The Lok Sabha experienced significant disruptions on July 31 as Opposition members vocally demanded an apology from BJP leader Anurag Thakur for remarks related to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. They also reiterated their demand for a caste census.
Proceedings were temporarily adjourned for approximately 20 minutes shortly after they began.
As the Question Hour commenced, Congress members quickly sought to raise these issues; however, Speaker Om Birla did not entertain their requests.
Several members from Congress, DMK, SP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) gathered in the Well of the House, chanting slogans while the Question Hour continued.
During the session, when Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju attempted to speak, Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi and other colleagues disrupted proceedings by tearing papers and tossing them toward the Well.
Speaker Birla admonished the protesting members, stating their approach was “wrong.” Thakur’s earlier comments regarding Gandhi’s caste during a budget discussion had ignited a heated exchange between the Opposition and Treasury benches.
In addition to demanding Thakur’s apology, the Opposition also insisted on conducting a caste census.
Despite the uproar, Rijiju condemned the protests and accused Congress of trying to undermine national unity and incite violence. He emphasized that the Congress party discusses “jaati” (caste) constantly, urging adherence to parliamentary rules and decorum.
During the Question Hour, only four questions were addressed before the session was again adjourned amid ongoing protests.
Notably, several Opposition members, including Manickam Tagore, chose not to ask questions even when called upon by the Chair during the session.
When Congress member Kirsan Namdeo posed a supplementary question, Speaker Birla instructed the protesting members not to interrupt, emphasizing the importance of allowing their fellow party members to ask questions.
The Congress party has labeled Thakur’s comments as a “highly abusive and unconstitutional tirade.” Gandhi accused Thakur of insulting him during the debate but clarified that he would not seek an apology from the BJP leader, asserting, “Anurag Thakur insulted me and I don’t want any apology from him. Abuse or insult me as hard as you can but don’t forget, we will pass the caste census in this Parliament for sure.”
