Lok Sabha Proceedings Adjourned Amidst Ongoing Stalemate Between Government and Opposition

The Lok Sabha's proceedings were suspended due to a deadlock between the government and opposition, with protests erupting over key issues including a trade agreement with the U.S. and farmer rights. Prime Minister Modi's speech was postponed, while Piyush Goyal hailed the trade deal as historic. The opposition criticized the government for compromising farmers' interests, leading to heated discussions in both houses of Parliament. As tensions rise, the political landscape remains charged with debates over democracy and governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 4, 2026, 18:31 IST

Adjournment of Lok Sabha Proceedings

Due to the persistent deadlock between the government and the opposition, the Lok Sabha's proceedings were suspended until 11 AM the following day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to address the Lok Sabha at 5 PM, but his speech has now been postponed. Earlier in the day, Congress MPs staged a protest within the Parliament premises, chanting 'Let the Leader of Opposition Speak'. In the Rajya Sabha, opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised issues related to caste census, women's empowerment, central schemes, and matters concerning Manipur.

Piyush Goyal's Remarks on Trade Agreement

Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, described the trade agreement with the United States as 'historic', emphasizing that India has successfully ensured the protection of its agricultural and dairy sectors. He stated that this agreement would strengthen India's journey towards development. Goyal mentioned that both nations had engaged in regular discussions and extensive negotiations at various levels. He noted that both sides managed to reach an agreement while safeguarding their respective economies' critical and sensitive areas. The Minister highlighted a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, which led to the announcement of a reduction in U.S. tariffs to 18%. Goyal stressed that this rate is lower than the tariffs imposed on many competing countries, asserting that this agreement would provide comparative advantages to Indian exporters.

Lok Sabha Proceedings Disrupted

The Lok Sabha's proceedings were suspended for the day after three adjournments due to disruptions caused by opposition members. During discussions on the motion of thanks for the President's address, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to raise issues related to the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief M.M. Naravane, leading to a standoff. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey targeted Jawaharlal Nehru and Congress leaders by referencing certain books, which further escalated the uproar among opposition members, resulting in another adjournment.

Response from Lok Sabha Speaker

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla subtly countered Rahul Gandhi's claims, stating that the decision to allow or deny speaking rights in the house is determined by procedural rules. Gandhi had previously written to Birla, accusing him of being influenced by the government to prevent him from speaking in the house, labeling it a 'black mark' on democracy.

Rajya Sabha Proceedings

In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai asserted that Naxalism would be completely eradicated by March 2026, attributing a significant decline in Naxalite violence to the Modi government's 'zero tolerance policy'.

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp critique of the government regarding the India-U.S. trade agreement, alleging that the Modi administration compromised the interests of Indian farmers. During discussions on the motion of thanks for the President's address, he claimed that the agreement is entirely anti-farmer and would devastate Indian agriculture, sarcastically noting that while Parliament is in session, MPs learned about the agreement from President Trump, which he deemed an insult to Parliament.

Concerns Raised in Rajya Sabha

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari raised a point of order in the Rajya Sabha, expressing concern over Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal holding a press conference outside Parliament regarding the India-U.S. trade agreement during the session. Tiwari cited Rule 258, stating that the house operates according to rules and traditions, which typically prohibit discussing policy matters outside the house while Parliament is in session. However, he noted that the Minister had conducted a press briefing on the trade agreement the previous day.

Rajya Sabha Leader Jagat Prakash Nadda claimed that the opposition has failed to establish credibility over the past 11 years, suggesting that a skill development program should be offered free of charge to the opposition by the Ministry of Skill Development. During discussions on the motion of thanks for the President's address, Nadda stated that the address reflects the 'Amrit Kaal' and serves as a manifesto for the aspirations of the country's 1.5 billion people.

Allegations Against West Bengal Government

In the Rajya Sabha, BJP's Shamik Bhattacharya accused the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government of not implementing welfare schemes initiated by the central government, asserting that the common people of the state are suffering due to retaliatory politics.