Lok Sabha papers thrown at Chair amid heated protests; Jagdambika Pal reproves

The Lok Sabha passed two bills and referred one to a select committee amid continued protests and sloganeering by the Opposition over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The House witnessed repeated adjournments as the Opposition demanded a discussion on SIR. In the post-lunch session, minister Sarbananda Sonowal moved the Indian Ports Bill for consideration and passing. It was passed by a voice vote within 25 minutes. The House was adjourned for an hour till 4.30 pm. Minister G Kishan Reddy moved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill.

The Opposition members continued their protests despite repeated appeals by Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the House. The Opposition threw some papers while protesting and the Chair took a grim view of the conduct. Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said, "How can you throw papers at the chair?... You should be ashamed." Pal observed that Congress' deputy leader in the Lok Sabha had been "instigating" people to enter the well and throw papers. While not naming anyone, he said the conduct was not appropriate.