'All sacredness of House destroyed', says Venkaiah Naidu as Oppn MPs create ruckus in Rajya Sabha

A few members squatted on the tables for over one-and-half hours during which proceedings were adjourned multiple times. No sooner had a discussion on the farmers' issues been called, MPs belonging to opposition parties including the Congress and the TMC trooped into the Well shouting slogans seeking withdrawal of the controversial farm reform legislations.

Six TMC MPs in the Rajya Sabha were suspended for the day earlier this month for carrying placards into the Well while one was suspended for the whole session for snatching papers from IT and Telecom Ministers and tearing it up.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he was hurt as the proceedings were disrupted due to uproar by the Opposition. “I am hurt by the fact that the proceedings of the House did not take place as per expectations in this Session. I always make an effort to see that maximum Business takes place in the House & discussions are held over issues related to the public.”

Birla said that the House functioned for only 74 hours and 46 minutes. The total productivity was 22 percent. A total of 20 Bills were passed, including the OBC Bill which was passed with the unanimous consent of all parties. “I thank the Prime Minister and the leaders of all parties who contributed to the House,” Birla said.

Both the Houses of Parliament were marred by repeated adjournments as the Opposition tried to corner the government over the Pegasus project, handling the second wave of COVID-19, new farm laws and the fuel price hike.

The Monsoon Session will conclude on August 13. Since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, three sessions of Parliament were curtailed, while the winter session last year had to be cancelled.