Parliament uproar over Robert Vadra's land deals, Congress rejects debate, BJP demands CBI probe

New Delhi, March 12: Both houses of Parliament had to be adjourned for the day today after BJP MPs stalled the proceedings demanding a probe into allegedly dubious land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan by Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadras. In Rajya Sabha, the entire proceedings during the pandemonium over robert Vadra was expunged by the presiding officer. Congress rejected BJP's demand to discuss in Parliament alleged anomalies in land deal by Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra in Rajasthan saying he is not a politician and hence the issue concerning him does not qualify for a debate in the House.”State government and law enforcement agencies concerned will look into it. He (Vadra) is not a politician... He is an individual. Why will Parliament will debate this? How does it qualify to come in Parliament?”We do not want to set a precedence, where we were to discuss in Parliament the issues concerning individuals across the country,” party spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary told reporters.Parliament failed to transact any business today as the issue of land deals allegedly involving Vadra and the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils eclipsed the proceedings in both Houses.Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments over the issue as as BJP members stormed the Well seeking a probe into the land deal issue.Sonia Gandhi was present in the Lok Sabha when the BJP members trooped into the Well carrying a placard which said ‘Finance Minister, adopt the formula of son-in-law; earn sitting at home and reduce losses'.The BJP had earlier given notices in both Houses for suspension of Question Hour to discuss the alleged anomalies in land deal by Vadra in Rajasthan.The notices came in the backdrop of reports alleging that Vadra had broken the law in buying land in Rajasthan, much above the prescribed ceiling, and that he was set to reap a windfall from the land in arid Bikaner area.Replying to a question that Vadra is simply not an individual but also the son-in-law of the president of the country's ruling party, Chowdhary said, “That does not mean it qualifies or disqualifies him” from being an individual. BJP today alleged there was government connivance in the reported anomalies in land deals by Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra in Rajasthan and demanded a court-monitored CBI inquiry into the matter.”These land deals show a new PPP model. It is P-4 which stands for Public Policy for Private Profit... This is not just a private dealing of a private individual. This is much beyond,” BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told reporters.He charged the UPA government with coming out with a plan to establish solar plants in Bikaner district of Rajasthan and giving licenses to 722 people with a promise from the state government that land will be provided at cheap rates and then backing out.”But then the state government did a U-turn and said land cannot be provided cheap as it belongs to Robert Vadra... This has resulted in a windfall for Vadra,” Javadekar said.Flanked by BJP MPs Arjun Meghwal and V P Singh Badnor from Rajasthan, Javadekar said his party demands a court-monitored CBI inquiry into the matter.BJP raised this issue in both Houses of Parliament today and did not allow it to function.The main opposition alleged Vadra and his mother Maureen floated 12 companies which had secured loans and bought the properties.”This is a curious model and a new practice where the owner gives unsecured loans to the buyer with which the company purchases the land. The same firm then pays a hefty cheque to the buyer for a buy-back,” Javadekar said.Meghwal alleged Vadra gave power of attorney to one Mahesh Nagar to do the land deals. Properties were bought for as low as Rs 20,000- Rs 30,000 per bigha and were now being sold for Rs 5 Lakh and above, he claimed.Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha witnessed two adjournments till 1400 hours and finally for the day as BJP members stormed the Well seeking a probe into the land deal issue. The BJP had earlier given notices in both Houses for suspension of Question Hour to discuss the alleged anomalies in land deal by Vadra in Rajasthan.The notices came in the backdrop of reports alleging that Vadra had broken the law in buying land in Rajasthan, much above the prescribed ceiling, and that he was set to reap a windfall from the land in arid Bikaner area. Soon after papers were laid in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal was asked by Speaker Meira Kumar to reply to the two-day debate on the rail budget.But as the din continued unabated, Kumar adjourned the House.When the Lok Sabha met at 1400 hrs, Bansal rose to reply to the discussion on Railway Budget.But BJP members rushed into the Well shouting slogans.The Speaker tried to convince the agitated members to allow Bansal make his reply.As they did not relent, Kumar adjourned the House till tomorrow.Rajya Sabha also witnesses similar scenes at 1400 hrs when it reassembled after the second adjournment.Opposition members trooped into the Well shouting slogans and holding placards.The Upper House was to take up discussion on the Rail Budget.Despite appeals from the Chair, members did not relent and the House was finally adjourned for the day.

Parliament uproar over Robert Vadra's land deals, Congress rejects debate, BJP demands CBI probe

New Delhi, March 12: Both houses of Parliament had to be adjourned for the day today after BJP MPs stalled the proceedings demanding a probe into allegedly dubious land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan by

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