Opposition walk out of Rajya Sabha during PM's speech

INDIA bloc parties, led by the Congress, staged a walkout of Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, 3 July after the Leader of the Opposition was not allowed to intervene during PM Narendra Modi's speech.

LoP Mallikarjun Kharge wanted to intervene during Modi's reply to a discussion on motion thanking the President for her address to the joint sitting of the Parliament.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, however, did not heed to his requests, leading to INDIA block MPs, raising slogans and asking for the LoP to be allowed to speak.

Modi continued his speech amid the slogan-shouting.

This went on for some time with Kharge repeatedly pleading to be allowed to speak.

When the permission did come through, INDIA bloc MPs staged a walkout of the House.

Dhankhar condemned their act of walkout, saying this was an insult to the Constitution.

More updates to follow.