Kharge defends Rule 267 as essential, govt says ‘not shying away from any debate’

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated debate between the ruling party and the opposition on Thursday over the demand for a discussion under Rule 267. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge expressed strong objection to the lack of immediate discussion on important issues in the House and said that the government is continuously postponing sensitive topics.

Meanwhile, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda, representing the government, categorically rejected these allegations, stating that the government has never attempted to avoid any debate. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha rejected the notice under Rule 267 and presented his arguments in this regard.

In fact, Rule 267 provides for an immediate discussion on a relevant issue. This rule allows for the suspension of all other business in the House and discussion of the issue. Voting is also provided at the end of the discussion. However, in accordance with parliamentary rules and conventions, Rule 267 notices were rejected. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his displeasure, stating that he receives neither questions, nor short notice, nor immediate discussion. Requesting permission to discuss under Rule 267, Kharge said, "We are doing this because we are not given the opportunity for short-duration discussions or short-notice questions. When we raise an important issue, the government does not consider it worthy of immediate discussion. The government frequently delays discussion on sensitive issues. Therefore, members of the House are forced to resort to Rule 267."

He also stated that the Lok Sabha has a provision for immediate discussion, but the Rajya Sabha doesn't. He said, "The only weapon we have is Rule 267. If you take that away, what can we do?" Kharge said, "This rule is being implied, which is not right." He appealed to the Chairman not to reject all notices under Rule 267 on important issues. Responding to Kharge's objections, the Rajya Sabha Chairman stated that this wasn't something he had done just yet. This system had already been adopted by the House. Kharge replied, "If you wish, you can suspend the rule."

He said, "Sir, you can remove the rules, suspend them, and open the way for discussion." Meanwhile, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda reacted strongly to Kharge's allegations, saying, "The Leader of the Opposition said that the government is avoiding discussion. This is absolutely wrong. The government gave time for whatever you asked for, and the last session also saw extensive debate. There should not be the impression that the government is shying away from any topic. We are ready to discuss every issue."

Nadda also informed the House that the all-party meeting had unanimously decided to hold discussions on "Vande Mataram" and "Electoral Reforms." It is noteworthy that under Rule 267, any member can suspend the entire agenda of the House and demand an immediate discussion on a very important issue. This privilege is rarely invoked, as it disrupts the entire day's regular proceedings.