New Delhi: The Lok Sabha's passage of the Motion of Thanks on the President's address without the customary reply from the Prime Minister has triggered a controversy, with a Congress MP alleging procedural irregularities. The Motion of Thanks was passed amidst vociferous protests from the opposition.

According to reports, Congress MP KC Venugopal has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, asserting that the passage of the motion without the Prime Minister explaining the government's position constitutes a breach of parliamentary procedure. Venugopal emphasized that the Rules of Procedure mandate the Prime Minister to either elucidate the government's stance at the end of the debate or inform the House of their inability to do so. The Congress MP is seeking an explanation from the Speaker regarding this matter.

The Motion of Thanks is a formal expression of gratitude to the President for their address to both Houses of Parliament at the beginning of the Budget Session. The President's address, delivered on January 28, outlines the government's policies and achievements. A debate on the Motion of Thanks ensues, during which Members of Parliament discuss and scrutinize the government's agenda. Traditionally, the Prime Minister responds to the debate, addressing the issues raised by the members and elucidating the government's position.

On Thursday, the Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks via voice vote, even as opposition members continued to raise slogans. Speaker Om Birla rejected the opposition's amendments to the Motion of Thanks before putting it to a vote. The Speaker had earlier warned MPs against sloganeering and displaying placards, as the Opposition disrupted the proceedings, leading to multiple adjournments.

The government rejected allegations from the opposition, and accused opposition MPs of disrupting the proceedings.

The absence of the Prime Minister's reply has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who claim that the government is deliberately avoiding discussions on critical national issues and stifling the opposition's voice. Prior to the passing of the motion, the Lok Sabha had been adjourned multiple times due to the uproar. Opposition members had trooped into the well of the House, raising slogans and demanding that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, be allowed to speak.

Amidst the disruptions, Rahul Gandhi stated his intention to present a copy of former Chief of Army Staff General M.M. Naravane's memoir to PM Modi.

The parliamentary logjam occurred during a crucial Budget Session, where important legislative and financial matters are slated for discussion. The disruption and procedural questions raised cast a shadow on the functioning of the House and have amplified the rift between the government and the opposition.