Amid uproar over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's democracy remarks in the United Kingdom (UK), Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Monday. The BJP leaders demanded an apology from him for his remarks.
Slogans seeking Rahul's apology was raised when the House re-convened at 2 pm. While the Opposition went on to demand a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani-Hindenburg issue.
With the ruckus created in the House, Rajendra Agrawal, the Chair, had adjourned the House for the day.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had accused Rahul for trying to defame India in London through his remarks on Indian democracy during the early session.
Rahul during his speech in London had said that structures of Indian democracy are under brutal attack and there is a full-scale assault on the institutions of the country.
BJP alleged that Rahul tried to 'discredit' India. Singh said that he sought foreign powers help to save India's democracy. He tried to 'deeply hurt' India's honour and prestige, he added.
He appealed to Speaker Om Birla that the House should condemn Rahul's remarks.
“I appeal to you for condemnation of Rahul Gandhi's remarks by this House. You should also direct him to tender an apology in this House for his comments," he said.
Meanwhile, the Congress protested strongly too and came to the well of the House.
When fundamental rights were trampled during the Emergency, who was in power, what had happened to democracy then. When an ordinance, which was duly approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and in attendance of cabinet ministers like Sharad Pawar and Pranab Mukherjee, was torn apart and described as nonsense, where was democracy at that time," asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad .
"When the then prime minister looked 'helpless', where was democracy then," he asked.
Joshi said he condemns Gandhi for "seeking intervention of foreign powers like the US and the Europe".
However, Speaker Om Birla said democracy in India is strong and getting stronger. He urged the MPS not to disrupt the sessions.
Rajya Sabha proceedings were also adjourned for the day on Monday as ruling BJP and opposition MPs continued to trade charges over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in London.
(With PTI inputs)
