Parliament adjourned after ruckus on cash-for-vote

The cash-for-vote scam rocked both Houses of Parliament Thursday with Bharatiya Janata Party objecting to the arrest of two of its "whistleblower" former MPs and demanding suspension of Question Hour to discuss the issue.

BJP Parliamentary Party Chief L K Advani had given a notice for suspension of Question Hour in the Lok Sabha to discuss the new developments in the case.

A similar notice was given in the Rajya Sabha by BJP member Ravi Shankar Prasad.

When the Lok Sabha met for the day, Speaker Meira Kumar read out a statement on Literacy Day and its significance and then took up the Question Hour.

But, Advani stood up and raised his hand for permission to speak. When the Chair did not allow him, other BJP members, along with National Democratic Alliance ally Janata Dal-United, protested.

In the din, Advani said two of his former MPs – Faggan Singh Kulaste and Mahavir Singh Bhagora -- have been sent to jail though they were whistleblowers in the scam.

Members from the Treasury Benches were on their feet demanding that Question Hour be held. The Speaker also said that since today was the last day of the session, the Question Hour should be held.

However, when the opposition did not relent, she adjourned the House till noon.

When the Rajya Sabha met for the day, Prasad said he has given a notice for suspension of Question Hour. He was backed by other party colleagues.

As Chairman Hamid Ansari ruled that it was Question Hour and took up the first listed question, BJP members started raising slogans against the government. Soon, some Congress members rushed into the well demanding that Question Hour be taken up. Ansari then adjourned the House till 12:30 pm.