Budget of Rs 50 lakh crore passed in just 12 minutes: Oppn attacks Modi government

The opposition on Thursday accused the Narendra Modi government of not walking the talk of democratic ideals and fomenting disruption in Parliament to divert attention from the opposition's demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on the Adani case.

Addressing a joint press conference of opposition leaders, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that the Center approved the Rs 50 crore budget in just 12 minutes, but the BJP has always maintained that the opposition keeps creating ruckus in the House.

“The ruckus was caused by the ruling party. Whenever we made a demand or gave notice, we were not allowed to speak. It happened for the first time in my public life after 52 years and it has never happened before," he added.

Kharge also said that 18 to 19 opposition parties have raised the issue that Adani's wealth will increase to Rs 12 crore in 2 to 2.5 years. "Why are you afraid to set up a joint parliamentary committee inquiry even though the BJP will have its say because it will have majority members." Something is suspicious and that is why the government is not agreeing to let the JPC investigate the Adani matter,” he said.

Escalating his attack, Kharge added that the Center did not agree to form the JPC because "daal mein kuch kaala hai", adding that the BJP has some links with Adani. In another media briefing, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said the Chinese firm is involved in a number of Adani projects, adding that "some of these projects are strategically important".

“The Chinese firm 'PMC Projects', which runs from the premises of Adani Enterprises, is owned by Chinese national Morris Chang. Morris Chang is the son of Chang Chung-ling and Chang Chung-ling, a close friend and business partner of Adani's brother Vinod Adani.

Earlier in the day, several opposition parties including Congress TMC, BRS and Samajwadi Party came together in what could be called a show of unity. Several opposition MPs marched from Parliament to Vijay Chowk with the tricolor in hand.