Opposition Leaders Challenge Modi Government in Lok Sabha Protest

In a break from tradition, senior Opposition leaders entered the Well of the Lok Sabha on Friday, brandishing placards and challenging the Narendra Modi government to suspend them. This bold move came a day after 14 MPs faced suspension for alleged "misconduct" while pressing for Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the Parliament security breach. Among those leading the protest were Congress Lok Sabha leader Adhir Chowdhury, Trinamul Congress's Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's T.R. Balu, and National Conference veteran Farooq Abdullah. They accused the government of a dictatorial attitude, demanding Shah's resignation and action against BJP MP Pratap Simmha.

Opposition Protests: MPs Challenge Suspension.

As the Lok Sabha convened, Opposition veterans, joined by colleagues, descended into the Well with placards bearing slogans like "tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not be tolerated) and "grih mantri ishtifa do" (home minister, resign). Sensing the heightened tension, Speaker Om Birla refrained from presiding over the session and deputed Rajendra Agrawal, who promptly adjourned the House within a minute. The day saw both Houses adjourned without transacting any business, as the Opposition sought to counter the government's decision to suspend their MPs.

The Opposition's aggressive stance was a response to the government's suspension of MPs over the security breach, which the Speaker had sought to absolve the government from. Opposition leaders argued that the seriousness of the lapse warranted at least a statement from Home Minister Shah in both Houses. Prime Minister Modi and Shah continued to avoid Parliament, attending an event in Rajasthan instead. Shah's decision to address the security breach in a media house conclave, rather than Parliament, further fueled the Opposition's ire, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticizing the move.

Ahead of parliamentary proceedings, Opposition leaders, accompanied by suspended MPs, staged a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue, accusing the government of attempting to stifle their voices. Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi stood at the gate of the new Parliament building to show solidarity with the suspended MPs. The decision to challenge the government by daring it to suspend more Opposition leaders, including seniors, was made during a meeting of the INDIA bloc parties in Parliament. Even the Lok Sabha leader of the BJD, usually friendly towards the government, supported the Opposition's demand for a statement from the Centre.