Opposition parties stage a brief walkout from an all-party meeting convened ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, protesting the invitation extended to rebel TMC MPs. Multiple outlets report that the protest is linked to the inclusion of rebel TMC lawmakers and decisions taken by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla regarding their seating arrangements and related developments.
Business Standard and Mint add that the opposition also objects to the Speaker’s handling of rebel TMC MPs, including allowing them separate seats in the House and the merger of rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari is cited saying the opposition walks out to protest the Speaker’s decision on the rebel TMC MPs. CPM leader John Brittas describes the invitation as a “miscarriage of justice.”
The Times of India and Deccan Chronicle characterize the event as a boycott and walkout over the invitation, while noting that the opposition later returns. News18 adds that the walkout is brief and that leaders rejoin shortly after, participating in the meeting’s proceedings.
