Both the Houses of Parliament today witnessed a heated exchange of words between the Treasury and Opposition bench MPs on various issues. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day, while the Lok Sabha witnessed multiple adjournments.
When the Upper House assembled after the first adjournment at 12 noon, Leader of the House and Union Minister JP Nadda demanded a discussion in the House over the issue of alleged links of Congress leaders with the US-based George Soros Foundation. He said this alleged link poses a serious threat to the sovereignty and security of the nation. He accused the Congress-led opposition of diverting the attention of the people from this issue by bringing a no-confidence motion against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. He said this attempt of opposition parties must be condemned by all. Mr Nadda said the Congress has never shown respect to those who are holding constitutional positions. Deputy Chairman Harivansh urged the protesting members to go back to their seats and allow the House to function but in vain. Later, the Deputy Chairman adjourned the House for the day.
Earlier, when the House met this morning, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected the adjournment notices moved by the opposition MPs on various issues. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the opposition for their notices of a no-confidence motion against the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He said the Congress party should apologise for this, and the government will foil every attempt that is designed to malign the image of the chair. Lauding the contributions of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Mr. Rijiju said the Vice President always upheld the values and ethos of the Indian Constitution, and his position must be respected.
Mr Rijiju again raised the issue of alleged links of Congress leaders with the US-based George Soros Foundation, accusing the party of working against the country’s interest. He said Congress must come clean on this issue. Former Prime Minister and JD(S) MP HD Deve Gowda also criticised the opposition’s conduct in the House. Meanwhile, rejecting the charges of Mr Rijiju, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said they believe in the Constitution. He accused the NDA government of making attempts to alter the Constitution. Amid din, the Chairman adjourned the House till 12 noon.
When the Lok Sabha assembled in the morning, the Question Hour was taken up by the House without any disruptions. After completing the business, the House took up Zero Hour, in which Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi raised the law and order situation in Manipur. Responding to it, Union Minister Piyush Goyal accused the Congress of being responsible for the internal disturbances in the country. He alleged that the Congress party has a nexus with the foreign forces. He said the Manipur issue has been tackled by the government on a priority basis. Mr Goyal raised the issue of alleged links of Congress leaders with the US-based foundation, questioning their intention. The presiding officer tried to bring the House in order but in vain. Later, the House was adjourned till 2 PM. When the House met after the first adjournment at 2 PM, the House passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024, and later the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 was taken up for consideration and passing.
During the discussion on the Bill, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia took strong exception to the remarks of TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged the members to confine themselves only to the discussion and avoid personal comments, but the allegation and counter-allegation continued between the two sides, leading to the adjournment of the House till 4:40 PM and then again till 5 PM. When the House met at 5 PM, the scene was no different, leading to the adjournment of the House for the day.
