Winter of discontent...Parliament sees two adjournments

Opposition calls for vote on FDI, TNC for no confidence in Govt. Shiv Sena leaders want their late leader Bal Thackeray to be duly honored in Parliament. In the wake of differences over the government's decision to allow FDI in retail both the houses of the parliament were adjourned as BJP led opposition called for a debate and vote on the matter. The first day of the Winter session of Parliament saw the Lok Sabha being adjourned till 12:30 whitely Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day. The government faces a two pronged assault as Lok Sabha Speaker, Meera Kumari, said that she received a notice of no confidence from former ally and Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Banerjee. Shiv Sena leaders wanted their late leader Bal Thackeray to be duly honoured in Parliament. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived at Parliament stating that he had a very heavy legislative agenda during the Winter Session. "I seek cooperation from my colleagues in the House. We are ready to discuss all issues on the floor of both the Houses." Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath was quoted as saying, "Opposition can't decide date and time of discussions in Parliament. We are ready to discuss FDI with BJP and others. The Parliamentary session should be carried out peacefully." After the Parliament resumed session at 12:30, the no confidence motion was rejected in the Lok Sabha as the motion failed to receive support in the house. Speaker Meira Kumar asked members supporting the motionto stand up; none but TMC stood up. The Lower House was adjourned for the day amidst sloganeering and shouting from MPs as Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj tried to initiate a debate and vote on the FDI in retail issue. Parliament meets for the Winter Session between November 22 and December 20, 2012. There will be a total of 20 sittings. The agenda for legislation includes 25 Bills pending for consideration and passing. The government plans to introduce 10 new Bills.