PM Modi Likely to Reply to Motion of Thanks Amid Repeated Lok Sabha Disruptions
Debate on President Murmu’s address turns contentious over China, trade concerns, and national security, triggering repeated adjournments.
New Delhi, Feb 04 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday evening, following a turbulent day marked by repeated disruptions and the suspension of eight opposition Members of Parliament.
The discussion, intended to conclude the debate on President Droupadi Murmu’s address, escalated into a political confrontation as ruling and opposition benches sparred over national security, India-China relations, and recent trade developments.
House proceedings disrupted
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned multiple times on Tuesday amid heated exchanges. The House was first halted shortly after convening at 11 am, followed by another adjournment at noon and a further pause until 3 pm as tensions intensified.
The disruption began when Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised questions about India’s approach to China and the broader implications of the China-US rivalry for the country. He also referred to the 2020 border standoff and cited an article along with references to former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane’s unpublished memoir.
Treasury bench members strongly objected, accusing him of deviating from the subject and disrespecting the armed forces. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged members not to revisit previously settled matters, while the Chair repeatedly asked Gandhi to limit his remarks to the Motion of Thanks.
As the situation deteriorated, opposition MPs entered the well of the House and raised slogans. The government termed the protests a breach of parliamentary decorum and an attempt to obstruct legislative business.
Trade deal concerns add to tensions
The confrontation widened after Congress demanded greater transparency over a recently announced India-US trade agreement lauded by the Prime Minister. The party questioned why the announcement was made by the US President and expressed apprehension about its potential impact on farmers, domestic industries, and India’s strategic independence.
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal moved an adjournment motion seeking a detailed parliamentary debate, particularly amid reports suggesting India might halt purchases of Russian oil.
Legislative agenda continues
Despite the disruptions, parliamentary business remains on schedule. The Motion of Thanks was introduced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, with 18 hours allotted for discussion. In the Rajya Sabha, the motion was moved by BJP MP Sadanand Master.
Additionally, MPs Jair Parkash and Balashowry Vallabhaneni are slated to present several Public Accounts Committee reports for 2025–26. These cover issues such as train punctuality, irregularities in the Overseas Citizenship of India card programme and Indian cultural centres abroad, and follow-up actions on the performance audit of the Agriculture Crop Insurance Scheme.
President Murmu delivered her address to a joint sitting of Parliament on January 28, marking the start of the Budget Session.
With the Prime Minister’s response anticipated later in the day, attention is focused on whether his address can help ease tensions and restore normal functioning in a House currently defined by sharp political divisions.
