Chaos stalls Modi address

PM Narendra Modi’s much-anticipated address in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday evening, during the conclusion of the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, could not take place after sustained disruptions by the Opposition over the suspension of eight MPs.

- Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

The PM was expected to outline the government's position on the India-US trade deal, but repeated adjournments through the day ensured that the House never settled. When proceedings finally resumed around 5 pm, just minutes before Modi was scheduled to speak, women MPs from the Opposition moved into the Well of the House and physically blocked the seats of ruling party members, including the Prime Minister's chair.