Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday sharply attacked Congress MPs for repeatedly disrupting Lok Sabha proceedings, accusing them of unruly conduct inside the Speaker’s chamber and of intentionally blocking the functioning of Parliament. Responding to Speaker Om Birla’s warning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over security concerns, Rijiju said the behaviour of Congress members was unacceptable and justified the Speaker’s actions.

Birla had earlier revealed that he advised the Prime Minister to avoid attending the House after receiving inputs that some Congress MPs might approach his seat and attempt an unprecedented act. Rijiju said the Congress leadership had lost control over its MPs and alleged that the party had planned to create chaos when the Prime Minister entered the House, even claiming there was an attempt to snatch papers from him. He stressed that Parliament is meant for debate, not disorder, adding that the government had exercised restraint despite provocation.

Rijiju said the Centre was keen to conduct parliamentary business, but persistent disruptions were preventing debates, including the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. He accused the Congress leadership in the Lok Sabha of deliberately stalling proceedings and said even the Speaker was deeply hurt by their conduct.

Warning the Opposition, Rijiju said continued disruptions would ultimately harm Opposition MPs themselves, especially if the Budget had to be passed by voice vote without debate. He claimed the standoff was due to Rahul Gandhi’s rigidity and emphasised that parliamentary rules must be followed, noting that such procedures had existed even during the time of Gandhi’s ancestors.

The Lok Sabha saw no legislative work on Monday as Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House amid Opposition sloganeering demanding a discussion on the India–US interim trade framework. Sources said the Opposition was considering moving a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. Earlier in the day, Birla congratulated the Indian Under-19 cricket team on their World Cup victory. INDIA bloc parties, however, later decided to participate in the Budget discussions in both Houses, where they are expected to raise key economic and policy issues.