Protests Erupt in Lok Sabha Over Manikarnika Ghat Demolition

Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted by opposition MPs protesting a demolition drive at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat and the US-India trade deal. They alleged disrespect to Ahilyabai Holkar and raised issues over Rahul Gandhi's speech restrictions. The session faced repeated adjournments amidst heated demonstrations.

Protests erupted in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday as opposition MPs vociferously objected to a controversial demolition drive at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat. The proceedings were disrupted with interruptions first delaying the session until noon and later leading to adjournment until 2 PM.

Samajwadi Party members were particularly vocal, labeling the development an affront to Ahilyabai Holkar, an 18th-century queen and revered figure who renovated the Ghat in 1791. The district administration refuted claims that a 100-year-old idol of Holkar was damaged during the developments.

Simultaneously, discontent brewed over Speaker Om Birla's dismissal of a request by Congress's Rahul Gandhi to reference an unpublished memoir in his speech. The uproar continued as members raised slogans against Prime Minister Modi, derailing the scheduled Question Hour, intended to promote government accountability, before the House was adjourned again.

(With inputs from agencies.)