New Delhi: Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned twice on Monday—first till noon and later till 3 pm—after Opposition members raised slogans demanding a discussion on the escalating West Asia conflict while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed the House on the situation.
The disruptions marked a stormy start to the second half of Parliament’s Budget session as MPs from several Opposition parties chanted “we want discussion” during Jaishankar’s statement on the war in the Gulf region. The minister was outlining the government’s assessment of the crisis and its implications for India when the protests intensified.
Opposition members insisted that the government allow a full-fledged debate on the conflict and its impact on India, including concerns over energy supplies and the safety of Indians living in West Asian countries. They argued that a statement alone was insufficient given the seriousness of the situation.
Earlier, the House had witnessed disruptions that forced the Chair to adjourn proceedings till noon. When the session resumed, sloganeering continued, leading to another adjournment until 3 pm shortly after Jaishankar completed his statement.
Outside Parliament, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the government for not permitting a discussion on the issue. “As expected the External Affairs Minister made a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha on which no questions can be asked or clarifications sought. The entire Opposition wanted an immediate discussion on the West Asian situation. This was denied and hence the Opposition walkout after protests,” Ramesh said.
Opposition parties have been demanding debates on several issues they say require urgent parliamentary scrutiny. Apart from the West Asia conflict, they have sought discussions on concerns related to electoral roll revisions in West Bengal and the broader implications of ongoing geopolitical tensions for India’s economy and diaspora.
Monday’s proceedings were also politically significant as the Lok Sabha was scheduled to take up an Opposition-sponsored resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. Several Opposition parties backing the motion have accused Birla of functioning in a “partisan” manner, an allegation strongly rejected by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
The BJP has issued a whip to ensure the presence of its MPs during the discussion and possible voting on the motion, setting the stage for a sharp confrontation between the treasury benches and the Opposition.
With tensions already high over procedural issues and demands for debates on key national and international developments, Monday’s disruptions indicated that the remainder of the Budget session could witness further political clashes inside Parliament. (UNI)
