New Delhi: Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Friday following sustained protests by opposition members. This is the second consecutive day that discussion on the Union Budget could not be taken up in the House. The Budget was presented on February 1.
The House, which was earlier adjourned in the morning, reassembled at noon but disruptions continued as opposition MPs trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans and displaying placards. Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was in the Chair, repeatedly urged protesting members to return to their seats and allow the House to function. As the appeals went unheeded, he adjourned the proceedings for the day.
Earlier, Speaker Om Birla had adjourned the House till noon after similar disruptions stalled the proceedings. Expressing concern over repeated interruptions, Birla said that 19 hours and 13 minutes of parliamentary time had been lost so far in the current session due to protests and adjournments.
He said Members of Parliament are elected to raise public issues through structured debate and discussion, not by shouting slogans or obstructing proceedings.
The government and the opposition continue to remain at loggerheads over a range of issues, leading to frequent disruptions in both Houses of Parliament.
Following Friday’s adjournment, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to reconvene at 11 am on Monday.
