Opposition Walks Out of Lok Sabha Amid Tensions Over Parliamentary Agenda

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In a dramatic turn of events, opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, marking the first proper working day of Parliament’s Winter Session, which commenced on November 25. This move came a day after the government and opposition had reportedly reached an agreement to break the deadlock that had hindered Parliament’s functioning.

On Monday, the sixth day of the session, the two sides had agreed to hold a debate on the Constitution in both the Lok Sabha (scheduled for December 13 and 14) and Rajya Sabha (scheduled for December 16 and 17). This was seen as a crucial step toward ensuring a smooth continuation of the session. However, despite this breakthrough, the opposition decided to walk out on Tuesday.

The opposition has been pushing for a discussion on several key issues, including the ongoing Adani investigation in the U.S., the recent violence in Sambhal, and the situation in Manipur. The government, in contrast, has repeatedly expressed its willingness to discuss any matter brought up by the opposition. The current tensions have reignited discussions over the larger political and governance challenges the country is facing.

Meanwhile, Congress, the largest opposition party and a prominent member of the INDIA bloc, led a joint opposition protest on Tuesday morning. However, two other key parties within the INDIA alliance, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC), chose to skip the protest, adding complexity to the opposition’s unified front. The TMC, in particular, has voiced its discontent with the narrow focus on the Adani issue, preferring instead to concentrate on “people’s issues.”

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who took part in the protest, argued that it was a “clear signal” to the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), highlighting that the opposition is strongly resisting many of the government’s policies. Tharoor characterized the protest as a “salvo” before the opposition formally participates in the parliamentary processes.

The ongoing rift within the opposition and their demand for a broader discussion on national issues suggests that the Winter Session of Parliament, which is set to run until December 20, will continue to be marked by high political drama and intense debates. With the government and opposition still at odds over the agenda, the coming days will likely see further disruptions and protests in the Lok Sabha.

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