The Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day following opposition parties’ uproar over the demand for discussion on the West Asia situation.
When the House assembled after the second adjournment at 3 PM, the Presiding Officer Jagdambika Pal asked the Congress member Mohammad Jawed to move the resolution regarding the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as listed in today’s business. But the opposition members from Congress, TMC, DMK, Samajwadi Party and others trooped into the well, demanding discussion on the West Asia situation.
Mr. Pal said, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has already made a statement regarding the West Asia situation during the Zero Hour, and the discussion on this subject could not be allowed. The chair repeatedly urged the protesting members to go back to their seats and allow the House to function. He also expressed concern over the behaviour of protesting members, saying that public exchequer is being wasted due to disruption. Despite his repeated appeal, the opposition members continued with their protest, forcing the chair to adjourn the House till 11 AM tomorrow.
Earlier, when the House assembled at 12 noon after the first adjournment, the House congratulated the Indian cricket team for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by defeating New Zealand. Afterwards, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar made a statement on the situation in West Asia. The Minister emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions in the region.
When the Minister was making a statement in the House, the opposition members came into the well displaying placards. They were demanding a discussion over the West Asia conflict. The Presiding Officer asked the protesting members not to display placards in the House, as it was against the rules.
On the opposition’s protest, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his displeasure, saying that he had never seen such irresponsible opposition in his lifetime. He said opposition had given a notice regarding a resolution against the Lok Sabha Speaker, and it was listed in today’s business for discussion. He said the government is ready for discussion on their resolution. He said the opposition is confused and demanding discussion on other issues. Despite the Chair’s request, the opposition continued with their protest, which led to adjournment of the House till 3 PM.
Earlier, when the Lok Sabha met at 11 AM for the day, the House paid tributes to the sitting MP from Shillong and leader of Voice of the People Party, Dr Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, who passed away recently.
The House also paid tributes to the four former members, including Kumari Sushila Tiriyya, Devi Bux Singh, Purnmasi Ram and KP Unnikrishnan. The members of the House observed silence in memory of the departed soul. After paying tributes, the House was adjourned till 12 noon.
