Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday as opposition members, several of them dressed in black, continued with their protests on the Manipur issue. The MPs wore black clothes as a mark of protest for not allowing a discussion on Manipur and Prime Minister Narendra Modi not making a statement in both Houses on the violence-racked northeastern state.
Most of the opposition MPs wore black shirts, kurtas or jackets while those who did not were helped by other protesting MPs in tying black bands around their arms to protest against Manipur violence, an issue on which the House has witnessed repeated adjournments since the start of the Monsoon Session on July 20.
As soon as the House met for the day and Speaker Om Birla started Question Hour, a few opposition MPs trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans and holding placards.
A visibly peeved Speaker reminded the protesting members that it was not appropriate for them to shout slogans and display placards, saying it is against the decorum of the House. "We have been elected and sent here by people to discuss their issues," he said and urged the members to have good discussions. The whole country is watching and there is a good tradition in the House, Birla said, adding that he will give time to discuss the issues.
Most of the opposition MPs wore black shirts, kurtas or jackets while those who did not were helped by other protesting MPs in tying black bands around their arms to protest against Manipur violence, an issue on which the House has witnessed repeated adjournments since the start of the Monsoon Session on July 20.
When Union minister Nitin Gadkari was replying to a question from the front row of the treasury bench, some protesting members displayed the placards standing near him. Only one question was taken up during the Question Hour and as the din continued, Birla adjourned the proceedings within seven minutes. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi wanted to address the House but the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm.
The Opposition bloc, INDIA, was earlier reported to boycott the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Rajya Sabha at 10 am. The Opposition bloc met at the chamber of the Leader of the Opposition to chalk out a strategy for the motion.
Meanwhile, AAP's Sanjay Singh has said, "Today is the 4th day of team INDIA's protest & we have been demanding that PM Modi should come to the Parliament and speak on the Manipur issue...Manipur is burning and people are residing in relief camps. But PM Modi is comparing INDIA with terrorist groups & saying that he would come to power in 2024. He should at least show some sensitivity..."
Hitting out at the Opposition, BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar said, "...They are demanding discussion and we are ready. Home Minister has said that the discussion can run as long as they (Opposition) as they want. Why do they want PM to speak first? PM has already spoken outside the Parliament. He will speak inside when it is necessary. He can speak after the discussion. But they are creating a ruckus...They do not have the numbers.."
Following the no-confidence motion, Lok Sabha Speaker OM Birla said the time of the debate will be fixed by him after s discussion with the parties and will be conveyed to the House.
