Parliamentary Proceedings Halted Until Friday Due to DMK Protests Against Delimitation
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Synopsis
On March 20, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until Friday due to disruptions caused by DMK MPs protesting against delimitation. The MPs wore provocative T-shirts, resulting in multiple adjournments and hindering key discussions, including the Home Ministry's functioning.
Key Takeaways
- DMK MPs protested against delimitation in Parliament.
- Both houses were adjourned until Friday.
- Home Minister Amit Shah was set to address pending discussions.
- Protests outside Parliament included banners against delimitation.
- Disruptions impacted legislative proceedings significantly.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) Proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were interrupted on Thursday as DMK MPs entered the chambers clad in T-shirts emblazoned with slogans opposing delimitation. The ensuing uproar resulted in several adjournments, ultimately leading to the suspension of both houses' sessions until Friday.
In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar first adjourned the proceedings until noon, indicating he would confer with floor leaders.
Upon reconvening, the House faced another adjournment for 15 minutes and later until 2 p.m. The ongoing disruptions compelled the House to be adjourned for the day without tackling scheduled issues, including a discussion on the functioning of the Home Ministry.
Home Minister Amit Shah was anticipated to address the discussion in the Rajya Sabha, which had commenced on Wednesday evening but remained incomplete.
A parallel scenario unfolded in the Lok Sabha, where Speaker Om Birla voiced strong disapproval over the display of slogans, leading to multiple adjournments before finally suspending proceedings until Friday. The Chair criticized the DMK MPs' T-shirts that read – “Delimitation - Tamil Nadu will fight, Tamil Nadu will win”.
The DMK MPs contended that the Central government has failed to clarify the delimitation issue, which could result in a decrease in representation for southern states.
Outside the chambers, DMK MPs organized a protest on the Parliament grounds, brandishing banners against delimitation. The party has consistently opposed the process, claiming it would adversely affect southern states.
This disruption also hindered the Rajya Sabha from holding Zero Hour and Question Hour.
Earlier during the session, the House had deliberated on key ministries, including Railways and Health, but Thursday's adjournment obstructed any further discussions concerning the functioning of the Home Ministry.
The repeated disruptions in both Houses have stalled legislative activities. This marks the first occasion in the current Budget session that the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned without conducting any business.
