The odd-even scheme on Monday saw some forgetful MPs violating the traffic restriction scheme, while some other lawmakers car-pooled to reach Parliament House. One MP cycled while another walked the distance on the first day of the second half of the Budget session.
The issue also rocked the Lok Sabha which saw MPs attacking the scheme while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also faced criticism. This created ruckus for a while, forcing Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the house till lunch.
Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal, Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, BJP MPs Chaudhry Babulal, Udit Raj, B.C. Khanduri and Prahlad Patel were among others who violated the scheme.
Rawal realised his mistake when he reached parliament travelling in his personal car with an even number plate -- and reporters questioned him.
Rawal replied: "Yaar, galati ho gayi."
Monday being an odd number date, vehicles with only odd number plates were allowed to ply on the roads in the national capital.
Later, Rawal apologised to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for violating the scheme and said it was a "serious blunder".
"Made a serious blunder... Sorry to Arvind ji and Delhiites," the BJP MP tweeted.
Maurya, who was recently appointed BJP chief of Uttar Pradesh, said: "I have one car. Will take care (tomorrow) Tuesday."
However, some MPs with even number car plates travelled to parliament either by car pooling or by some other modes.
BJP Rajya Sabha member Anil Dave cycled to reach parliament while Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Bhagwant Mann car-pooled with some MP colleagues.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi walked to Parliament House and later raised questions about the scheme.
"We are not from Delhi and come here only when parliament is in session. So, they should think over it. However they have claims of making some arrangements like bus, but I didn't find one," Owaisi told reporters.
The Delhi government had announced a special DTC bus service for MPs to reach parliament but there were very few takers.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Pappu Yadav, who has been critical of the scheme, raised the issue during Zero Hour.
He accused the Delhi chief minister of benefitting car and CNG companies.
--IANS
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