India, July 19 -- Several Opposition parties on Sunday staged a symbolic walkout from the all-party meeting convened ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session, protesting the invitation extended to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs who have formed the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI).

The Opposition also objected to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to allot separate seating to the rebel TMC MPs in the Lok Sabha. Leaders further raised concerns over the Speaker's decision to allow rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to merge with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

After briefly walking out to register their protest, the Opposition leaders returned to the meeting and participated in the proceedings. ...