Parliamentary proceedings in the Lok Sabha ground to a halt on Monday, with no legislative business conducted as intense Opposition sloganeering forced an adjournment just seven minutes into the session. MPs immediately disrupted Question Hour, demanding a dedicated discussion on the recently announced India-US interim trade framework, which some opposition members have labelled a "trap deal." Even after Om Birla, Speaker of the House, made several requests to conduct themselves with decorum and assured to members that they would all receive opportunities to speak in the House within this session, but protests continued to take place. As a result, the House was adjourned until 12:00 pm.
Adding to the tension within the House, it has been reported that there is a proposal before the House to table a motion of no confidence against Speaker Om Birla from the opposition. This move stems from allegations that the Opposition was not given sufficient time to speak, particularly regarding complaints that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was restricted during discussions on the motion of thanks to the President’s Address last week.
Monday was originally scheduled for a continuation of the discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. While the INDIA bloc parties had previously decided to participate in the Budget discussions, the demand for a debate on the trade deal took precedence in the Lower House. Protests regarding the trade pact also occurred outside Parliament at the Makar Dwar, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joining MPs in chanting slogans against the central government.
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