New Delhi, 31 July (H.S.):

Proceedings of the Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day on Friday following persistent sloganeering and disruptions by Opposition members. The Upper House will now reconvene at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3.

The House began with the laying of official papers on the Table. Soon afterwards, Opposition members demanded that Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge be allowed to address the House. Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan subsequently permitted Kharge to speak but made it clear that no notices submitted under Rule 267 would be admitted.

Following the Chair's decision, Opposition members raised slogans over various issues, including the alleged paper leak controversy and the alleged theft of offerings made at the Ram Mandir. Continuous protests and disruptions prevented the House from conducting its scheduled business smoothly.

During the uproar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, accusing it of indulging in street politics inside Parliament. He said that ministers of the government were present in the House and ready to conduct business, but the Opposition was undermining the dignity of Parliament. Chouhan further alleged that the Opposition was violating the spirit of democracy and the Constitution by creating disorder and intentionally disrupting proceedings. He asserted that the Opposition had no concern for the public and that the people of the country were closely watching its conduct.

As Opposition members continued their sloganeering, the Chairman adjourned the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha for the remainder of the day. The House is now scheduled to meet again at 11:00 a.m. on August 3.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar