Impasse in Lok Sabha to continue after speaker's meeting remains inconclusive

The impasse in the Lok Sabha over the PNB scam is likely to continue this week as a meeting convened by the Speaker for smooth functioning of the House remained inconclusive with the opposition insisting on its demand for an adjournment motion.

At the meeting of leaders of all political parties convened by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, the opposition insisted that there be an adjournment motion to discuss the PNB scam.

Some opposition leaders present at the meet said the issue remained unresolved as there was no unanimity. The opposition has also been insisting that the discussion be held under a rule which entails voting.

Since an adjournment motion disrupts the normal business of the house and is regarded as an extraordinary tool in parliament, governments are usually wary of accepting the demand.

With the first three days of the resumed Budget session seeing frequent adjournments, the government has made it clear that it is ready for a discussion on the issue of alleged financial irregularities in the banking sector and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will reply to the debate.

A discussion on 'alleged systemic irregularities in the banking sector over the years and its impact on the Indian economy' was listed for discussion in the day's list of business