Budget Session Disrupted Over National Security Debate, 8 MPs Suspended
Parliament in Chaos as Rahul Gandhi Raises Doklam Issue, 8 MPs Suspended: The Lok Sabha witnessed massive disruption on the fifth day of the Budget Session after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to raise issues related to China and the Doklam standoff, citing references from an unpublished book by former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane. As soon as Rahul Gandhi mentioned national security concerns, ruling party MPs objected, leading to loud protests. He was not allowed to speak, forcing repeated adjournments of the House.
The situation escalated when opposition MPs protested strongly against the denial of speaking time. During the uproar, some MPs allegedly threw papers towards the Speaker’s Chair. Following this, the Speaker suspended eight MPs for the remainder of the session, including seven Congress MPs and one CPI(M) MP, S. Venkatesan. Due to continued chaos, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till the next day.
Reacting to the suspensions, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra staged a protest outside Parliament, accusing the government of suppressing the opposition’s voice. Suspended Congress MP Raja Warring said that the disruption began as soon as sensitive issues like China and Doklam were raised. He alleged that the Speaker switched off Rahul Gandhi’s microphone and allowed another MP to speak, which the opposition termed unfair.
Rahul Gandhi later stated that despite being the Leader of the Opposition, he was repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak on matters of national importance. He said he was only presenting facts related to India-China relations and reminded the House that Indian soldiers had lost their lives in eastern Ladakh. The incident has further deepened the confrontation between the government and the opposition during the ongoing Budget Session.
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