The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2 PM on Monday following uproar by Opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the government’s response through Operation Sindoor.
The House convened at 11 AM but was first adjourned until noon after Opposition members disrupted proceedings, insisting on a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the developments surrounding the attack and Operation Sindoor.
Expressing his disappointment at the disruptions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appealed to members to maintain decorum and allow discussions to proceed.
“This is the Question Hour, and the government is willing to discuss every issue. The House should function, and discussions must take place as per the rules and procedures,” Birla said.
Despite his appeal, continued sloganeering by Opposition members forced the Speaker to adjourn the House again until 2 PM.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue, “The government is completely ready for discussion on any issue.”
Responding to the ongoing disruptions, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “A meeting of the Business Advisory Committee will be held at 2:30 PM to finalise the agenda for discussion. The government is ready, but they (Opposition MPs) are protesting in the Well of the House. This is not the right way to begin the Monsoon Session.”
Following the adjournment, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed concern over being denied the opportunity to speak, “The question is – why is the Defence Minister allowed to speak in the House while Opposition members, including me as LoP, are not? This is a new approach. Conventionally, if ministers can speak, the Opposition should also be allowed.”
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed the sentiment, stating, “If the government is truly ready for discussion, then they should let the Leader of the Opposition speak. He stood up to speak, and he should be allowed to do so.”
Meanwhile, BJP MP Baijayant Panda tabled the Report of the Select Committee on the Income Tax Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. The report contains 285 recommendations aimed at overhauling the existing six-decade-old legislation.
Earlier today, Om Birla urged all political parties and members to ensure cooperation and engage in constructive discussions for the smooth functioning of the House.
Describing Parliament as the “sacred temple of democracy,” Birla emphasized that its effective functioning depends on the spirit of collaboration and meaningful debate among members.
In a post on X, Om Birla said, “The fifth session (Monsoon Session) of the 18th Lok Sabha is commencing today. In this sacred temple of democracy, the collective role of all representatives is extremely important for the expression of public aspirations and the protection of national interests.”
Appealing to party leaders and members, Birla added, “Before the Monsoon Session, I urge all party leaders and honourable members to cooperate in the smooth functioning of the House, promote constructive discussions, and uphold healthy democratic dialogue. This will help us take concrete steps toward inclusive development, social justice, and economic progress.”
Expressing optimism about the upcoming session, he said: “It is hoped that this Monsoon Session, dedicated to the dignity of democracy, the prestige of Parliament, and the priority of public welfare, will be meaningful and successful. Together, we can make significant contributions to strengthening democratic consciousness, unity in diversity, and constitutional values.”
The Monsoon session will run until August 21, with a break scheduled between August 12 and August 18. A total of 21 sittings are planned over the 32-day period.
(With inputs from ANI)