Disruptions by TDP MPs again mar debate on Food Bill

Government's attempts to take up the much-hyped National Food Security Bill on Wednesday failed for the second consecutive day due to disruptions caused over the Telangana issue.

After two adjournments, when the House met at 2 PM, Food Minister K V Thomas stood up to make a statement on the legislation.

Amid slogan shouting by TDP members on the Telangana issue, BJP members stood on their benches demanding that House be brought to order.

BJP members said they cannot hear the Minister.

Some members from Congress, however, were heard saying that they can easily hear what Thomas was stating using the earphones.

All the while, TDP members kept raising slogans in the Well against the decision on formation of a separate Telangana. Amid din, the proceedings were adjourned till 3 PM.

When the House met again, Speaker Meira Kumar read out a resolution against attack on an Indian patrol on LoC.

The House also rejected a resolution adopted by Pakistan National Assembly.

The House was adjourned for the day to meet again on Monday.

Congress had issued a whip to its members to be present in the Lok Sabha during discussion on the bill, which the party has termed as a "game-changer".

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was slated to speak on the bill as the first speaker from the ruling party.

Yesterday too, the bill could not be discussed under similar circumstances.

Thomas had risen to make a statement but he could be heard amid din.