The Monsoon Session of Parliament faced fresh disruptions on Monday, with the Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 p.m. amid Opposition protests over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, while the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day as a mark of respect to veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren, who passed away earlier in the morning.
In the Lok Sabha, the session began with Speaker Om Birla initiating Question Hour, calling on Samajwadi Party MP Ruchi Vira. However, the proceedings were soon overshadowed by loud sloganeering and placard-waving by members of the Congress, DMK, RJD, SP, and other INDIA bloc parties. The Opposition demanded an immediate debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar, which they alleged was aimed at disenfranchising marginalised communities ahead of the state Assembly elections.
Despite repeated appeals from the Chair for order, protesting MPs continued their agitation in the Well of the House. Speaker Birla urged members to maintain the dignity of the House, stating, “Each MP represents lakhs of citizens. The people expect their voices to be heard through their elected representatives.”
He also condemned the use of placards and banners, calling it a deliberate attempt to derail proceedings, before adjourning the House till 2 p.m.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore had earlier submitted an adjournment motion seeking a dedicated discussion on the voter roll revision. While Opposition leaders called for greater transparency and accountability, the government maintained that the revision is a routine administrative exercise conducted by the Election Commission.
With the Monsoon Session scheduled to run until August 21, the ongoing standoff between the treasury and Opposition benches continues to stall key legislative business, including the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill.
Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day following the death of senior parliamentarian and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) patriarch Shibu Soren.
Announcing the demise of the veteran tribal leader, Deputy Chairman Harivansh paid rich tributes to Soren, recalling his decades-long public service and pivotal role in the creation of Jharkhand. Known affectionately as “Guruji” and revered as “Dishom Guru” among tribal communities, Soren was described as a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalised.
A moment of silence was observed in the Upper House to honour his memory, following which the House was adjourned for the day. Soren had served eight terms in the Lok Sabha and three in the Rajya Sabha. He passed away at 8:56 a.m. on Monday at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi after a prolonged illness.
(With IANS inputs)