Sonia joins protests against ED misuse, LS disrupted

NEW DELHI, Aug 3:
The Lok Sabha was disrupted on Wednesday as Opposition MPs, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi, protested the alleged misuse of investigative agencies as Congress and DMK lawmakers trooped near the Speaker’s podium.
As soon as the House met at 11 am, Opposition MPs urged the Speaker to allow them to raise the issue of “misuse” of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a day after it conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with the National Herald case that names Sonia and Rahul Gandhi as accused.
The first adjournment came soon after the House met for the Question Hour, as Opposition MPs raised slogans. At 12 noon, when the House met again, the scene remained the same and protests continued.
In the din, the The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the House. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was heard mentioning the ‘National Herald’, but was told by the Chair, Rajendra Agrawal, to speak on the Bill that was being introduced.
MPs from Congress and DMK trooped near the Speaker’s podium, and raised slogans. NCP and TMC MPs were also on their feet. As the Bill was being moved, Opposition’s protest and sloganeering continued.
DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran, who was in the Well, was seen gesturing towards some Congress leaders to join them in the Well of the House.
Sonia Gandhi stood up and joined the protesting MPs in the Well, gesturing other MPs who were not yet in the Well to join the protests. (UNI)