New Delhi: Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted for the second straight day on Tuesday, with the House managing to function for only 18 minutes amid loud protests about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and a call for a discussion on Operation Sindoor.
The House first adjourned just two minutes after starting in the morning. It later regrouped for two brief sessions in the afternoon, lasting 12 minutes and four minutes, respectively, before adjourning for the day.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha faced repeated interruptions as Opposition members demanded discussions on issues ranging from the Bihar electoral rolls to the Indian armed forces’ strikes on Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
In the Lok Sabha, Opposition MPs, including those from the Congress, shouted slogans and waved placards, insisting on a debate about Operation Sindoor.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked the protesting members to return to their seats. He urged that the House be allowed to work during Question Hour and address matters concerning farmers.
“This day belongs to the farmers. Please let the House function so we can talk about the issues facing poor farmers and villages,” he said.
Speaker Om Birla reminded MPs that placards and shouting were not allowed in the House.
“You don’t want the House to run. You don’t want discussions on farmers’ issues. I can’t allow shouting. You can’t bring placards inside the House,” Birla said before adjourning the session until noon, and eventually for the rest of the day.
In the Rajya Sabha, chaos erupted after Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected 12 adjournment notices under Rule 267. This included a request for a discussion on the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down late Monday night for health reasons.
The disruptions grew as Opposition members moved into the Well of the House in protest. Harivansh, who was presiding in place of Dhankhar, then adjourned the session until noon.
On Monday, the first day of the Monsoon Session, both Houses faced similar interruptions over Operation Sindoor, preventing any significant legislative business.
