BJP MPs Storm Out of Committee Over Medha Patkar Hearing

On Tuesday, a parliamentary committee session came to an abrupt end after BJP lawmakers staged a walkout in protest against the decision to invite Medha Patkar, an activist controversial for her opposition to certain developmental projects, to the meeting.

Headed by Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, the committee was set to discuss the land acquisition law's implementation, an issue igniting longstanding political flashpoints. Patkar, labeled 'anti-national' by some in the BJP, was a contentious figure due to her leadership in the 'Narmada Bachao Andolan' movement against raising the Sardar Sarovar Dam height.

Ulaka justified Patkar's invitation as standard practice for including civil society perspectives in discussions. However, the BJP's refusal to engage led to the meeting's collapse, citing an insufficient quorum after their departure.

(With inputs from agencies.)