Lok Sabha proceedings began on a stormy note on the first day of the Monsoon Session on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, with Members from the TDP and the SP trooping into the Well as they sought to raise various issues.
As soon as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour, Members from Opposition parties, including the Congress wanted to raise various issues, creating a din.
An assertive Ms. Mahajan told members that issues can be discussed after the Question Hour. “I won’t allow...,” she said even as many members continued to raise slogans.
Members from the TDP, a former ally of the ruling NDA government, trooped into the Well with placards and shouted slogans. They were heard saying, “We want justice” as they demanded special status for Andhra Pradesh.
Some Members from the SP were also in the Well as they sought to raise various issues but could not be heard in the din. Standing at their places, many Congress Members were also trying to raise certain issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted members before the proceedings began in the Lower House.
Clad in a white kurta and pyjama, Mr. Modi took a round of the front rows of ruling and Opposition benches. He greeted Members with folded hands and was also seen exchanging a few words with Samajwadi Party patriach Mulayam Singh Yadav. Some members clapped when the Prime Minister walked into the House.
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, among others, were present. Before the Question Hour commenced, four new Members took oath and Ms. Mahajan read out obituaries of three former Members.
