There was high drama in the Rajya Sabha on Friday when Congress MP Phulo Devi Netam fainted while protesting in the well of the House.
Ms. Netam and other Opposition members were protesting against Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar’s decision not to allow a discussion on NEET paper leaks. She said they had been demanding a discussion on the issue for four-fivr hours. Hence, when the Upper House re-assembled after recess, Opposition MPs trooped into the Well and shouted slogans.
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That was when Ms. Netam fell. Seeing this, Mr. Dhankar asked her fellow MPs to help her and adjourned the House till 2.30 pm. She was, then, rushed to the RML hospital.
She told the media later that she had felt dizzy and her blood pressure shot up.
After this episode, the Rajya Sabha re-assembled to discuss the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address and BJP member Kavita Patidar seconded the motion moved by another BJP MP, Sudanshu Trivedi.
Opposition MPs criticised the Chairperson for continuing with House proceedings despite the incident.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who visited Ms. Netam in the hospital, said she was awaiting a CT scan and more medical examinations over the next few days.
“I hope she will be alright today, but she has to undergo a complete medical examination,” he said, adding that the government had no compassion and wanted to run the House at any cost.
DMK floor leader Tiruchi Siva said that her blood pressure was 214/113, which may even lead to a stroke. “Even after that, they are resuming the debate. I have never seen this in two decades,” he said, adding that the Opposition members walked out of the discussion.
The BJD, which was not part of the INDIA bloc, also staged a walkout.
Published - June 28, 2024 04:00 pm IST
