Parliament Budget Session: Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Opposition Protests Over India-US Trade Deal
In a dramatic turn of events during the ongoing Budget Session, the Lok Sabha was adjourned on Tuesday following intense protests by opposition members. The uproar centered on the recently announced India-US trade deal, which has sparked significant political controversy and debate.
Opposition Sloganeering Disrupts Parliamentary Proceedings
Both houses of Parliament reconvened today to continue discussions on the motion of 'Thanks to the President's address'. However, the session was quickly overshadowed by the opposition's vocal demonstrations. Soon after obituary references were made, opposition members began sloganeering, demanding transparency and immediate discussion on the India-US trade agreement.
Background of Political Tensions
The current protests come just a day after a major political row erupted in Parliament. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to read from an unpublished memoir of former Army chief M M Naravane concerning the 2020 India-China conflict. This move drew sharp criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who accused Gandhi of misleading the House and belittling the armed forces.
During the Budget Session, Gandhi also launched attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, further escalating tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
Congress MP's Adjournment Motion Notice
Adding to the day's developments, Congress MP KC Venugopal submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, formally requesting a discussion on the India-US Trade Agreement. In his notice, Venugopal emphasized the critical need for governmental transparency.
"Despite the significant economic, agricultural, and strategic implications of these reported commitments, the Government has neither made an official statement nor taken Parliament into confidence," Venugopal stated. "The country has the right to know the exact terms and conditions of the proposed trade deal, and it is imperative that the Government place all details before Parliament and the nation. Given the urgency and public importance of the matter, this issue warrants immediate discussion through an Adjournment Motion."
Implications and Ongoing Developments
The adjournment of the Lok Sabha highlights the deepening political divide over key national issues. The India-US trade deal, in particular, has become a focal point for opposition criticism, with concerns raised about its potential impact on various sectors of the Indian economy.
As the Budget Session progresses, all eyes remain on Parliament to see how these disputes will be resolved and whether the government will address the opposition's demands for greater clarity on international agreements.
