As the Opposition persisted with the protest, members of the ruling side accused it of shying away from debating its own resolution against the Speaker and challenged Opposition MPs to proceed with the discussion.
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The debate on the motion may now take place on Tuesday. Congress sources indicated that leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is unlikely to participate, with the party likely to be represented by Gaurav Gogoi, Manish Tewari, Deepender Hooda and Jyothimani. The decision to hold protests in the House and outside Parliament on the opening day of the second phase of the budget session was taken at a meeting of INDIA bloc floor leaders earlier in the morning.
As opposition MPs continued their protest in the House, Rahul Gandhi was seen chatting with his sister and fellow MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the fourth row. Amid the disruption, Jagadambika Pal, who was in the chair, quipped without naming anyone: “Just because you are unmarried, does it mean you are also non-serious”.
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said: “I think the Opposition is confused… First they gave a notice of no-confidence against the Speaker and that is pending and still they come out with another notice for adjournment. They don’t seem to know anything about the basic rules and decorum of the House. I have never seen such irresponsible Opposition.”
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Speaking to reporters, Rahul Gandhi said: “A war is underway in West Asia to bring about a paradigm shift, which will cause significant damage to India’s economy… Modiji has signed the US (trade) deal. There will be major damage to the nation, including on oil prices. What is the problem of discussing the issue?”
