Lok Sabha Adjourned Repeatedly As Opposition Protests Over LPG Shortage

The Lok Sabha faced repeated interruptions on Friday, with Opposition members demanding debate on LPG shortages.

Despite the Chair rejecting the request, members continued raising slogans, prompting adjournments first until 12 noon and later until 2 PM. The unrest persisted even after the House reconvened.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed disappointment over the Opposition’s behaviour, stating their actions were undermining the dignity of the House and warned that such conduct could lead to public disapproval.

He reminded members that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) had agreed on the day’s agenda, which included discussions on the supplementary demand for grants and private member resolutions.

Rijiju also criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, referring to his participation in protests outside Parliament as a publicity stunt, and lamented that even mentors failed to guide his followers to maintain decorum.

Speaker Om Birla earlier objected to members turning the Parliament entrance into a ‘picnic spot’, stressing the importance of preserving parliamentary dignity.

The disruption escalated as Opposition members stormed the Well of the House, ignoring repeated appeals by officiating Speaker Sandhya Ray to maintain order.

Members also sought revocation of suspensions for eight lawmakers and demanded attention to LPG supply issues.

The Speaker stressed that public issues should be raised after Question Hour and urged restraint.

Protests forced an immediate adjournment until 12 noon, highlighting challenges in managing Opposition disruptions over energy supply and parliamentary discipline.

Officials noted that continued disorder could prompt stricter action, while Rijiju emphasised balancing protest with respect for House procedures to allow essential debates.

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