Parliament Monsoon Session begins: Here’s how the first day unfolded

The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on Monday as the opposition cornered the ruling dispensation over a host of issues, including handling of the second wave of Covid-19, rise in fuel prices, farmers' stir and the recently published Pegasus report. (AP)

Ahead of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he wants meaningful discussions in Parliament over the Covid pandemic which has gripped the entire world. He also said the government is ready to give the answers that the people of the country want. (PTI)

Rajya Sabha proceedings on the opening day were adjourned for an hour as a mark of respect for departed two sitting MPs Raghunath Mohapatra and Rajeev Satav. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu mentioned the passing away of the two sitting MPs as well as 10 former members, including Bollywood veteran actor Dilip Kumar and legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh. (PTI)

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The session began on a stormy note with the Opposition creating a ruckus and preventing PM Modi from introducing his newly-inducted Union ministers to the House. Rajnath Singh termed the behaviour of Congress as 'sad, unfortunate, unhealthy'.

A worker sanitizes the premises of Parliament on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 19, 2021. (PTI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with newly elected party MP Vijay Vasanth at Parliament House in New Delhi, Monday, July 19, 2021. (PTI)

Parliamentarians in the Rajya Sabha, on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day after witnessing multiple disruptions as several Opposition members trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans and protesting over various issues. (RSTV)

In Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Opposition leaders were unable to digest the fact that a large number of new ministers are women, Dalits, tribals and those from other backward classes.

Several MPs of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) hold placards demanding scrapping of the three farm laws, on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament in New Delhi. (PTI)

BJP MP Harsh Vardhan on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (PTI)

A parliamentary staff looks for cover as it rains on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament in New Delhi. (PTI)