New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was adjourned till Tuesday following repeated disruptions by opposition members demanding a discussion on the India–US interim trade framework. The House, which convened at 11 am on Monday, was adjourned three times before proceedings were finally suspended at 2 pm for the day.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi claimed he had been personally assured an opportunity to speak before the start of the Budget discussion, alleging that the Chair had gone back on its word. He said the opposition was seeking clarity and accountability on the trade framework and its implications.
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the allegation, asserting that no such assurance had been given. Rijiju described Gandhi’s claim as “100% false” and said parliamentary business was being disrupted without following established procedures.
Presiding officer Sandhya Ray said no notice had been received from Gandhi on the issue, adding that discussions could not be taken up without prior notice as per parliamentary rules. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor argued that allowing the Leader of the Opposition to speak was a long-standing parliamentary convention.
Meanwhile, Congress women MPs wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that baseless and derogatory claims were being made against them. Continuous sloganeering by opposition members prevented the House from taking up the scheduled Budget discussion.
