On a day the BJP crossed the 100-mark in the Rajya Sabha, a united Opposition forced multiple adjournments protesting against the government over rising prices of petroleum products and essential commodities, leading to a complete washout. In the Lok Sabha too, members of the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), DMK, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) walked out protesting on the same issue.
For the first time during the second part of the Budget session, the Opposition parties held informal consultations to stall the proceedings with the DMK taking the lead. Its Tiruchi Siva among others had moved notices under Rule 267 to suspend the business of the day to debate the frequent fuel price hikes. In last two weeks, every day, there has been a minor increase in the prices of petrol and diesel. The total hike now amounts to ₹8.40 a litre.
