Live: Parliament Monsoon Session Day 18: Lok Sabha halted till 2 p.m. as opposition protests in Rajya Sabha

Speaking to journalists outside the Parliament Complex, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that terms like "missing" and "fugitives" have recently entered India's political and parliamentary dialogue. He noted that since the session commenced, he has been attending regularly and sitting in his office, but the Opposition is blocking proceedings in both Houses, making it pointless to enter when the House isn't allowed to function. Regarding debates, he mentioned that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has clearly stated the government's readiness to discuss all aspects of student protests surrounding the NEET examination. He recalled that the Opposition originally asked for debate time, which the government agreed to provide. Shah added that he personally communicated his readiness to answer all queries in Parliament, yet the Opposition avoids actual debate. Challenging them to submit a letter to the Speaker by 3 p.m., he affirmed readiness to hold discussions from 3 p.m. today until 3 p.m. tomorrow, promising to be present, listen, and respond. He emphasized that the Narendra Modi-led BJP and NDA administration has nothing to hide and is completely prepared to deliberate on every issue if the Opposition permits Parliament to work.

Rajya Sabha proceedings were suspended in the pre-lunch session on Wednesday without carrying out any legislative work after massive noise erupted over BJP MP Sushmita Dev's alleged offensive comment against CPM's John Brittas. Right after the listed papers were presented at the start of the sitting, Mr. Brittas raised the issue of being targeted with the "lungiwala" slur by Ms. Dev. While Opposition members supported Mr. Brittas, Treasury benches argued that Ms. Dev should be given a hearing before any ruling is made. Amid continuous commotion, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan announced he would summon the MPs concerned to his chamber for discussion and adjourned the House till 2 p.m. Mr. Brittas had previously filed a privilege notice against Ms. Dev for referring to him as "lungiwala" during Upper House proceedings on Monday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday told protesting Opposition members that despite differing ideologies and perspectives from the treasury benches, the nation expects Parliament to run smoothly. He urged Opposition leaders to allow proceedings to continue, asserting that disrupting the House with protests and slogan-shouting negatively impacts its prestige.

Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday amid persistent disruptions and protests by Opposition parties.

Agitation broke out within the Rajya Sabha as opposition members raised slogans. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju remarked that repeated hindrance and ongoing demonstrations do not suit the dignity of the Parliament.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called upon the protesting members to maintain order inside the chamber. He requested the parliamentarians to allow the proceedings to continue smoothly without frequent interruptions.

The sitting of the Lok Sabha was suspended until 2 p.m. following continuous shouting and disruption created by opposition leaders.