Opposition Protests Lead to Suspension of Eight MPs in Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha Proceedings Disrupted by Opposition Protests
The Lok Sabha session was adjourned amid loud protests from opposition members, following the suspension of eight opposition MPs during the budget session. The session is set to resume at noon.
The suspended MPs were seen protesting outside Parliament, holding placards that read "The Prime Minister is Corrupt." Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition, made similar allegations while speaking to the media regarding the India-US trade agreement. The suspended members included Congress MPs Hibi Eden, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Prashant Yedavkar Padole, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, and Dean Kuriakose, along with CPI(M) MP S. Venkatesan.
Prime Minister's Response to President's Address
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to respond to the motion of thanks on the President's address today. SP MP Anand Bhadauria defended Rahul Gandhi, stating that he represents those who voted against the BJP. He accused the ruling party of attempting to silence the opposition by creating a ruckus whenever national security issues are raised in Parliament.
Speaking to the media, Bhadauria remarked, "Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the opposition. He speaks for all those who voted against the BJP. If he wishes to raise public concerns regarding national security in Parliament, the BJP and the ruling party should not create such chaos... This is a conspiracy to suppress the voice of the opposition. If the truth comes out, it could damage the BJP's so-called image as a global leader. The country is not in safe hands, and the public will learn the truth. That is why the BJP is anxious."
Controversy Over Rahul Gandhi's Remarks
The uproar in the house was particularly triggered by Rahul Gandhi's insistence on mentioning the 2020 standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh. As a result, eight opposition members were suspended for violating rules and allegedly "throwing paper on the chair." Just a day earlier, Rahul Gandhi had stated that he would not reference any unpublished memoirs related to former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane but would briefly discuss Chinese actions during the Kailash Range standoff. However, the government clarified that he could not quote from any unpublished memoir or related magazine article. The Speaker instructed him to resume his speech on the motion of thanks for the President's address and adhere to the earlier ruling.