New Delhi, Feb 10, 2025, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

New Delhi, Mar 10: The second part of the Budget Session of Parliament got off to a tempestuous start on Monday with the opposition raising various issues, including the government's education policy and duplicate voter ID numbers.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed noisy scenes leading to adjournment of the Lower House till noon following protests by DMK and Congress over remarks of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on the implementation of National Education Policy in Tamil Nadu.

When the Lok Sabha met for the day, DMK MP T Sumathy alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian raised the issue of alleged non-release of funds related to the Centrally-sponsored scheme to Tamil Nadu.

Responding to it, Pradhan alleged that DMK had agreed to sign an MoU with the Central government over the implementation of the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme but later it backtracked. He said even Congress-ruled states of Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh have signed MoUs to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The Minister alleged that DMK is not committed to the welfare of students of Tamil Nadu and they are ruining their future and also accused the ruling party in the state of doing politics over the issue. Enraged over his remarks, DMK and Congress members trooped into the well raising slogans. They also objected to certain comments of the Minister.

Amid noisy scenes, Speaker Om Birla repeatedly urged them to allow the House to function but his pleas went unheeded.

The Speaker tried to run the Question Hour amid ruckus. Later, he adjourned the House till noon.

When the House reassembled, DMK MP Kanimozhi said the Tamil Nadu government has an issue with NEP and her party cannot accept the three-language policy. She accused the Education Minister of using objectionable words against the people of Tamil Nadu. The Minister clarified that he did not intend to insult anyone and withdrew some words used by him.

Pradhan reiterated the Central government’s commitment to provide funds for the PM-SHRI scheme if the Tamil Nadu government agrees with the Central government. The Speaker objected to the conduct of DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran who was trying to question the Chair and warned him of action.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the behaviour of DMK MP. He said the Speaker had given proper time to everyone to put forth their views.

When the Rajya Sabha met for the day, Deputy Chairman Harivansh disallowed the adjournment notices moved by the opposition parties over the issues of delimitation exercise in the southern states, alleged issuance of duplicate voter ID numbers and other issues.

Congress, TMC, DMK and others raised slogans over the issuance of duplicate voter ID numbers.

The Chair urged the members to go back to their seats and allow the House to function. But, Congress, TMC, DMK, Samajwadi Party and others staged a walkout over the issue.

Leader of the House JP Nadda accused the opposition of adopting an irresponsible approach by staging a walkout from the House. He said the government is ready for discussion on any issue.

Nadda alleged that adjournment notices are being used by the opposition to defame the House. He also said, there are several important businesses listed in the House, wherein the members will get the opportunity to raise their issues.

He said the opposition MPs should be given, what he called, a Refresher Course on the rules and regulations of the House.