A meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj was cut short on Tuesday after BJP MPs staged a walkout in protest against the inclusion of activist Medha Patkar. The MPs objected to hearing her views, alleging that she has historically opposed developmental projects under the guise of public and environmental activism.

Leading the protest was former Union minister and BJP MP Parshottam Rupala, joined by fellow party members who criticized Patkar, with some even labeling her "anti-national." One MP sarcastically questioned whether Pakistani leaders could also be invited to such forums. The committee, chaired by Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, had invited Patkar to present her views on the land acquisition law enacted in 2013 during the UPA government. Ulaka defended the move, stating it is normal for committees to consult civil society representatives and stakeholders on policy matters. “We aimed to gather varied perspectives,” he said, accusing BJP members of preventing that.

BJP MPs particularly opposed Patkar's participation due to her prominent role in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, which had resisted the Gujarat government's efforts—led by then CM Narendra Modi—to increase the Sardar Sarovar Dam's height. The government ultimately prevailed, and Modi has since often highlighted the delays the project faced.

Ulaka confirmed the meeting ended due to a lack of quorum after the walkout, explaining that at least 10 members are needed to proceed. In addition to Patkar, other invitees included officials from the Environment Ministry and actor-activist Prakash Raj. Sources confirmed BJP members strongly opposed Patkar’s appearance and questioned her patriotism. Opposition MPs, however, had supported giving her a platform to speak.

Patkar later stated that she was invited and waiting to speak when she noticed some MPs leaving. She was later informed that the meeting had been called off. Reflecting on the incident, she said she had participated in such panels before and found the current situation unprecedented. She emphasized the importance of discussing the land acquisition law.