Proceedings in both Houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, were suspended within minutes of beginning business for the day as Opposition members protested demanding an explanation on the Parliament security lapse on Wednesday.
Soon after beginning businesses for the day, in Lok Sabha, Opposition MPs raised slogans and held placards demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on Parliament security breach. Some members trooped into the well of the House and raised slogans. The opposition also demanded action against BJP MP who authorised the passes for the intruders.
Rajendra Agrawal, who was chairing the proceedings on Friday, adjourned the House till 2 pm.
Similarly in Rajya Sabha, Opposition protested after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected notices for discussion on Parliament security breach suspending businesses scheduled for the day. Soon after the listed papers were laid on the table, the Chairman informed the House that he had received 23 notices regarding the "serious situation" arising from Wednesday's Parliament security breach. "I unable to persuade myself to allow the notices," he said, which led to a protest by Opposition parties.
Opposition MPs also protested against the suspension of TMC MP Derek O’Brien from the House till the end of the winter session.
As many as 14 Opposition MPs, 13 from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha, were suspended from the House till the end of the winter session for their “unruly conduct” on Thursday. The suspended MPs protested outside the Parliament building on Thursday demanding an explanation for the security lapse.
Earlier, ahead of the session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told ANI, "Whatever directions the Speaker has given, the government is following them in letter and spirit. The matter is also in the court, high-level investigation is going on. They (the opposition) should behave responsibly."
DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said, “BJP has been repeatedly saying that they are the only ones who can protect the country, but they can't even protect the Parliament. The Prime Minister could have been there inside the Parliament. They couldn't protect their own Prime Minister and then they are saying that we are politicising the issue. The government is to be held accountable for whatever happens. Any breach of security in the country they would be held responsible.”
- With PTI inputs.)
