Opposition protest disrupts Parliament, both Houses adjourned amid demands for Shah’s statement

NEW DELHI, Aug 10: Opposition protests over the police action against student protesters at Jantar Mantar and alleged irregularities in donations linked to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya disrupted proceedings in Parliament on Monday, with both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among Opposition leaders who staged a protest within the Parliament complex and raised slogans over their demands.

The Opposition sought a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the police action against students protesting at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Opposition parties have accused the government of suppressing student voices and demanded accountability for the action against the protesters.

The issue has emerged as a major flashpoint between the government and Opposition during the Monsoon Session, with Opposition MPs insisting that the Home Minister explain the government’s position on the handling of the student protests.

The Opposition also demanded a discussion on alleged irregularities and theft linked to donations made to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. MPs raised slogans over the issue and sought an opportunity to raise the matter on the floor of the House.

Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has also maintained pressure on the government over issues that the Opposition says require parliamentary scrutiny.

The latest disruption came amid an ongoing standoff between the government and Opposition, with several sittings of both Houses already affected by protests over issues including the NEET-UG controversy, student protests and other demands.

Opposition leaders said they would continue pressing for their demands, raising the possibility of further disruptions, while the government continued with listed legislative and other business amid the protests. (Agencies)