The decision of the opposition to stay away from proceedings in the Lok Sabha over the Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti issue had its fallout with the government today deferring discussion on a bill to repeal various redundant legislations.
A request to postpone the legislative business to Monday was made by Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda. It was later accepted by the Chair.
The House was slated to take up Repealing and Amending (Second) Bill 2014 for consideration and passage. The Bill seeks to repeal 90 amendment Acts, including one which changes the law relating to salaries of members of Parliament.
Soon after the House assembled after lunch recess, Gowda suggested that the discussion on the bill be postponed to Monday as opposition was absent.
The participation of opposition, he added, was essential for a healthy debate in a democracy.
Earlier, dissatisfied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to the controversial remarks of the Minister, Congress, Trinamool Congress and some other parties walked out of the Lok Sabha.
Seeking truce with agitating opposition members over Jyoti's remarks, Modi said the matter should be put to rest after her apology.
Modi emphasised that everyone should understand limits in public discourse.
"... It is our duty that we understand our limits in public life and stay within our limits while making public discourse.
"Now we should allow the matter to rest and we should continue with our work in national interest," Modi said.
The Prime Minister's statement, however, failed to mollify the opposition members, including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who had tied black cloth on their mouth, as they staged a walkout.
