Parliamentary proceedings came to a standstill for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, as Opposition members staged protests in both the Houses, demanding a discussion on the ongoing revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Parliament waved placards and shouted slogans, repeatedly stormed into the Well of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, prompting adjournments for the remainder of the day during the post-lunch session.
Expressing displeasure at the persistent disruptions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla remarked that members were bringing “street-like behaviour” into Parliament and urged them to reflect on their responsibilities as lawmakers, PTI reported.
The Lok Sabha was first adjourned within minutes of the commencement of the Question Hour, after Giridhari Yadav of the Janata Dal (United)—a key ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA)—raised concerns about the development of the rail network in poll-bound Bihar.
When the Lok Sabha reconvened at noon, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Sandhya Ray facilitated the laying of parliamentary papers and the introduction of two bills. However, with Opposition members continuing their sloganeering against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar, the proceedings were adjourned again until 2 pm.
Similar scenes unfolded in the post-lunch session, leading Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was in the chair, to adjourn the House for the day.
The Upper House also witnessed repeated interruptions and was finally adjourned for the day shortly after it reconvened in the afternoon.
It had been first adjourned at 11 am, and again at noon, each time due to the Opposition`s objections over SIR. When it met for a third time at 2 pm, protests persisted, forcing another adjournment for the day.
Before the final adjournment, the Rajya Sabha took up the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, for consideration and passing. The proposed legislation aims to replace the nearly century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that the bill outlines the responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities of carriers in relation to the carriage of goods by sea, and addresses related matters.
As All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) member M Thambidurai rose to speak on the bill, Opposition members continued their protest, demanding a debate on SIR and calling for Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to be allowed to address the House.
Several MPs entered the Well during the protest.
Bhubaneswar Kalita, who was at the time presiding over the session, informed Thambidurai that he could resume his speech at a later time, before adjourning the House for the day as the uproar continued.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on Monday, with the Rajya Sabha having passed the Bills of Lading Bill so far.
(With PTI inputs)