Delhi, 7 August (H.S.): The impasse in both Houses of Parliament persists on Thursday, marking the fourteenth day of adjournments. In the Rajya Sabha, Deputy Chairman Harivansh received 25 notices under Rule 267 requesting the adjournment of scheduled business to address member issues but rejected all as non-compliant. Concurrently, in the Lok Sabha, opposition MPs, primarily from the Congress, demonstrated vocally, demanding a discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Initially, Speaker Om Birla attempted to proceed with Question Hour, focusing on the Smart City Mission. However, after ten minutes of continued protests, he expressed frustration, stating that the opposition was hindering the House from functioning, leading him to adjourn proceedings. During this time, Congress MP Hibi Eden introduced an adjournment motion concerning a new 25% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Indian goods, escalating the total tariff to 50%. Eden deemed the new tariffs unfair and politically motivated, particularly highlighting the negative implications for India's marine exports, especially the shrimp industry.
Congress MP Hibi Eden noted that this Trump tax threatens a pivotal sector, which contributed $4.88 billion in 2024-25, accounting for 66% of total seafood exports. He urged the government for immediate action, proposing an Export Promotion Mission and financial assistance for afflicted exporters, urging public banks' support amidst ongoing export uncertainties.
In the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was set to deliver a statement clarifying the need for immediate legislation concerning the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was scheduled to present amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, and introduce the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, aimed at enhancing sports development and ethical governance within the sports sector. The Indian Ports Bill of 2025 was also on the agenda, focusing on the consolidation of port laws and optimizing India's coastline utilization.As Opposition protests continued in the house, proceedings adjourned till 2 p.m.
The Rajya Sabha's agenda featured Question Hour and continued consideration of pending business. Despite attempts to initiate the Question Hour, disruptions from opposition members led to further adjournments. The Deputy Chairman made repeated calls for order in the House, but protests persisted, causing adjournments until 2 p.m. Despite multiple efforts, a resolution remains elusive, underscoring the ongoing political stalemates in Parliament.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
