New Delhi

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were repeatedly disrupted on Monday as Opposition members pressed for a discussion on the India–US interim trade framework, leading to adjournment of the House within minutes and no substantive business being conducted for the second time during the day.

The disruption continued even after Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary moved the motion for discussion on the Union Budget. Opposition MPs persisted with their demand for a debate on the interim trade arrangement with the United States.

Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was presiding over the House, criticised the Opposition’s insistence, stating that the agenda for the day had already been finalised and that parties had submitted the names of members to participate in the budget discussion.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, whose name was listed to speak on the Budget, told the Chair that he was willing to yield his time to the Leader of Opposition to raise the issue of the trade framework.

Responding to the sloganeering, Tenneti said that the House was scheduled to take up the Budget discussion and that the name forwarded by the party was that of Shashi Tharoor. He added that the Leader of Opposition would be requested to speak as per procedure.

Opposition members objected, demanding that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi be allowed to speak specifically on the India–US interim deal. Gandhi told the Chair that the Speaker had earlier assured him an opportunity to speak before the Budget discussion began.

Amid the uproar, the House was adjourned till noon, with no legislative work carried out as protests disrupted Question Hour shortly after the session began at 11 am.

Meanwhile, Opposition MPs are planning to move a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the second half of the Budget Session, sources said, citing concerns over suspension of MPs, denial of speaking opportunities to the Leader of Opposition, and alleged preferential treatment to Treasury Bench members.

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Earlier in the day, Speaker Om Birla congratulated the Indian Under-19 cricket team for their historic World Cup victory.