Rajya Sabha Vice President wrote to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. (Proceedings)
New Delhi:
Rajya Sabha Vice President Harivansh declared a fast day until tomorrow, expressing his anguish over the opposition attacks on parliament during the vote on the government’s agricultural bills.
Harivansh announced his fast shortly after meeting eight Rajya Sabha opposition members who were protesting on the lawns of the parliament complex and offered them tea, a gesture that MPs rejected. The eight members were suspended yesterday for the unprecedented drama in the Rajya Sabha over agricultural laws on Sunday, when Harivansh presided over the proceedings.
In a letter to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Harivansh wrote that he “will observe a one-day fast until tomorrow, as he was distraught over the attacks of the opposition in the House.”
On Sunday, opposition members upset with Harivansh for rejecting his call for split votes on farm bills that were passed by voice, rushed to the center of the House and protested. Two members climbed onto a table in front of him, one member threw down a rule book, and the papers were ripped up.
“After what happened on Sunday, I have been extremely distraught, distressed and in mental agony and have not been able to sleep for the past two days,” Harivansh wrote in his letter.
“In the name of democracy, opponents behaved violently and there were attempts to intimidate the president,” he wrote.
The 64-year-old, who was recently appointed vice president of Rajya Sabha for the second time, said: “Whatever happened in front of me on September 20 has caused an unimaginable loss of House dignity … The regulation was broken and they threw me. Some parliamentarians also sat on the table, used non-parliamentary language against me. I kept remembering the whole incident and couldn’t sleep. “
He referred to iconic Bihar leaders such as Ram Manohar Lohia and Karpuri Thakur, adding that he was from Jayprakash Narayan village. “I learned a lot from him, I participated in the JP Movement and my political background is from Bihar, where the Republic of Vaishali is known for its democracy,” he said.
The reference to Bihar, which will soon vote in favor of a new assembly, is significant at a time when the campaign has accelerated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also supported Harivansh in his tweets, praising the “inspiring and statesmanlike demeanor” of “Bihar MP and Rajya Sabha Vice President Shri Harivansh Ji.”
Serving tea personally to those who attacked and insulted him a few days ago, as well as those who were sitting in Dharna, shows that Shri Harivansh Ji has been blessed with a humble mind and a big heart. Show your greatness. I join the people of India in congratulating Harivansh Ji.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2020
For centuries, the great land of Bihar has taught us the values of democracy. In keeping with that wonderful spirit, Bihar MP and Rajya Sabha Vice President Shri Harivansh Ji, this morning’s inspiring and statesmanlike conduct will make all lovers of democracy proud.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2020
Rajya Sabha President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday rejected the opposition’s motion of no confidence against his deputy.
Opposition parties accuse Harivansh of squashing their objections and helping the government push through agricultural bills in Rajya Sabha despite the lack of figures.
Harivansh had quashed opposition demands to extend the debate on farm bills or even refer them to a select committee.
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