Government: No outsiders were allowed in Parliament, opposition is doing drama

Holding the Opposition responsible for the scuffle that broke out in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, in a joint conference, the Government denied allegations and accused the Opposition of staging 'drama' and insulting democracy.

High drama ensued in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday when some Opposition MPs jostled with the marshals. They allegedly tore papers and lofted those towards the chair and the House officers. Some tried to break the cordon and jostled with the security staff.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has said no outsider was brought in when a scuffle broke out in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. He said, "Wrong information being shared that outsiders who aren't part of Parliamentary security were brought in." He accused the Opposition of staging a 'drama'.

"There were 12 lady marshals and 18 men. They were not outsiders. Their figures are wrong. Allegations of the Opposition are wrong. The way the lady marshal was manhandled by two MPs from Congress... the way they tried to pull the male marshal by his neck... it was a shameful disgrace," he said.

"Opposition's behaviour has brought disrepute to the House. They have hurt the Chairman's dignity by making hurtful comments. We have seen a new low in Parliament. The disgusting scenes on 9/7 that they put up by dancing on the tables. Forget apology, they are saying they will do it all over again. The Opposition has put a question mark over what is the picture of Parliamentary democracy we want to show our youth and countrymen. They couldn't decide one issue they wanted to discuss. One party wanted one thing, another party wanted another thing," Piyush Goyal said.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur has said the Opposition should seek forgiveness from the country and not shred crocodile tears.

Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi held the Opposition responsible for the deadlock in Parliament. He said, "It is most unfortunate that from the first day of all-party meeting indications were there that we won't allow the House to run. It was made amply clear by TMC and Congress this session is meant for washout. In spite of that, our senior leaders and I had a talk with them several times. We requested them to allow for the introduction of newly sworn-in ministers even that wasn't allowed."