Why Rahul Gandhi was denied permission to speak after Modi
What's the story
The Lok Sabha witnessed chaos on Tuesday, when Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP), wasn't allowed to speak after PM Narendra Modi's address on the Maha Kumbh.
From there, opposition members jointly protested, prompting Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the session.
The opposition asked why PM Modi was allowed to make his statement without prior notice.
Rule explanation
Speaker clarifies rules after PM's departure
After PM Modi departed from Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla clarified that the PM's statement was made under Rule 372.
It allows a minister to make a statement on a matter of public importance with the consent of the Speaker.
Birla clarified that under the same rule, opposition members could not seek clarification on the statement.
However, opposition members continued protests, leading to the adjournment of proceedings.
Support and criticism
Rahul Gandhi supports PM's statement, criticizes omission
After the disruption, Gandhi addressed reporters supporting PM Modi's statement.
At the same time, he hit out at Modi for not paying homage to the Kumbh stampede victims.
"I wanted to support what the PM said. Kumbh is our tradition, history, and culture," he said.
"There was also a complaint that the PM did not pay homage to those who lost their lives (in stampede)," he added.
Democracy questioned
Gandhi comments on silencing in 'New India'
When asked why he was not allowed to speak, Gandhi said, "According to the democratic structure, the LoP should be permitted to speak...but this is new India."
In his speech, Modi said that the Maha Kumbh reinforced the sense of unity, and gave a befitting response to those who questioned India's capability to organize such congregations.
"People put aside their egos and gathered in Prayagraj with the feeling of 'we'...not 'I'...that there was no distinction between big and small."