Sonia attends debate on Land Bill but leaves before voting

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who was taken ill on Monday, was back in the Lok Sabha on Thursday to attend the debate on Land Acquisition Bill but did not participate in voting the legislation which was being pushed by the National Advisory Council headed by her.

Gandhi looked energetic when she walked into the House around 3.55 pm amid thumping of desks by Congress members.

BJP President Rajnath Singh and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj were seen greeting her with smiles.

The UPA Chairperson sat through much of the debate but did not participate in voting on the bill. She left the House while amendments were being considered.

Gandhi had to leave the House on Monday night when it was considering the ambitious Food Security Bill after she felt uneasy. She was rushed to AIIMS for a medical check-up and discharged early next day.

Rahul Gandhi, who also could not vote on the Food Bill on Monday as he had left with his mother, was present in the House during voting on Land Bill.

Home Minister and Leader of the House Sushilkumar Shinde also did not participate in voting as he left the House apparently because of being unwell. He underwent a surgery recently.

The NAC, headed by Sonia Gandhi, was the force behind the land bill.