the transaction of any bills.

The vice president even warned the Rajya Sabha members for testing the patience of the country's people and adjourned the house till afternoon.

"We have not transacted any bills, the country wants development; you are testing the patience of the people of the country. Please understand that the entire country is agitated with what is happening in the House. The House stands adjourned till 2pm," Naidu said..

On Wednesday, Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) members were protesting against the softening of certain provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

While the TDP was protesting for the special status for Andhra Pradesh, both DMK and AIADMK have been demanding the immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board.

Expressing displeasure over the repeated disruptions in the house since Parliament met, Naidu requested the opposition for cooperation.

"Have some discussion and allow some bills to be passed," Naidu said.