The Opposition on Wednesday waved placards, raised slogans and briefly disrupted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha to protest against fuel price hike, appearing to shake off the demoralising defeat in the Assembly elections.

Members of the Opposition from the Congress, DMK, Left and the Trinamul Congress trooped to the Well of the House at the start of Question Hour. They raised slogans against the fuel price hike and demanded that the government roll back the increased prices.

The second part of the budget session that started on March 14 had seen the Opposition, particularly the Congress, lying low against the backdrop of the poll results in five states.

In contrast, the ruling BJP members looked in celebratory mood as they thumped desks and raised slogans of “Modi, Modi” on the first day of the session.

The BJP registered an emphatic victory in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh and also comfortably retained Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa. The polls saw the Congress getting further marginalised.

After more than a week into the second half of the budget session, the Opposition for the first time seemed to have found its voice on Tuesday when the fuel prices were raised.

The issue was mentioned in both Houses of Parliament, with members sarcastically saying this was the government’s gift to the people after the poll victory.

On Wednesday, the Opposition scaled up its protest by waving placards in the Well of the House. Speaker Om Birla alleged that it was a “pre-planned” effort to adjourn the House.

“This kind of pre-planned effort to block the House is not good.… Don’t disturb Question Hour. You can raise the issue during Zero Hour,” the Speaker said as MPs reached close to his chair and waved placards.

The Speaker continued with Question Hour for some 40 minutes and then briefly adjourned the House while warning the Opposition MPs against their conduct. Post-noon, the Opposition allowed the House to resume normal business.