Parl Budget Session 2nd phase, Day 2:Lok Sabha adjourned due to opposition protest

Tuesday is the second day of the second phase of Parliament’s Budget Session. After a few addresses by the Member of Parliaments, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for some time on Tuesday due to opposition protests. The Lok Sabha was expected to discuss the opposition’s no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla. Sources indicate that the opposition was also preparing to move a no-confidence motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A draft of the motion has reportedly been finalised and is expected to be presented next week. What happened on Day 1? On the first day of the session, opposition members caused disruptions in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, demanding a discussion on the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran and the US, and its possible impact on India. They also called for a debate on the country’s energy crisis. Responding to the developments, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready for a discussion on the motion against the Speaker. He added that the opposition had raised another issue as well, which had already been addressed effectively by the External Affairs Minister in both Houses. Rahul Gandhi had said, “PM Narendra Modi is being blackmailed. He has no option but to compromise the interests of the Indian people. Mark my words, he will not come to Parliament.” Jaishankar said India backs a peaceful, negotiated solution to the West Asia crisis On Monday, the External Affairs Minister addressed the Rajya Sabha and later the Lok Sabha, outlining preparations for the possible return of Indian nationals from Gulf countries and discussing the ongoing energy crisis. He noted that contact with the Iranian leadership is currently difficult but emphasised that India remains in favour of peace and dialogue. Opposition members staged a walkout during his address in the Rajya Sabha. In the Lok Sabha, they raised slogans of “We want discussion” and created a ruckus. Despite repeated appeals from the Chair, the protesting MPs did not relent. Foreign Minister: 67,000 Indians cross international border; six key points S. Jaishankar said the ongoing conflict in West Asia is a major concern for India, as around 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries and many others are in Iran for study and employment. He noted that the region is crucial for India’s energy security, being a key supplier of oil and gas, and any disruption in supply chains is a serious issue. Two Indian merchant seafarers have died and one remains missing. The Directorate General of Shipping had earlier advised Indian sailors to avoid unnecessary shore visits. Efforts are underway to evacuate Indians from the region, with about 67,000 citizens having crossed the international border as of 8 March. Relevant ministries are coordinating the response. The conflict involving Israel, United States and Iran has intensified, spreading to parts of the Gulf and causing significant destruction and loss of life. Jaishankar added that contact with the Iranian leadership is currently difficult, though Iran’s Foreign Minister thanked India for allowing the warship Lavan to dock at Kochi Port. Rahul Gandhi said – Remember my words, PM Modi will not come to Parliament Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said, “The ongoing war in West Asia is seriously damaging our economy, but our compromised Prime Minister does not have the courage to discuss it. The stock market is falling, LPG prices are rising and global crude oil prices are reaching historic levels. This is directly affecting the common man, household budgets and small and medium-sized businesses. Prime Minister Modi is being blackmailed. He has no option but to sell out the interests of the Indian people. Remember my words, he will not come to Parliament.”