New Delhi: As the Opposition joined ranks to target government in the Parliament over new farm laws, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the government is ready for debate inside and outside the parliament on the issue.
As the House began for proceedings, members of the opposition were on their feet over the issue and forced two adjournments. When the House reassembled at 5 pm after the first adjournment, members of Congress, DMK, BSP, AAP, and TMC resorted to sloganeering over the new farm laws.
Amid the din, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar sought to placate the protesting lawmakers by saying that half the discussion would have been over if the opposition members had begun it.
“If members are ready to discuss the laws and issues related to farmers, the government is ready for debate inside and outside parliament. Had you started discussing and debating, half of the discussion would have completed by now,” he said.
He asked opposition members to let the parliament function for sake of the poor.
“Parliament has been convened to discuss various issues related to farmers, villages and poor people. I would reiterate that the option of discussion with farmers is still open,” he said amid sloganeering.
Speaker Om Birla asked members to take their seats and not shout slogans.
Parliamentary Affairs minister Pralhad Joshi had a word with Tomar who then made the remarks. As the din continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till 7 pm.
