Lok Sabha Passes Motion of Thanks Without PM’s Speech : First Time Since 2004, Nadda Says Don’t Let Congress Become Hostage of Innocent Child

New Delhi:

On the 7th day of the Budget Session, the Lok Sabha passed the motion of thanks on the President’s Address amid uproar, marking the first time since 2004 that the motion was passed without a speech by the Prime Minister. Previously, on June 10, 2004, the opposition had prevented then PM Manmohan Singh from speaking on the motion of thanks.

Thursday witnessed chaotic scenes in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. As the Lok Sabha session began, opposition MPs raised slogans, prompting the Speaker to suspend proceedings twice—first within 65 seconds and then for five minutes. The House is scheduled to resume at 2 PM.

In the Rajya Sabha, uproar broke out over Rahul Gandhi being prevented from speaking in the Lok Sabha. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said he wanted to discuss the unpublished book of former Army Chief MM Naravane. The Deputy Chairperson restrained him from doing so.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju remarked that Rahul Gandhi does not follow rules and questioned why Kharge did not guide him. BJP President JP Nadda also told Kharge that Lok Sabha issues cannot be raised in Rajya Sabha, adding, “Don’t let Congress become the hostage of an innocent child.”

Following the uproar, opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha. Reports indicate that PM Narendra Modi may address the Rajya Sabha at 5 PM today.

On Wednesday, opposition MPs had surrounded the Prime Minister’s chair in the Lok Sabha, delaying his speech. Reports suggest that MPs Varsha Gaikwad and Jyotimani were among those who participated in the sit-in. At around 5 PM, female opposition MPs encircled the chairs of ruling party leaders, including that of the PM, holding large banners that read: “Do what is right.”

Due to this protest, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned, and the Prime Minister’s response to the motion of thanks could not take place.

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