New Delhi erupted in political drama on Friday as relentless opposition protests forced the Lok Sabha to adjourn until March 9. The session, meant for crucial legislative business, descended into chaos from the very start.
At 11 AM, proceedings kicked off amid deafening slogans. Opposition MPs, led by Congress and allies, stormed the Well of the House demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri over alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. Placards and shouts filled the air, halting all business.
Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh escalated tensions by raising the issue of deaths linked to codeine syrup. He demanded Rs 5 lakh compensation for victims’ families in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, along with a CBI probe into the matter.
Health Minister JP Nadda attempted to respond during Question Hour. Amid the uproar, he clarified that no deaths were caused by codeine, dismissing demands for compensation. But the opposition—Congress, TMC, DMK, and others—refused to back down.
Presiding officer Sandhya Ray pleaded for order, but protests persisted. The House was adjourned till noon. When it reconvened, ministers tabled papers, but disruptions resumed. Ray finally prorogued the session until March 9.
Earlier, opposition staged protests outside Parliament over the Epstein files, accusing Puri of connections to the late financier. Puri categorically denied the claims, calling them baseless smears.
This standoff underscores deepening divides ahead of key debates. With vital bills pending, the extended break raises questions about parliamentary functionality in polarized times.