Parliamentary Crisis Deepens: Eight Opposition MPs Suspended Amid Unprecedented Lok Sabha Turmoil

A significant parliamentary crisis has erupted in India's Lok Sabha, resulting in the suspension of eight opposition members following chaotic scenes triggered by a controversial book authored by a former Army chief. The turmoil represents a severe escalation in legislative tensions, with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi formally protesting to Speaker Om Birla that this marks the first instance where the Leader of Opposition has been barred from addressing the President's joint session—an action he termed 'a blot on democracy.' This development casts serious doubt over Wednesday's scheduled proceedings, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver his response to the motion of thanks on the President's address. The suspensions reflect deepening political fractures and raise critical questions about parliamentary decorum, democratic norms, and the functioning of India's legislative institutions during a period of heightened political polarization.