Parliament adjourns as Adani controversy escalates.
In both Houses of Parliament, Opposition members vociferously demanded a discussion on two pressing issues: the Adani controversy and the recent violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal. The Adani row, involving allegations of financial irregularities and undue government favor, has sparked nationwide debates, with the Opposition seeking clarity and accountability from the ruling government. Simultaneously, the deadly clashes in Sambhal, which led to multiple casualties and injuries, have raised concerns over law and order in the state. Despite repeated pleas from Opposition leaders, the government remained unresponsive, leading to disruptions and the eventual adjournment of proceedings in both Houses.
Parliament Adjourned Amid Protests Over Adani Row and Sambhal Violence
New Delhi: On the third day of the Winter Session, Parliament was once again thrown into disarray as intense protests by Opposition members forced both Houses to adjourn for the day. The Opposition raised multiple issues, including the ongoing Adani controversy and the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting growing concerns over corporate accountability and law and order in the state.
Lok Sabha Proceedings Disrupted
The Lok Sabha session on Wednesday, November 27, began on a contentious note. As soon as the House convened for the day, several Opposition members, particularly from the Congress and Samajwadi Party, rose to their feet, demanding immediate discussions on critical issues.
The Opposition’s demands centered on two major topics:
- Adani Controversy: Allegations surrounding the Adani Group’s financial practices and its alleged preferential treatment by the government have stirred significant political unrest. The Opposition, led by the Congress, has been calling for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe to investigate the matter thoroughly.
- Sambhal Violence: The recent outbreak of violence in Sambhal, where clashes between protesters and police led to multiple casualties and injuries, has raised concerns over the state’s handling of law and order. Opposition members sought to hold the government accountable for the unrest and demanded a statement on the steps being taken to restore peace in the region. Chaos in the House
Despite repeated pleas by Speaker Om Birla for calm and order, the protests escalated quickly. Opposition members from the Congress and Samajwadi Party stormed the well of the House, while others stood in the aisles, chanting slogans and waving placards.
“Allow the Question Hour to proceed, and you can raise your issues later,” the Speaker urged, attempting to restore order. However, his appeals went unheard as the din continued to disrupt proceedings.
Amid the chaos, the House managed to take up only one question before the disruption forced the Speaker to adjourn the session. The proceedings, which lasted barely six minutes, were halted until 12 noon.
No Progress After Adjournment
When the Lok Sabha reconvened at noon, the situation remained unchanged. The Opposition persisted in their protests, refusing to relent until their demands were addressed. With the disruption showing no signs of abating, the Speaker eventually adjourned the House for the day, marking another day of stalled proceedings in Parliament.
Notably, there was no sitting of the House on Tuesday, adding to the growing frustration over the lack of legislative progress during this crucial Winter Session.
Opposition’s Stand
Opposition leaders have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of both the Adani controversy and the Sambhal violence.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government for its alleged inaction, stating, “The Adani issue is a matter of national importance. The government cannot continue to shield corporate interests while ignoring the public’s demand for transparency and accountability.”
Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for immediate discussions on the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.
Government’s Response
The government, on the other hand, has maintained that it is open to discussions but insists on following the established procedures of the House. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi reiterated the government’s willingness to address the concerns raised by the Opposition but criticized their tactics of disrupting proceedings.
The government is prepared to engage with the Opposition, but they must allow the House to function,” Joshi said in a statement.
Impact on Legislative Agenda
The ongoing disruptions have raised concerns about the legislative backlog piling up during this session. Key bills, including those related to economic reforms, public welfare, and national security, remain pending as the stalemate between the government and Opposition continues.
Political analysts warn that the impasse could have far-reaching implications, potentially delaying critical policy decisions and affecting governance at a national level.
Public Reaction
The continuous adjournments and lack of substantive debate have drawn criticism from various quarters, including civil society and political commentators. Many have expressed disappointment over the inability of lawmakers to engage in constructive dialogue, especially at a time when the country faces significant challenges.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with citizens expressing their frustration over the stalemate. “Parliament is meant to serve the people. It’s disheartening to see our representatives unable to put aside their differences and work towards the nation’s progress,” one user tweeted.
Conclusion
The third day of the Winter Session ended without any substantial progress, as protests over the Adani controversy and Sambhal violence continued to dominate proceedings. With critical issues hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the upcoming sessions to see if the government and Opposition can find common ground and resume the business of governing the nation. Until then, the political stalemate in Parliament remains a significant obstacle to legislative progress and effective governance.