Parliament Proceedings Disrupted by Opposition Protests and Political Clashes
Both Houses of Parliament witnessed repeated disruptions and adjournments on Wednesday as opposition protests intensified over multiple issues, including the controversial India-US trade agreement and the recent suspension of eight opposition members. The Lok Sabha faced particular chaos with multiple adjournments throughout the day amid continuous sloganeering and heated exchanges between ruling and opposition party members.
Trade Deal Debate Sparks Political Confrontation
The proposed India-US trade agreement emerged as a central point of contention during Wednesday's parliamentary proceedings. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal strongly defended the bilateral agreement in the Lok Sabha, asserting that India had "successfully safeguarded" its sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors after nearly a year of negotiations. Goyal emphasized that both countries had protected their critical interests during the talks and highlighted that US President Donald Trump had announced a tariff reduction to 18 percent, which he claimed was lower than tariffs imposed on several competitor nations.
However, opposition leaders presented a starkly different perspective. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge warned that the trade deal would harm Indian farmers and benefit American agricultural producers at India's expense. Kharge criticized the government for what he called an "insult to Parliament," noting that lawmakers learned about the deal details from US President Trump's announcement rather than from the Indian government directly.
Suspension of MPs Fuels Protest Atmosphere
The parliamentary disruptions gained additional momentum following the suspension of eight opposition MPs during the Budget Session a day earlier. The suspended members include Congress representatives 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. This disciplinary action prompted intensified protests both inside and outside Parliament buildings.
Opposition members displayed banners and placards with messages including "PM is compromised" as they protested near the Makar Dwar entrance. The Lok Sabha had to be adjourned multiple times due to the continuous sloganeering and protests, with proceedings eventually being suspended shortly after resuming at 5 pm. This adjournment resulted in the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled response to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address.
Heated Exchanges and Political Drama Unfold
The day witnessed several dramatic confrontations between political figures. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu engaged in a particularly heated exchange outside Parliament. Gandhi, referring to Bittu's departure from Congress to join BJP in 2024, called him a "traitor" and offered a handshake while making the remark. Bittu refused the handshake and responded by labeling Gandhi "Desh ke dushman" (enemy of the state).
Inside Parliament, another confrontation occurred when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey referenced several published books containing material about the Gandhi family during his speech. This prompted Congress MPs to meet with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to protest the decision to allow Dubey to speak on the matter. The opposition members raised concerns about the manner in which the issue was addressed during the parliamentary session.
Incidental Moments Amid Political Tensions
Amid the high political drama, some incidental moments captured attention. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slipped and fell while descending stairs at the Parliament complex, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other members immediately assisting him. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi was seen holding a memoir of former Army Chief Naravane while speaking with media about the India-US trade agreement.
The evening session witnessed particularly chaotic scenes as Congress MPs entered the well and aisles of the Lok Sabha, raising slogans about the suspended members. Several women opposition MPs blocked seats on the treasury bench, including the Prime Minister's designated seat. Rahul Gandhi later shared a video on social media claiming the Prime Minister was "scared" to face Parliament, while BJP MP Manoj Tiwari alleged that opposition members had surrounded the Prime Minister's chair with intentions to "attack" him.
The repeated adjournments and ongoing protests highlight the deepening political divisions in Parliament as significant policy matters like the India-US trade agreement continue to generate heated debate and confrontation between the ruling party and opposition members.
