Budget Session of Parliament: M Venkaiah Naidu cancels MPs’ dinner over Rajya Sabha disruptions

Days of disruptions in the Rajya Sabha has led to an unlikely consequence -- the cancelling of a dinner by the chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, who felt that without any order in the Upper House in days, it was inappropriate to hold a dinner with the members of the House.

Invitation cards were printed, and even cooks from Andhra Pradesh were to come. But everything was cancelled at the last moment. Sources said that Naidu had confirmations from the President, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House, the Leader of Opposition and floor leaders of different parties.

Earlier in the day, while meeting with leaders of different parties in his chamber, Naidu conveyed his anger about the impasse in the Parliament.  Rajya Sabha hasn’t transacted any substantial business since March 5, when the second half of the Budget session of Parliament resumed, due to protests by parties on various issues.

OPPN MEETS

Inside Parliament, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said they wanted the House to function and wanted to conduct debates on three pressing issues -- the bank scam, the Cauvery water issue and special status to AP. Azad said that leaders from opposition parties on Tuesday morning and agreed that the House should function