'Let Parliament function': Lok Sabha adjourned within 4 minutes over Amit Shah statement demand

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 2 pm on Tuesday, barely four minutes after the House met at 11 am, as Opposition members continued their protest demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged police action against students.

The disruption came amid the continuing deadlock in Parliament, with the Opposition seeking a discussion on the July 20 protests linked to alleged irregularities in examinations and demanding a response from Shah.

Slogans disrupt Question Hour

As Opposition MPs raised slogans and displayed placards, Speaker Om Birla repeatedly appealed to them to allow Question Hour to proceed.

“I have personally requested several times that question hour is the most important time under which members hold the government accountable and bring transparency in the legislature... Please help in running question hour. Citizens of the country also want Parliament to function. I had requested all parties at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting yesterday (Monday) to let Parliament function...there should be discussion on legislation. I request you again; let Parliament function,” Birla said.

The Speaker also pointed to an assurance given by Parliamentary Affairs minister Kiren Rijiju during the BAC meeting that Shah was prepared to address the issue of police action against student protesters.

“Multiple disruptions in the House are against the spirit of democracy. Stop holding placards and do debates and discussions in the House. I request, please help run the House. My mind is troubled when Parliament does not function,” Birla said before adjourning the House.

Despite the appeals, Opposition MPs continued raising slogans demanding that Shah come to Parliament and make a statement.

Two-week logjam continues

The government had offered on Monday to discuss students' concerns and the alleged police action, with Shah responding to the debate, in an attempt to end the deadlock that has disrupted the Monsoon Session for nearly two weeks.

The Opposition, however, has sought specific responses and also demanded a separate discussion on the alleged theft of donations linked to the Ram Temple.

The session has consequently seen repeated disruptions, limiting legislative business.

Bills listed for introduction

The supplementary list of business on Monday indicated that Shah was scheduled to introduce Bills seeking to change the name of Kerala to Keralam and amend the National Cooperative Development Corporation Act.

However, Union ministers of state Nityanand Rai and Murlidhar Mohol introduced the Bills.

The Opposition's protest over the July 20 student demonstrations remains centred on allegations of excessive police action, including the alleged use of pellet guns, during protests seeking the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.