New Delhi, Jul 20: Proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were repeatedly disrupted on Monday as relentless protests by Opposition members forced multiple adjournments, bringing parliamentary business to a complete halt.
Soon after both Houses assembled at 11 a.m., Opposition MPs entered the Well of the House, raising slogans and demanding discussions on various issues through notices submitted under suspended rules. The uproar led to the suspension of Question Hour within minutes.
In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla repeatedly appealed to members to return to their seats and allow the House to function, stressing that Parliament should be used for constructive debate and warning that disruptions waste taxpayers’ money. However, amid continued sloganeering, the House was adjourned repeatedly.
Similar scenes unfolded in the Rajya Sabha, where Opposition parties demanded a discussion under Rule 267, which requires suspension of the listed business to take up urgent matters. The Chair’s refusal to admit the notices triggered further protests.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was willing to discuss all relevant issues within parliamentary procedures but accused the Opposition of deliberately obstructing legislative business.
With repeated disruptions, Question Hour was washed out and no legislative business was transacted in either House. Several Bills and scheduled discussions remained pending as the deadlock between the government and the Opposition continued. (Agencies)
