New Delhi : The incidents of ethnic violence in Assam dominated the 
discussion in Parliament today forcing the Lok Sabha to adjourn twice. The House witnessed heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches before it took up the Adjournment Motion on the issue.
There was uproar in the House about the remarks by the Senior BJP leader LK Advani, who said the UPA-2 Government was illegitimate. This led to strong protests from treasury members, who demanded the withdrawal of remarks.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh termed Advani’s remark as disgraceful and unfortunate. Congress President Sonia Gandhi also strongly criticised Advani’s remarks.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal alleged that Advani, instead of discussing the violence in Assam, digressed to other topics. He said the BJP leader was referring to issues not relevant to the adjournment motion.
Following heated arguments, Speaker Meira Kumar asked Advani to withdraw his remarks. Advani withdrew the remarks, clarified that his remarks were about 2008 Vote of Confidence during UPA -1 . The House resumed discussion on the issue when it re-assembled at 2 PM.
Intervening in the discussion, Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region Pawan Singh Ghatowar said one lakh people displaced due to violence had been sent back to their homes. He said border fencing had been erected and 108 police pickets have been provided to ensure security. The Minister also asked the opposition to cooperate with the government in its efforts to maintain peace and harmony.
On the other hand, the Rajya Sabha took a short duration discussion. Earlier, members belonging to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) trooped into the well of the House demanding a discussion. The Upper House witnessed two adjournments in the pre-lunch session as members belonging to the BSP trooped into the well of the House protesting against the desecration of statues of Dalit leaders in Uttar Pradesh.
