In Lok Sabha, opposition members including those from Congress and DMK today staged a walkout post-lunch after expressing dissatisfaction on the statement by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thawar Chand Gehlot on the issue of the Supreme Court’s observation on Reservation in promotions. Mr Gehlot said, the matter arose due to a decision taken by the Uttarakhand government in 2012.

He said, Congress government in the state at that time did not present the case in a proper way. He also said that the Central Government was not made a party to the case. The Minister said, the Central government is committed towards the welfare of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. He also said the government will take the issue at an appropriate level.

Immediately Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wanted to discuss the issue. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla refused for any discussion saying that no discussion takes place after a statement is made by the minister. Mr Birla said that the general discussion on the Budget will resume but Opposition members staged a walkout.