Opposition parties walk out of RS demanding discussion on farmers' agitation

New Delhi: Opposition parties including the Congress, Left, TMC and DMK on Tuesday walked out from Rajya Sabha after their demand for suspension of business of the day to take up a discussion on the farmers' agitation was rejected by the Chairman.

The opposition parties had given notice under rule 267 calling for the suspension of business of the day to take up discussion on the ongoing agitation by farmers on Delhi borders against three new farm laws.

When the House met for the day, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said he has received notice under rule 267 from various members but the issue can be raised during the discussion on Motion of Thanks to the President's address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament.

The President, he said, had referred to the farmer's agitation in his address made at the start of the Budget session of Parliament.

While Lok Sabha is scheduled to start a discussion on the motion on Tuesday, Rajya Sabha will do so on Wednesday.

"As we are going to start a discussion on Motion of Thanks to the President's Address tomorrow, members can participate and raise their concerns," he said rejecting the notice.

He said several rounds of discussions have happened between the government and the farmers' group.

"I understand the concern of members for the need to resolve the issue at the earliest date," he said.

Naidu, however, allowed members who gave notices to make very brief mentions.