Why Was the LS Adjourned for the 3rd Time Amidst Opposition's SIR Outcry?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lok Sabha adjourned thrice due to Opposition disruptions.
- Discussion on India's space achievements was interrupted.
- Notification aims to exempt cotton import duty.
- Tensions between government and Opposition remain high.
- Impact on future legislative discussions is concerning.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 4 p.m. on Tuesday due to significant disruptions caused by Opposition members during a planned special discussion regarding India's space achievements.
Chaos erupted shortly after the House reconvened at 2 p.m. under the leadership of Krishan Prasad Tenneti.
The session commenced with Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Choudhry presenting Notification No. 35/2025-Customs before the House. This notification, which was published in the Gazette of India on August 18, aims to exempt cotton under tariff heading 5201 from the current 11 percent import duty.
This exemption is effective from August 19 to September 30, as per Section 159 of the Customs Act, 1962.
The intention behind this measure is to alleviate raw material costs for textile manufacturers and ensure a stable domestic supply.
Subsequently, the Chair invited members to engage in a special discussion focusing on India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station and the broader implications of the space program for the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'.
This discussion was anticipated to shed light on India’s expanding capabilities in space exploration and its strategic trajectory for scientific progress. However, the session quickly spiraled into disorder as Opposition MPs began shouting slogans like “We want justice”, disrupting the proceedings.
The protests escalated when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey from Godda, Jharkhand, attempted to initiate the discussion.
His comments were consistently overwhelmed by the loud sloganeering from the Opposition benches.
In an attempt to regain control, Tenneti urged members to return to their seats, stating, “I want to listen to you, but you are not giving me any opportunity to listen to you. Please go back to your seat.”
Despite multiple appeals, the disruptions continued, prompting the Chair to adjourn the House until 4 p.m.
The Monsoon Session has experienced numerous adjournments over contentious matters, with the Opposition demanding increased accountability and transparency on electoral reforms and governance.
This ongoing standoff threatens to obstruct crucial legislative discussions, including those regarding India’s space ambitions and economic policy.