Buzzbytes
New Delhi, Dec 15: The parliamentary proceedings faced a complete washout on Friday as opposition protests paralyzed both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement and a subsequent discussion on the recent security breach, opposition members disrupted sessions for the third consecutive day.
In the Lok Sabha, adjournments occurred swiftly, with proceedings halted within moments after the day’s commencement and subsequently at 2 PM. Similar disruptions unfolded in the Rajya Sabha, where adjournments were announced shortly after the laying of papers and Standing Committee reports, first during the day’s onset and then again at 2 PM.
The security breach occurred on Wednesday when two individuals breached security in the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing yellow smoke canisters and causing panic. The Opposition, in addition to pressing for Shah’s statement, strongly opposed the suspension of 14 MPs—13 from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha—who sought the Home Minister’s response and a subsequent discussion.
Protests in both houses included slogan-shouting, display of placards, and members rushing to the Well of the House. The demand for Shah’s resignation and his presence in the House intensified.
The usual proceedings, including the laying of papers and standing committee reports, were disrupted due to protests, preventing the consideration of three bills aiming to replace criminal laws listed on the agenda.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar’s rejection of the Opposition’s demand to suspend the scheduled business for a discussion on the security breach led to further protests. The Chairman received 23 notices for suspension of scheduled business but did not approve them.
Opposition members’ protests continued at 2 PM, leading to the adjournment of proceedings for the day. The Parliament is set to reconvene on December 18.
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the House Piyush Goyal, along with other floor leaders, are expected to meet Chairman Dhankhar before the next session. Kharge criticized Shah for providing interviews on TV while avoiding a statement in Parliament on the national security issue.
In response, Shah, at a media conclave, acknowledged the security breach and formed a committee to investigate. He accused the opposition of politicizing the issue, leading to a sharp retort from AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who criticized Shah’s refusal to make a statement in Parliament.
