By Sulagna Halder
New Delhi:
The ninth day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament was marked by repeated disruptions and adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, as debates over U.S. tariffs and electoral roll revisions took centre stage.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal made a suo moto statement in both Houses regarding the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on Indian goods. Goyal informed the Parliament that discussions had taken place over the past few months with U.S. officials to chart the future course of trade relations.
“The implications of the recent developments are being examined by the government. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is engaged with all stakeholders in their assessment of the situation,” Goyal said. Emphasising India’s economic progress, he stated, “In a short while, we have gone from being part of the Fragile Five to one of the top five economies.”
He assured members that the government would take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Indian farmers, workers, exporters, and MSMEs. “We will take all necessary steps to secure and advance our national interest,” he added.
However, Opposition members interrupted Goyal’s speech in both Houses, demanding clarifications and a full discussion. In the Rajya Sabha, Deputy Chairman Harivansh cited procedural rules that allow a minister to make an urgent statement without facing questions, further provoking protests. Amid the uproar, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned multiple times, eventually being called off for the day around 4:46 p.m.
Earlier in the day, the Rajya Sabha had also witnessed protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. DMK MP Tiruchi Silva and CPI(M) MP John Brittas demanded a discussion on what they called a significant issue affecting all states. Deputy Chairman Harivansh stated that the matter was sub judice and advised both sides to find a resolution through dialogue.
Leader of the House Jagat Prakash Nadda criticised the Opposition’s walkout during Wednesday’s session when Home Minister Amit Shah responded to the Operation Sindoor debate. Nadda said it was the prerogative of the government to decide who would respond during such discussions.
The Deputy Chair highlighted the productivity loss during the session, stating, “A total of 30 hours and 6 minutes have been lost so far. This was members’ time and not government business time.”
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha also witnessed repeated adjournments. The session began with Speaker Om Birla congratulating the NASA-ISRO team on the successful launch of the NISAR satellite. However, protests over recent U.S. tariffs and remarks by government leaders led to loud sloganeering and multiple suspensions of the proceedings. The House was adjourned finally at 4:13 p.m. and will resume on Friday, August 1, at 11 a.m.
As Parliament reconvenes, critical discussions are expected to continue amid continued demands for accountability and debate.
