Why Was the Rajya Sabha Adjourned Until 2 PM Amid Opposition Protests?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rajya Sabha adjourned due to Opposition protests.
- Question Hour disrupted by sloganeering.
- Demands linked to Vice President's resignation.
- Concerns over electoral roll revisions in Bihar.
- Political tensions escalating in the Monsoon Session.
New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) The Rajya Sabha experienced another chaotic session on Wednesday as relentless sloganeering and demonstrations from Opposition members led to an early suspension of proceedings until 2 p.m. This disruption occurred during the Question Hour, a time typically dedicated for members to hold the government accountable.
Presiding over the session, Ghanshyam Tiwari initiated by calling member Santosh Kumar P. to present his question. However, the chamber rapidly devolved into disorder as Opposition MPs chanted slogans, making it impossible for proceedings to continue.
The specific nature of their demands was unclear amid the uproar, but sources suggest that the protests were related to the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Tiwari made several appeals for members to maintain decorum in the House, emphasizing that “This is Question Hour,” but his requests went unheeded. He attempted to call two more members for questioning, yet the uproar persisted. With no signs of a resolution, the Chair adjourned the House until 2 p.m.
Earlier, Deputy Chairman Harivansh dismissed 12 adjournment notices under Rule 267, including one that sought a dialogue regarding Dhankhar’s resignation. This led to sloganeering from MPs of various Opposition parties, many of whom were observed standing and chanting slogans.
The Vice President, who also acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, resigned due to health concerns, a decision that has ignited political speculation and calls for discussion.
The Opposition’s demonstrations also focused on the Election Commission’s SIR exercise in Bihar, which they claim may disenfranchise voters. Members of the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, protested outside Parliament, labeling the revision as a “death of democracy.”
The Monsoon Session has thus far been characterized by frequent adjournments and confrontations, with both Houses struggling to carry out legislative business. As political tensions escalate, the government faces increasing pressure to respond to the Opposition’s grievances and restore parliamentary order.
The Rajya Sabha is set to reconvene at 2 p.m., though further disruptions are anticipated given the ongoing tensions.