The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed repeated disruptions on Wednesday as opposition parties protested the police action against supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) during the 20 July Parliament march. Opposition MPs, dressed in black as a mark of protest, also intensified their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak issue.

The uproar led to multiple adjournments in both Houses of Parliament, with proceedings in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha being repeatedly suspended amid continuous sloganeering by opposition members.

Akhilesh Yadav Questions Police Action

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav questioned the conduct of security personnel during the protests and asked who had authorised the police to allegedly tear the clothes of women demonstrators.

His remarks came as opposition parties accused law enforcement agencies of using excessive force during the crackdown on protesters participating in the Parliament march on 20 July.

The allegations have become one of the key issues driving the opposition's protest during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Opposition Renews Demand for Minister's Resignation

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal reiterated that the opposition's primary demand remains the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Opposition leaders have linked their demand to the alleged NEET paper leak and have also raised concerns over the handling of student protests that followed the controversy.

The issue has united several opposition parties, which have been coordinating their protests inside and outside Parliament.

Government Offers Discussion

Responding to the opposition's allegations, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government has been ready to discuss the alleged NEET paper leak issue for the past three days.

He maintained that the government was open to a structured debate in Parliament and urged opposition members to allow the House to function.

Despite the government's offer, the protests continued, resulting in repeated disruptions.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Adjourned

The Lok Sabha was adjourned just one minute after it convened at 11:00 am due to continuous sloganeering by opposition members.

When the House reconvened at 12:00 noon, proceedings lasted only about five minutes before another adjournment until 2:00 pm.

The Rajya Sabha also witnessed similar disruptions and was adjourned until the afternoon amid the ongoing protests.

Opposition MPs Wear Black

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several opposition MPs arrived in Parliament wearing black attire as a symbolic protest against the police action and the government's handling of the controversy.

The demonstration followed Tuesday's protests outside the Prime Minister's residence, where opposition leaders raised slogans demanding the resignation of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

According to reports, Rahul Gandhi was later detained during the protest and released the same night.

Political Tensions Continue

The opposition has announced that it will continue raising the issues of the alleged NEET paper leak, police action against protesters, and accountability in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the government has maintained that it is prepared for a discussion but has urged opposition parties to allow normal parliamentary business to continue.

With both sides holding firm to their positions, the Monsoon Session is expected to witness further political confrontation in the coming days.

Protests erupt in two locations as Congress youth wing alleges undemocratic tactics

 The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) staged a heated protest at College Square here on Wednesday, burning a symbolic effigy of the Election Commission after Congress Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was rejected.

The cancellation has triggered sharp reactions across the region, with party workers accusing the poll body of partisanship. District NSUI president Pankaj Upadhyay led the demonstration, where activists raised slogans defending the Constitution and questioned the Commission's functioning.

Effigy burned at College Square

The protest gained momentum around late morning, with students and youth workers gathering in significant numbers. By noon, the crowd had set the effigy ablaze while chanting anti-establishment slogans.

"This isn't just about one nomination rejection," Upadhyay told the gathering. "First they ignored the mandate, then tried to break opposition MLAs. When that failed, they got our candidate's nomination cancelled."

 'Democracy under attack' at Mangawan tehsil

Separately, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee organised a dharna and fast at Mangawan tehsil campus over the same issue. Local leaders addressed the crowd, calling the rejection an assault on democratic values and constitutional spirit.

Congress functionaries alleged the timing and nature of the cancellation pointed to a coordinated effort. Sources familiar with the party's internal discussions said the leadership is considering approaching the Election Commission formally for clarification.

Tribal woman leader's candidature flagged

Upadhyay made pointed remarks about the BJP's stance on women's empowerment. "They speak of women's reservation and empowerment, yet a tribal woman is being stopped from reaching Rajya Sabha," he said. "This double standard is unfortunate and condemnable."

Natarajan, a tribal community leader, had filed her nomination as the Congress candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. The returning officer rejected her papers citing technical grounds, though opposition leaders have questioned the validity of those reasons.

Demand for EC impartiality

Protesters maintained that the sequence of events raises serious questions about the neutrality of democratic institutions. "The entire episode goes against the spirit of the Constitution," Upadhyay said. "We demand the Election Commission play a fair role and uphold the dignity of democratic bodies."

The NSUI warned that students and youth will continue their struggle to protect democratic rights. Party office-bearers and workers remained present at both protest locations through the afternoon, with no reports of police intervention.

The Congress high command has not yet announced whether it will challenge the nomination rejection before the Election Commission or the courts.

Sitharaman Tables Corporate Law Bill in Lok Sabha Session

Key Bills Introduced

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Corporate Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in Lok Sabha on Monday. The bill proposes changes to the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, and Companies Act, 2013. Proceedings kicked off amid tight security in New Delhi.

Session Resumes Today

Lok Sabha reconvened after passing ministry grant demands via guillotine last week. Sources say opposition parties plan uproar over West Asia flare-up. US-Israel tensions with Iran threaten India's oil and gas supplies, reports indicate.

West Asia Shadows Debate

MPs from Congress and allies eye disruptions on energy crunch. War impacts could spike fuel prices nationwide. Officials note imports already strained, per latest trade data.

Rocky Session History

Budget Session started January 28 with President Droupadi Murmu's address. She highlighted Operation Sindoor and 150 Vande Bharat trains. Economic Survey followed on January 29, projecting 6.8-7.2% GDP growth for 2026-27.

Budget Presented February 1

Sitharaman unveiled Budget 2026-27 that day. Her 85-minute speech covered tax simplifications, railway expansions, and three new Ayurvedic AIIMS. No big relief for common citizens drew flak.

Uproar Dominates Early Days

February 3 saw Rahul Gandhi claim denial of speaking rights as Leader of Opposition. BJP's Nishikant Dubey waved books alleging Gandhi family corruption on February 4. Motion of Thanks passed sans PM speech on February 5—first since 2004.

Short Sittings, No-Confidence Bid

Lok Sabha ran just 13 minutes on February 9 amid demands for Gandhi's turn. Opposition filed no-confidence notice against Speaker Om Birla on February 10 with 118 signatures. Union Minister Bittu's jibe at Rahul triggered adjournments on February 6.

Recent Opposition Fire

Rahul Gandhi linked US Adani case to PM pressure tactics on February 11. Mallikarjun Kharge protested speech expunctions on February 13. First phase ended then, setting stormy tone.

Official Reactions Muted

Sitharaman's office confirmed bill tabling but skipped West Asia comments. Speaker's team dismissed no-confidence as procedural. Congress sources predict heated exchanges today.

Economic Stakes High

Amendments aim to ease business compliance, boost investments. Amid global conflicts, stable corporate laws signal continuity. Markets watch for passage amid disruptions.

Public Impact Looms

Oil shortages from West Asia could hit households hard. Inflation fears mount as India imports 85% energy needs. Rural Madhya Pradesh feels pinch early, traders say.

What's Ahead

Debate on Finance Bill expected soon. Opposition push on foreign policy may delay votes. Session runs till month-end, with Rajya Sabha synced. Watch for cross-party talks to avert washouts.

This Corporate Law Amendment Bill marks a key step in Lok Sabha Budget Session reforms. As India News Update unfolds, tensions blend domestic policy with global risks in this public interest story.

In a shocking move, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman—a businessman accused of defaulting on a ₹66 crore loan—has been named the new head of the country's central bank. The decision has ignited fierce backlash from opposition leaders, who slam it as "mobocracy" and a blow to institutional integrity. This comes just hours after the abrupt removal of predecessor Ahsan Habib Mansoor, fueling fears of political meddling in Bangladesh's fragile economy.

Opposition Slams 'Unacceptable' Appointment

Prominent voices are raging against the wind. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman blasted the pick in a Facebook post, calling it "completely unacceptable" and pushed by the Prime Minister. "This unfortunate step at Bangladesh Bank will destabilize our economy further," he warned, urging protests for merit-based appointments over political loyalty.

National Citizen Party's Nahid Islam echoed the fury, saying Mansoor's exit "opens doors to plunder" in finance. With Bangladesh still reeling from last year's political upheaval, such controversies matter now more than ever—they threaten investor trust at a time when the nation battles inflation and currency woes.

Sudden Sacking of Ahsan Habib Mansoor

Ahsan Habib Mansoor, appointed in 2024 for a four-year term until 2028, was unceremoniously dumped without notice. He learned of it via media and denied resignation rumors. Despite accusations of "authoritarian" style—which he called a conspiracy—Mansoor delivered results in 18 months:

• Foreign reserves jumped from $26B to $35B.
  
  

• Taka steadied at 122.20 per USD.
  
  

• Inflation dropped from 10.49% (2024) to 8.58% (Jan 2026).
  
  

HSBC Dhaka's Shahir Chowdhury praised him for restoring banking trust post-Sheikh Hasina's fall. Why remove a proven hand now?

Scrutiny on Loan Defaulter Mostakur Rahman's Past

Unlike past governors—bankers or economists—Mostakur Rahman is a cost accountant and MD of Hera Sweaters Ltd. Reports from bdnews24 reveal his firm missed an 86-crore taka (₹66 cr) loan repayment. Linked to BNP's Tariq Rahman, he restructured his own loans under special terms, raising red flags.

Ex-Dhaka University professor Dean Islam warns: "Appointing an active businessman as Bangladesh Bank Governor risks conflicts of interest." A senior banker questions his ability to regulate when his firm dodged repayments.

Why This Rocks Bangladesh's Economy Now

As political tensions simmer, Bangladesh Bank must stay independent amid structural challenges like reserves pressure and garment sector slumps. Without government clarification on Mansoor's exit or Rahman's loans, critics fear deeper erosion. Stay tuned—this could ripple through South Asia's markets.

In a day of high political drama, proceedings in the Lok Sabha were repeatedly derailed and eventually adjourned until Tuesday, following intense clashes between the Opposition and the ruling benches. The disruptions stemmed from two combustible issues: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to speak on the India-China border situation and a united opposition demand for a parliamentary discussion on the newly announced India-US trade deal.

The tension culminated in the suspension of eight opposition MPs for throwing papers toward the Chair and a complete breakdown of order, highlighting the deep fractures in India's Parliament.

The Core Confrontation: National Security vs. Parliamentary Rules

The flashpoint occurred when Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi sought to raise matters of "national security," specifically referencing the 2020 India-China standoff in Ladakh. Gandhi attempted to cite a magazine article based on excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane.

This move was immediately challenged by senior ministers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected, urging the Chair to intervene. They argued that Gandhi was citing unauthenticated sources, and Speaker Om Birla invoked parliamentary rules, directing Gandhi not to quote from the unreleased book.

Gandhi countered forcefully, stating, "I am the Leader of the Opposition... I have raised a national security issue... Why am I not allowed to speak?". He later alleged to reporters that he was being silenced because "Prime Minister Modi is scared" and "compromised".

The Second Flashpoint: Demands for Transparency on Trade Deal

Simultaneously, the opposition bloc mounted protests over the India-US trade agreement, the details of which were first announced publicly by US President Donald Trump. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, accused the government of bypassing Parliament and demanded that the full text of the deal be laid before both Houses for discussion.

Congress MP Randeep Surjewala alleged the deal would "betray Indian farmers" by potentially allowing American agricultural products into the Indian market at zero duty. This demand for transparency escalated into sloganeering and protests, which began as soon as the House convened and continued throughout the day, forcing repeated adjournments.

The Government's Stance and Escalating Tensions

The government firmly rejected the opposition's charges. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the disruptions, stating that "the time of several MPs is being wasted because of Rahul Gandhi". He argued that many Congress MPs wishing to contribute constructively were losing their opportunity due to the pandemonium.

In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House Jagat Prakash Nadda called the opposition "issueless" and accused them of deliberately creating disruptions to mislead the public. He assured the House that the government was prepared to give a detailed suo motu statement on the trade deal soon.

Here is a timeline of the day's major disruptions in the Lok Sabha:

Timeline of Lok Sabha Adjournments on Feb 3, 2026

section Morning Session

      11:00 AM : House Convenes<br>Opposition MPs begin sloganeering

      11:08 AM : First Adjournment<br>House adjourned till 12 PM

      12:07 PM : House Reconvenes<br>Takes up motions for committee elections

      12:19 PM : Second Adjournment<br>Adjourned till 2 PM

    section Afternoon Session

      2:10 PM : House Reconvenes<br>Rahul Gandhi begins speech,<br>presents authenticated article

      2:14 PM : Uproar Intensifies<br>Gandhi questions why LoP is not<br>allowed to speak on China

      2:14 PM : Third Adjournment<br>House adjourned till 3 PM

      3:00 PM : Final Session<br>Uproar continues, papers thrown at Chair

      3:10 PM : House Adjourned<br>Suspends 8 MPs, adjourns till 11 AM next day

Suspensions and a Stalemated House

As protests continued after the 3 PM reconvention, the situation reached a breaking point. Eight opposition MPs were suspended for the remainder of the session for throwing papers toward the Chair. With order unable to be restored, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha until 11 AM on Tuesday, February 4.

The Rajya Sabha also faced a walkout by opposition members demanding a discussion on the trade deal, though its proceedings were comparatively less chaotic.

Here is a summary of the opposing narratives that led to the standoff:

| Aspect | Opposition's Position | Government's Position |

| Rahul Gandhi's Speech | Being prevented from raising vital national security issues; right of LoP to speak. | Violating parliamentary rules by citing unauthenticated, unpublished sources. |

| India-US Trade Deal | Government bypassing Parliament; deal lacks transparency and may harm farmers. | A historic achievement; details will be shared with House; opposition disrupting out of frustration. |

| Parliamentary Disruption | Protest is legitimate to demand accountability and discussion on critical issues. | Disruptions waste time, hinder legislative business, and deprive other MPs of a voice. |

The repeated adjournments mark a stormy start to a crucial Budget Session, where several key bills are slated for discussion. The government's promise of a detailed statement on the trade deal and the opposition's insistence on a full debate set the stage for continued confrontation. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the coming days will test whether Parliament can bridge its divisions and return to functional discourse, or remain paralyzed by political rivalry.