Parliament's Monsoon Session Faces Continued Disruptions Amid Opposition Protests
Ongoing Turmoil in Parliament
The fourth day of the Monsoon session commenced with significant disruptions. Following protests from opposition members, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had their proceedings suspended. Prior to the session's start, opposition lawmakers staged demonstrations at the Parliament's Makar Dwar, voicing concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar, among other issues. The first three days of the session were similarly marred by protests, leading to repeated adjournments and a lack of substantial legislative progress.
Lok Sabha Proceedings
Due to the uproar over the SIR issue in Bihar, the Lok Sabha's proceedings were adjourned for the day after a brief suspension on Thursday. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed concerns regarding salary distribution irregularities among contract workers at the Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, providing a written response to a question from opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.
Speaker Om Birla criticized Congress members for their disruptive behavior, stating that the legacy of the country's oldest party should not involve shouting slogans or banging tables, emphasizing that the conduct of current MPs is being closely observed by the nation.
Rajya Sabha Proceedings
In the Rajya Sabha, the meeting was disrupted for the fourth consecutive day due to opposition protests regarding the SIR in Bihar, resulting in another suspension after a brief adjournment at 2:15 PM. The question hour could not proceed due to the ongoing uproar.
On Thursday, six members whose terms are ending were bid farewell in the Rajya Sabha, including one who has already been re-elected. Deputy Chairman Harivansh presented necessary documents at the start of the session, noting the conclusion of terms for six members, including P. Wilson from AIADMK, who is returning for a second term.
Additionally, senior lawyer and jurist Ujjwal Nikam took an oath as a nominated member in Marathi, receiving applause from fellow members after his swearing-in.