The Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s parliament, was adjourned till 2 PM on Monday following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about democracy made in London. As soon as the House met in the morning, the members of the treasury benches started raising slogans against Mr. Gandhi and demanded his apology. The opposition countered with Congress, DMK, and other party members gathering in the well, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier reported comments. This led to an uproar in the House, and Speaker Om Birla repeatedly urged the protesting members to maintain order in the House, stating that he would allow discussion on any issue. However, the agitating members did not pay heed, leading to the adjournment of the House till 2 PM.
The incident comes after Rahul Gandhi’s recent speech in London, where he criticized the current Indian government’s handling of the farmer’s protest and questioned the state of democracy in the country. The comments sparked a political storm, with BJP leaders demanding an apology from the Congress leader and accusing him of defaming the country on an international platform.
Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament, members across party lines congratulated the teams of RRR and The Elephant Whisperers on their recent Oscar wins. The chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar, praised the Indian artists for their immense creativity and committed dedication, saying that their achievements reflected a global appreciation of the vast talent in India.
The adjournment of the Lok Sabha highlights the growing tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties. The Congress has been critical of the BJP government’s policies, especially its handling of the farmer’s protest and the recent rise in fuel prices. The BJP, on the other hand, has accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and creating a false narrative to mislead the people.
The incident also raises questions about the state of democracy in India, with some arguing that the government is trying to stifle opposition voices and suppress dissent. The recent arrest of climate activist Disha Ravi and the suspension of Twitter accounts belonging to journalists and activists critical of the government have further fuelled these concerns.
The adjournment of the Lok Sabha also highlights the need for constructive dialogue and debate on critical issues facing the country. It is imperative for the government and the opposition to engage in a meaningful discussion to find solutions to the challenges confronting India.
The adjournment of the Lok Sabha following Rahul Gandhi’s democracy remarks in London underscores the growing political tensions in India. The incident highlights the need for constructive dialogue and debate on critical issues facing the country and underscores the importance of upholding democratic values and principles. It is crucial for the government and the opposition to engage in a meaningful discussion to find solutions to the challenges confronting India and ensure that democracy in the country remains strong and vibrant.
