New Delhi, 09 March (H.S.):

The Lok Sabha's Budget Session second phase kicked off chaotically on Monday, with opposition protests forcing two adjournments—the latest till 3 p.m.—over the West Asia military flare-up.Proceedings began at 11 a.m. but were suspended till noon due to initial din.

Resuming at noon, chaos reignited as opposition MPs demanded clarity on India's energy security and expatriate safety amid escalating Iran-Israel-US tensions. Presiding officer Jagdambika Pal invited ministers—including MoS Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, MoS Home Nityanand Rai, Petroleum Minister Suresh Gopi, MoS Sports Raksha Khadse, and MoS Road Transport Harsh Malhotra—to field Question Hour queries.

AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi pressed for India's stance, but Congress and others persisted with slogans despite Pal's assurance that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar would brief the House. Jaishankar outlined government's vigilant monitoring, evacuation efforts, and safety measures for stranded Indians.

Pal repeatedly urged calm, noting Jaishankar had clarified positions on citizen protection and energy supplies. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed opposition indecision—citing pending no-confidence notices against Speaker Om Birla and adjournment motions—accusing them of dodging debate.With pandemonium unrelenting, Pal adjourned till 3 p.m., stressing House dignity as a shared duty.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar