NEW DELHI: Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday alleged “digital discrimination” against the political opposition inside Lok Sabha and said that everything said by the government was aired on LSTV, comments and protests by the opposition MPs were being “blacked out”.
While there was no denial from the chair on Chowdhury’s claims, Speaker Om Birla retorted sharply and asked the Congress leader whether he was desirous of showing the public scenes of unruly protests and persistent disruption by opposition MPs. Chowdhury, however, persisted with his allegations, demanding that the “blackout” be stopped and said Parliament belonged not only to the government but equally to opposition parties.
“There is a digital discrimination. Whatever the government says and does comes on television. Whatever the opposition says does not come on television. There are restrictions on the Opposition. Everyone is a stakeholder in the House. Whatever we do is being blacked out. The blackout should stop. The camera should focus on everyone,” Chowdhury said.
Incidentally, Congress MPs were in the well of the House when Chowdhury made his allegations, and were demanding a rollback of fuel and LPG prices, as well as a discussion on the subject.
Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi, while endorsing the Speaker’s comments, said the opposition wanted the country to see parliament in disarray, with opposition MPs causing disturbance and disruption by shouting slogans.
Due to repeated protests and disruptions over the fuel and LPG price hike, Lok Sabha had to be adjourned thrice on Tuesday. The house was finally adjourned for the day shortly after 2 pm, to meet again on Wednesday.