Rajya Sabha adjourned amid Opposition protest over Bihar electoral roll revision
The House, which had convened at 11 am for proceedings, was earlier adjourned till 2 pm, following protests over the SIR exercise. When the House reassembled after lunch, Opposition MPs resumed their protests, raising slogans and trooping into the Well of the House.
Despite the uproar, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, was taken up and subsequently passed. During the disruptions, Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Thakur was named by the Chair, Deputy Chairperson Ghanshyam Tiwari, for displaying a placard in the House.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was briefly permitted to address the House. He described the current period as 'dangerous times' for the country and called for cooperation between the government and Opposition. Kharge urged the government to permit a debate on the SIR exercise, assuring that the Opposition would act in the nation's interest.
On the other hand, Leader of the House JP Nadda requested the Chair to proceed with the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, as per the schedule. The Bill which was moved by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal for its passage, was cleared by Lok Sabha in April.
After a brief debate amid sloganeering and loud noises, the Bill was passed with a voice vote following which the Chair adjourned the proceedings for the day. The House will resume its business tomorrow.
The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 aims to consolidate and amend the law relating to regulation of coastal shipping, promote coasting trade and encourage domestic participation therein, to ensure that India is equipped with a coastal fleet, owned and operated by the citizens of India for its national security and commercial needs, and for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto, according to the Government officials. UNI AJ SSP
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