Debate Ignites Over Indo-US Trade Deal Amid Parliament Session

In a heated session of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Congress member Pramod Tiwari voiced his disapproval over Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's decision to hold a press conference about the Indo-US trade deal outside the bounds of parliamentary tradition.

Tiwari emphasized that traditionally, policy issues are not discussed outside while Parliament is in session. Despite the objection, Chairman C P Radhakrishnan dismissed the point of order, indicating that Goyal was prepared to address the issue formally within the House later that day.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju admitted the validity of Tiwari's point concerning parliamentary custom, yet maintained that Goyal's statement would indeed be presented to both Houses on the same day. The matter sparked further debate as CPI-M member John Brittas attempted to bring the trade deal under immediate discussion, a request the Chair ultimately deferred.