The controversy over a “mock session” held by the BJP, RJD and SP on Friday to protest against passing of the Medical Council of India Bill without debate was resolved on Saturday with the government agreeing to discuss the matter in the Lok Sabha later.
Speaker Meira Kumar had disapproved of the “mock” Parliament conducted by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, BJP leader Gopinath Munde and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Friday after adjournment of the house in which Mr Lalu Yadav became the “Prime Minister” and Mr Munde the “Speaker”. Senior BJP leaders had also made known their displeasure to party members who had participated in the “mock” Parliament.
The agreement was reached in the morning when Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mr Lalu Yadav and JD(U) president Sharad Yadav met with Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee. The leaders also pressed for a hike in the salaries of MPs to Rs 80,001 as they were not satisfied with Rs 50,000 approved by the Cabinet on Friday.
Mr Mukherjee said the government will keep in mind the concerns of the MPs protesting over their salary which was hiked by the Cabinet from Rs 16,000 per month to Rs 50,000 per month on Friday when it brings the bill for the same next week.
Later in the House, Mr Sharad Yadav announced the issue was settled and assured the Speaker that the House would run as per the rules. Mr Sharad Yadav said the leaders conveyed their concerns over the manner in which the Medical Council Bill was passed.
It was decided at the meeting that a short duration discussion under Rule 193 would be held in the House on the MCI Bill and its outcome would be considered appropriately in the next session, said Mr Sharad Yadav.