New Delhi, 12 August (H.S.): Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm on Wednesday following protests by Opposition members, as the political standoff between the government and the Opposition continued during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The House witnessed disruptions after Opposition MPs raised slogans over issues they have been seeking to discuss. Amid the protests, proceedings could not continue normally, leading to the adjournment of the House until 2 pm.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the repeated disruptions, saying such protests and disorder were unbecoming of the dignity of the House. The government has maintained that Parliament should be allowed to function and that important issues should be addressed through debate and discussion.

The latest disruption came against the backdrop of a wider confrontation between the government and the Opposition over several issues. These include alleged police action against student protesters, the controversy surrounding donations and valuables at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and demands for discussions on other matters.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge has also demanded that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Opposition has indicated that it will continue pressing its demands in the House.

The government, meanwhile, has accused the Opposition of repeatedly disrupting parliamentary proceedings and preventing legislative business from being conducted. Opposition parties have argued that the issues they are raising require detailed discussion on the floor of the House.

The Rajya Sabha's adjournment until 2 pm is the latest interruption in the Monsoon Session, with the government and Opposition remaining at odds over the conduct and agenda of proceedings.

The focus will now shift to the House's scheduled sitting at 2 pm, when members are expected to return after the adjournment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar