LS passes Motion of Thanks without PM's reply amid Opposition protests

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks to the President's address without Prime Minister Narendra Modi replying to the debate, as sustained protests by opposition parties disrupted proceedings over their demand to allow Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The motion was adopted by voice vote despite opposition members continuing to raise slogans, accusing the government of "stifling parliamentary democracy" by denying Rahul Gandhi his right to speak during the President's address debate. Opposition MPs from the Congress and other INDIA bloc parties repeatedly crowded the Well of the House and vociferously protested, alleging that repeated adjournments and disruptions were being used to prevent Rahul Gandhi from continuing his speech.

Several opposition leaders described the situation as unprecedented, stating it was rare for the Motion of Thanks to be passed without the Prime Minister's customary reply.