Parliament – Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Opposition Protests Over NEET and Ram Temple Row
Parliament – The Lok Sabha witnessed another day of disruption during the Monsoon Session as persistent protests by Opposition members forced the House to suspend its proceedings on Thursday. Repeated appeals from Speaker Om Birla to restore order failed to calm the situation, leading to the adjournment of the House until 2 p.m. The continued interruptions once again prevented normal parliamentary business from moving forward.
Opposition Continues Protest Over Key Issues
The Opposition intensified its demonstrations inside the House over multiple issues, including the NEET paper leak controversy, police action against protesters, and allegations related to the Ram Temple donation matter. Members demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah address the House and provide the government’s response to these concerns. Their continuous sloganeering created an atmosphere in which proceedings could not continue as scheduled.
Question Hour Faces Repeated Disruptions
The ongoing protests have significantly affected the functioning of Parliament throughout the current Monsoon Session. Question Hour, one of the most important parliamentary mechanisms for government accountability, has not been conducted successfully on any day of the session due to repeated interruptions. Legislative work has consequently faced regular delays as political disagreements continue to dominate the House.
Digital Evidence Bill Cleared Despite Protests
A day earlier, the Lok Sabha approved legislation designed to update the legal framework governing the admissibility of digital and virtual records in courts. The Bill was passed through a voice vote without any discussion, even as Opposition members continued their protests. The proposed law aims to modernize provisions related to bankers’ books by recognizing electronic records in line with evolving digital banking systems. It also includes related provisions connected with the implementation of the legislation.
Government Criticises Opposition Strategy
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly criticised the Opposition over its campaign concerning the alleged Ram Temple donation controversy. He accused the Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI), and the Samajwadi Party of repeatedly taking positions that, according to him, were against the interests associated with Lord Ram.
Rijiju also referred to the Opposition’s “chanda chori” performance staged within the Parliament complex, saying it had offended the sentiments of many people across the country. He further alleged that the Opposition was intentionally disrupting the functioning of Parliament instead of participating in constructive debate.
Remarks on Parliamentary Decorum
During his remarks, Rijiju said the government remained prepared for a discussion on the issues raised by the Opposition. He also commented on Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, describing him as a good individual but stating that he had been unable to ensure discipline among members of his party inside the House.
Opposition Responds to Government Allegations
Responding to the government’s criticism, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal rejected the allegation that his party was opposed to Lord Ram. He argued that those accused in connection with the Ram Temple donation issue were now attempting to shift the political narrative by targeting the Congress.
Venugopal maintained that the Opposition was demanding action against those allegedly involved in handling Ram Temple donation funds and questioned why the government had not provided a clear response on the matter. He also said accusations branding Congress as “Ram virodhi” would not be accepted by the public and insisted that accountability over the donation issue remained the Opposition’s primary concern.