Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) It was a rare occasion for the Rajya Sabha to sit late into the night Thursday, which led to some self-congratulatory pats from MPs.

An MP told mediapersons that the debate in the two houses during the past three days of extended winter session has helped dispel impression that the parliamentarians force frequent adjournments.

Arrangements had been made for food in the parliament canteen. Rajya Sabha officials said it was after several years that the house has had a sitting going late into the night.

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The debate on the Lokpal bill in the Rajya Sabha ensured a steady stream of people in the visitors’ gallery. Unlike on earlier occasions, when visitors could not see proceedings due to adjournments, people witnessed quality debate as both opposition and treasury benches used sharp logic to put across their viewpoints.

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As the evening progressed, uncertainity grew whether the house can continue beyond midnight as the extended session had been convened only for three days till Dec 29. Rajya Sabha officials said that the sitting was in continuity and will continue till the chairman adjourns the proceedings.

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The treasury benches apparently found the going tougher than expected as concrete assurances did not come from some parties supporting the government till late evening. The ministers conceded late Thursday that their numbers were not in the comfort zone.