The Opposition intensified its noisy protests in Lok Sabha on Wednesday over farm laws, Pegasus snooping and other issues with some members even hurling papers and torn placards in the Parliament, but the Narendra Modi government went ahead with its legislative agenda and three bills were passed amid the din.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned repeatedly as an unrelenting opposition created uproar, repeating the scenes of the last over one week, reported news agency PTI.
As the proceedings began, opposition members trooped into the Well of the House, raising slogans and holding placards against the government over a number of issues including snooping allegations linked to Israeli spyware Pegasus.
Speaker Om Birla continued with the Question Hour despite disruptions. This was for the first time that Lok Sabha completed the Question Hour in the Monsoon session which began on July 19, reports PTI.
But despite the Opposition’s protests, the Lok Sabha was able to pass the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill 2021 on Wednesday. After resuming proceedings at 3 pm, the House also passed two appropriation bills.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha for a discussion on the Pegasus issue in the presence of the Prime Minister or Home Minister, according to news agency ANI.
His notice reads: “I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely:- Need to suspend the business of the day to have a discussion in the presence of the Prime Minister or Home Minister on the Pegasus snooping, spying and surveillance scandal that has undermined democracy in India and to have a Supreme Court-monitored enquiry announced immediately.”
Congress’s Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari has also given adjournment motion notice demanding discussion on the ‘Pegasus project’ issue, according to news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, ahead of the seventh day of the monsoon session of Parliament, Opposition Floor leaders from Rajya Sabha are slated to meet to chalk out a strategy to address the Pegasus snooping scandal, news agency ANI reported.
“We only want discussion on Pegasus issue. For that, PM Modi and Home Minister’s presence is necessary. This (snooping) is treason. If they let us discuss the issue, the House will function properly. We’ve also called an all-party meet today,” Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said.
