The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the fifth straight day on Friday, as members from the Opposition as well as the TDP and the AIADMK, continued their protests on various issues. This was the first week of Parliament’s second leg of the Budget session, in which the Finance Bill 2018 and Demands for Grants are needed to be passed.

Opposition Congress and TMC are raising protest against the government over multi-crore PNB fraud, while Andhra Pradesh parties — TDP and YSR Congress – pressed for special status to be granted to the state.

Disappointed over the Centre not granting the status, the TDP pulled out its two ministers — Raju and YS Chowdary — from the central government. The party continues to be an NDA ally.

Members of the AIADMK were also in the Well demanding constitution of the Cauvery Board to settle water disputes with neighbouring states, while few others were seen holding placards of Dravidian movement founder Thanthai Periyar.

As the Lok Sabha met for the day, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan welcomed a parliamentary delegation from South Korea. Later, the House paid tributes to former members Prabodh Panda, Shyama Singh and Bhanu Kumar Shastri who had died recently.

Soon after, the members from various parties trooped into the Well, prompting the Speaker to remark that after a minute of silence, the House is again witnessing din.

Ashok Gajapati Raju (TDP), who had resigned yesterday as civil aviation minister, was seen standing in the Well with his party colleagues demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

The Congress members continued to protest in the Well over the PNB scam and were seen holding placards and demanding statement of the Prime Minister.

Amid the din, the Speaker first adjourned the House till noon and thereafter for the entire day.

(With inputs from PTI)