Parliament passes defense bill amid opposition hoopla

(PTI) New Delhi, Dt

Opposition groups called for a halt to the protests, saying "there is a need for more troops in the country." However, the Center on Thursday passed the Essential Defense Services Bill in the Rajya Sabha. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on August 3. Minister of State for Defense Ajay Bhatt introduced the bill in the Rajya Sabha. The bill was passed by a voice vote amid opposition protests in the Rajya Sabha. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Khadge and some other members demanded that the bill be tabled before a standing committee for review. The Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha have disrupted the proceedings of both the Houses, but the Opposition has also expressed surprise over the passage of the bill.