Source The Hindu
NEW DELHI – The fifth day of the Parliament Budget Session descended into chaos today, resulting in the suspension of eight Opposition members from the Lok Sabha. The presiding officer cited “gross misconduct” and “deliberate obstruction” of House proceedings as the primary reasons for the disciplinary action.
Chaos on the Floor
The session, which was intended to focus on departmental grant discussions, was derailed almost immediately during Question Hour. Opposition MPs entered the Well of the House, brandishing placards and chanting slogans regarding recent economic policies and demands for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into a high-profile corporate investigation.
Despite repeated warnings from the Speaker to return to their seats, the protests intensified. The government moved a motion for suspension, which was subsequently passed by a voice vote amidst the din.
The Suspended Members
The suspended MPs, representing a coalition of major Opposition parties, have been barred from attending the remainder of the week’s proceedings. The list includes:
Three members from the Indian National Congress (INC)
Two from the Trinamool Congress (TMC)
One each from the DMK, AAP, and CPIM
War of Words
The government defended the move, stating that the sanctity of the House must be maintained. “Disruption cannot be a substitute for debate,” said the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. “The public expects us to discuss the Budget, not turn the floor into a protest site.”
Conversely, the Opposition has termed the suspensions a “muzzling of democracy.” In a joint statement, the leaders argued that the government is using suspension as a tool to avoid answering tough questions on the floor.
Impact on the Budget Session
With the suspension of key vocal critics, the legislative business for the afternoon proceeded at a rapid pace, though the atmosphere remained tense. Outside the House, the suspended MPs have begun a protest sit-in near the Gandhi Statue within the Parliament complex, vowing to continue their agitation tomorrow.
