New Delhi: The Lok Sabha failed to transact any legislative business on Friday morning, as the constant protests and ruckus by the Opposition members resulted in disruption of the Question Hour. The House was adjourned till noon.
The House, soon after convening for the day, remembered the historic movement — 1942 Bharat Chodo Andolan, started and helmed by Mahatma Gandhi — and observed a minute of silence for the freedom fighters, pledging to uphold their guiding principles.
Soon after paying tributes to the freedom fighters, the House descended into chaos with Opposition members resorting to slogan-shouting and demanding debate on issues like alleged police excesses during the Delhi stir.
Seeking to placate the protesting members, the Speaker urged them to contribute to the House proceedings by participating in the Question Hour, but the uproar continued.
Om Birla even cited Mahatma Gandhi to support his arguments and asked the protesting members to follow his path of ‘finding solutions through dialogue’.
Emphasising that Mahatma Gandhi is revered not just in the country but globally, he asked them to follow his ideals and let the House function
“I plead before you to not disrupt the crucial Question Hour and let the House function,” the Speaker exhorted.
As his appeal went unheeded and with no let-up in sloganeering from the Opposition benches, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon.
Earlier, the Speaker told the House that on August 9, the nation will observe the 84th anniversary of Bharat Chodo Andolan (Quit India movement).
“It was on this day in 1942 that Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan of “do or die” to resist the British regime. This movement was an affirmation of people’s unwavering faith, unconditional loyalty and devotion towards the motherland,” Om Birla told the House.
He further said that the movement played a decisive role in awakening the nation and uniting the countrymen in uprooting the British regime.
“Today, we remember and pay tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs and, taking inspiration from their sacrifice, ideals and principles, we vow to uphold their ideals in true spirit,” he added.
(IANS)
