Rahul Gandhi slams “one-sided” Parliament: Govt can speak, LoP can’t?

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday hit out at the government after the House was adjourned till 2 PM on the first day of the Monsoon Session. 

Speaking to the media, Gandhi questioned the parliamentary convention being followed under the current regime.

“The question is — the Defence Minister is allowed to speak in the House, but Opposition members, including me, who is the Leader of the Opposition, are not allowed to speak,” he said. “This is a new approach. The convention states that if people from the government side can speak, then we should also be given space to speak.”

The remarks came shortly after a stormy start to the Monsoon session, where Opposition benches sought to raise urgent national issues, including the recent incidents of violence and national security lapses. However, repeated interruptions led to the House being adjourned without allowing Opposition leaders a chance to voice their concerns.

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Gandhi’s comments underscore a growing tension between the government and the newly empowered Opposition bloc, which has been asserting its role following the 2024 Lok Sabha election results.

Parliamentary experts have pointed out that traditionally, both the treasury and opposition benches are expected to be given space during critical debates, particularly when high-ranking ministers like the Defence Minister make statements in the House.

With the session still in its early hours, the clash over speaking rights could set the tone for a combative Monsoon Session.