Rajya Sabha functioning disrupted: Opposition unites over suspension of 12 MPs, to intensify protest

The opposition has decided to intensify its agitation in Parliament from Wednesday over the suspension of 12 Rajya Sabha members. It will stage a walkout from the Rajya Sabha and join the ongoing protest of the 12 MPs outside the House. The government has insisted only an apology or regret from the 12 suspended opposition members would lead to revocation of their suspension.

After some one-upmanship between Congress and the AITC, the opposition put up a united show inside and outside Parliament on Tuesday. At a joint press conference near Parliament House, the opposition announced that all its members from the Rajya Sabha will make an appeal inside the House on Wednesday morning for revoking the suspension. They will then join the protest by the suspended MPs at the Gandhi statue. Opposition members from Lok Sabha, including Rahul Gandhi, are also likely to join the protest.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House till 2 PM, minutes after it assembled for the day as Congress, AITC, AAP and Left MPs trooped into the Well and shouted slogans. At 2 PM, deputy chairman Harivansh asked health minister Mansukh Mandaviya to move the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021. However, the opposition, including AITC, insisted leader of the opposition Mallikarjun Kharge be allowed to speak. The House was adjourned till 3 PM.


Nagaland MP KG Kenye stood in the Well and raised the issue of 14 civilians killed in his state. Other opposition members supported him.