In a concerning incident at the Parliament complex in New Delhi on Wednesday, senior Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor tripped and fell while descending a flight of stairs. The mishap occurred during the ongoing Budget Session, drawing immediate attention from fellow parliamentarians and staff members.
Immediate Assistance from Fellow MPs
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was among the first to respond, quickly rushing to Tharoor's aid along with other MPs and parliamentary staff. They assisted the Congress leader in getting back on his feet, ensuring he received prompt attention following the fall. The incident highlighted the camaraderie and swift response within the parliamentary premises during emergencies.
Lok Sabha Proceedings Disrupted
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha faced significant disruption shortly after proceedings began. The House was adjourned amid persistent sloganeering by Opposition members, who were protesting the suspension of eight MPs during this critical Budget Session. The adjournment marked another turbulent day in Parliament, reflecting the ongoing political tensions.
Opposition Protests Escalate
The suspended MPs, including Congress members Hibi Eden, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Prashant Yadaorao Padole, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, and Dean Kuriakose, along with CPI(M) MP S Venkatesan, staged a vocal protest outside Parliament. They held placards with messages such as “PM is compromised,” echoing allegations previously made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi's Media Address
Rahul Gandhi had addressed the media earlier, linking his comments to the India–US trade agreement, which fueled the Opposition's demonstrations. The protests and subsequent adjournment underscore the deepening rift between the ruling party and the Opposition over parliamentary conduct and policy disagreements.
Broader Implications for Parliamentary Functioning
This series of events—from Tharoor's accident to the adjournment—highlights the challenges in maintaining smooth parliamentary operations during heated sessions. The Budget Session, crucial for economic discussions, has been marred by disruptions, raising concerns about legislative productivity and political discourse in India's democratic framework.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Parliament for further developments regarding Tharoor's condition and the resolution of the suspension issue, which continues to stir political debates across the nation.