'Murder of Democracy,' says Rahul Gandhi as Opposition march to Vijay Chowk

Opposition leaders on Thursday took out a march towards Vijay Chowk from Parliament demanding repeal of the Centre's three farm laws. As many as 15 Opposition parties are reportedly taking part in the protest march.

Delhi: Opposition leaders on Thursday took out a protest march towards Vijay Chowk from the Parliament demanding repeal of Centre's three farm laws and over the adjournment of the monsoon session of Parliament. The protest march will be followed by a press conference by Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. It is learnt that both the floor leaders and Opposition MPs are taking part in the march. Earlier in the day, an urgent meeting of floor leaders of Opposition parties in both houses was held in the chambers of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.

The Opposition MPs had gathered at the Mahatma Gandhi's statue in the Parliament premises at 10 am and leaders from as many as 15 Opposition parties are reportedly taking part in the protest march. The parties include - Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP), Shiv Sena, National Conference, CPM, CPI, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Kerala Congress (Mani) and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD).

Read:EXPLAINED: How did Parliament function in Monsoon Session 2021

"Today, we had to come out here to speak to you (media) as we (Opposition) are not allowed to speak in Parliament. This is the murder of democracy. The Parliament session is over. As far as 60% of the country is concerned there has been no Parliament session. The voice of 60% of the country has been crushed, humiliated and yesterday in the Rajya Sabha physically beaten," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said, "Opposition didn't get a chance to present their views in Parliament. Yesterday's incident against women MPs was against democracy. It felt like we were standing at the Pakistan border."

Reacting to the protest by the Opposition, BJP leader Sambit Patra said, "It's unfortunate how Congress and other Opposition parties are protesting on road. Democracy has been shamed. I would say that not just VP Venkaiah Naidu cried but democracy also cried. Opposition ensured washout of the whole session & this is the height of anarchy."

Read:Venkaiah Naidu breaks down, says Opposition destroyed all sacredness of Parliament

The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Wednesday bringing an end to the monsoon session. The parliament proceedings have been stalled over the last few weeks with the opposition questioning the government over Pegasus snooping row, farm laws and other issues. Also, the Question Hour has been witnessing disruptions on most of the days while the House managed to pass several bills, including the Constitutional amendment bill that would allow the states to make their OBC lists.

Congress party had launched a scathing attack on the Central Government, alleging it of suppressing the voice of Opposition. Speaking to the media, Congress' Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "Government has left no stone unturned to complain against us because its only motive is to show the Opposition in a bad light and to divert attention from the truth."

Read:Congress MP throws rule book at Rajya Sabha Chair

He further added, "Since the beginning of Parliament Session, all the Opposition parties are unitedly raising people's issues including Covid-19 management, inflation, fuel price hike and repeal of farm laws. We demanded a discussion over Pegasus matter as it is related to the national security."

Opposition parties protest over the Pegasus snooping row, farm laws and other issues are continued since the start of the session on July 19 which affected the business of the house both in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed that Lok Sabha functioned for only 21 hours during the entire Monsoon Session, with the productivity of just 22 per cent.

Read:DMK MPs don black shirts to protest Center 'bulldozing' bills in Parliament