Parliament – Opposition Walkout After Kharge Denied Floor

Parliament – Tensions escalated in the Rajya Sabha on Monday after opposition parties walked out in protest, alleging that Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was prevented from speaking on key parliamentary matters.

Dispute Over Speaking Rights During Question Hour

The disruption began during Question Hour when Mallikarjun Kharge, a senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, stood up to raise concerns regarding proceedings in the Lok Sabha. He sought to address what he described as the denial of an opportunity for Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to speak during discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.

However, Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan declined to allow Kharge to raise the issue. The Chair maintained that matters relating to the Lok Sabha could not be discussed in the Upper House and indicated that any remarks made on the subject would not be recorded in the official proceedings.

Earlier Objection on Trade Deal Statement

Before the walkout, Kharge had also referred to a separate issue concerning Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. He questioned why the minister had spoken to the media outside Parliament about the proposed India-US trade deal while the House was in session, instead of making a statement within the chamber.

Kharge suggested that significant policy matters, especially those involving international agreements, should first be discussed in Parliament to ensure transparency and accountability. The Chair, however, did not permit an extended discussion on this matter either, reiterating procedural limitations.

Opposition Registers Protest in the House

Following the Chairman’s ruling, opposition members across parties rose from their seats in protest. They voiced objections, arguing that the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha should be given adequate space to present concerns, particularly when they relate to parliamentary functioning.

Despite the protests, the Chair proceeded with the scheduled Question Hour. The House continued its listed business amid sloganeering from opposition benches. After several minutes of disruption, opposition members collectively decided to walk out of the chamber as a mark of protest.

Political Implications

The walkout highlights ongoing friction between the ruling side and opposition parties over procedural conduct and space for debate. Disagreements over speaking opportunities have surfaced repeatedly in recent sessions, reflecting deeper political divides.

While the government has maintained that parliamentary rules are being followed, opposition leaders have consistently argued that dissenting voices are not being given sufficient time during crucial debates. The events on Monday add to a series of confrontations that have shaped recent parliamentary sessions.

Continued Tensions in Parliament

The Rajya Sabha later resumed normal proceedings after the opposition members exited the House. There was no immediate indication of further disruption during the remainder of the day’s business.

Political observers note that such walkouts, while symbolic, signal growing strain in legislative functioning. With several important bills and discussions scheduled in the coming weeks, the smooth conduct of Parliament may depend on dialogue between the treasury benches and opposition leaders.

As of now, there has been no formal statement from either side indicating a resolution of the concerns raised during the session.