UPDATE: 'Ensure it's not repeated': Amit Shah unhappy over absent MPs in RS

August 01, 2017 11:46

BJP chief Amit Shah is unhappy his party MPs bunked the Rajya Sabha session on Monday, allowing the Opposition to affect crucial changes to the backward classes bill.

Union Minister Ananth Kumar said Shah took a strict view of the absence and asked lawmakers not to repeat this ever.

Shah told lawmakers at the BJP's weekly meeting of Parliamentarians this morning: "This is not a good thing as people have elected MPs to represent them in the House. It sends a wrong message."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too has taken up the case of absent or truant MPs, telling them at the same meet just last week that they need to be present when Houses are in session.

Observing MPs were particularly absent after lunch, the PM had said it is the duty of the treasury benches to push through the government's legislative initiatives.

It is understood the PM has sought a list of the MPs missing Monday.

Over 30 MPs of the BJP and allies were not in the Rajya Sabha on Monday when a Constitution amendment bill on backward classes sailed through on Opposition power where it is in the majority.

Since the government does not have numbers in the Rajya Sabha, the missive to MPs is clear: be present in full strength to challenge the Opposition.

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