Lok Sabha adjourned in seconds as MPs hurl papers at Chair, protest against Rahul Gandhi’s ‘illegal disqualification’

The Rajya Sabha first approved the Rs 45 lakh-crore spending proposed in the Budget, then the Finance Bill, which contains tax proposals. Finally, the upper house approved the Appropriation Bill and Demands for Grants, besides Budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The approval to the Finance Bill included an amendment moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which sought to correct the rate of STT (Securities Transaction Tax) to be levied on trading of options and futures in the derivative market.

In the morning, as soon as the Lok Sabha met, Congress members T N Prathapan Hibi Eden, Jothimani S and Ramya Haridas rushed to the Well of the House, tore copies of the notification disqualifying Rahul and hurled them at Speaker Om Birla. Some of the MPs also waved black cloth at the Speaker.

The Speaker promptly adjourned the proceedings till 4 pm but the Congress MPs continued the protest. They hurled torn papers as well as a banner at the Speaker’s Chair after he left the House.

Along with Congress members, MPs belonging to the DMK, NCP, the Left and BRS also wore black. Trinamool Congress MPs covered their mouth with black bands. The Opposition MPs held placards targeting the government such as ‘Jago ED’ and ‘ED Modani Bhai Bhai’.

After the House was adjourned, the Opposition members held a brief protest in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue where Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge were also present. They then marched to Vijay Chowk, shouting slogans.

Soon after the House reassembled at 4 pm, the Opposition MPs came into the Well of the House again – with placards – and started sloganeering. Rama Devi, who was in the Chair, informed the House that several members have given notices for adjournment but the Lok Sabha Speaker has not allowed any of them.

Amid the din, Finance Minister Sitharaman moved an amendment recommended by the Rajya Sabha in the Finance Bill for consideration of Lok Sabha. The upper House had recommended an amendment in clause 174 of the Bill, which was approved by the Lok Sabha with a voice vote. After that, the House was adjourned till 11 am Tuesday.

In the Rajya Sabha, minutes after it met in the morning, the House was adjourned due to the Opposition protest. The sloganeering even before Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar had taken his seat, prompting him to adjourn the proceedings.

In the afternoon session, the Rajya Sabha returned the Finance Bill as well as other legislation without discussion as the protests continued.

The Lok Sabha had also approved these Bills last week without discussion amid continuous disruption of the House.

Dhankar said due to disruptions in the Rajya sabha, it would be deemed that all papers and reports have been laid in the House.

“It is unfortunate that 10 hours had been given for discussion (of the Bills) and this has not been availed. This (the upper house) is a theatre for discussion and debate to put forth matters of national importance,” he said before adjourning the proceedings till Tuesday.