The Budget Session of Parliament turned turbulent again as the Lok Sabha suspended eight Opposition MPs for “unruly behaviour” during Tuesday’s proceedings.
The resolution to suspend the MPs came after repeated disruptions in the House. Speaker Om Birla moved the motion citing disorderly conduct, and the Lok Sabha passed it, leading to strong protests from the Opposition.
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced “huge pressure” in finalising the India-US trade deal. He claimed that the deal, stuck for months, was suddenly concluded under questionable circumstances. Gandhi further accused the government of “selling out” the hard work of Indian farmers.
Rahul Gandhi attempted to authenticate a magazine article referencing former Army Chief M M Naravane’s unpublished memoir. BJP leaders objected, arguing that unpublished material cannot be cited in Parliament. The House witnessed multiple adjournments as Gandhi raised issues of national security and India-China border clashes, triggering uproar from NDA members.
Samajwadi Party MPs staged protests against the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat, calling it an insult to Ahilyabai Holkar, the 18th-century queen credited with renovating the site. They displayed her pictures inside the House, prompting objections from the chair.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to deliver his address to the Motion of Thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s speech tomorrow, February 4. The session remains tense as both sides prepare for another round of heated debates.
