Parliament – BJP Women MPs Seek Action Over Lok Sabha Chaos
Parliament – Tensions in the Lok Sabha escalated sharply earlier this month, prompting women Members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party to formally request strict action against opposition lawmakers. In a letter addressed to Om Birla, the MPs alleged that certain opposition members engaged in conduct that undermined the dignity of the House during a crucial sitting on February 4.
Concerns Raised Over Conduct in the House
According to the letter, the MPs described the developments inside the Lower House as deeply troubling. They claimed that several opposition members crossed into the treasury benches, climbed onto tables, and moved towards the Prime Minister’s designated seat in an aggressive manner. Papers were allegedly torn and thrown towards the Chair amid loud protests.
The lawmakers stated that the situation had the potential to spiral into a serious confrontation. They noted that the events could have marked one of the most unfortunate episodes in the recent history of India’s parliamentary democracy if tempers had not been controlled.
Prime Minister Unable to Address House
The uproar prevented Narendra Modi from delivering his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. The Prime Minister was scheduled to respond to the debate that day, but persistent protests forced an adjournment before he could begin speaking.
In an unusual turn, the Motion of Thanks was passed the following day without the customary address by the Prime Minister. The Speaker read out the motion, and it was adopted through a voice vote amid continued sloganeering by opposition members.
Letter Praises Speaker’s Handling of Session
In their communication, the BJP’s women MPs expressed appreciation for the manner in which the Speaker handled the volatile situation. They credited him with maintaining order to the extent possible and safeguarding the decorum of the House during the disruption.
The letter emphasized that despite provocation, ruling party members refrained from responding in kind. The MPs wrote that they exercised restraint on the advice of senior leaders, arguing that any retaliation might have worsened the atmosphere inside the chamber.
They further alleged that after the protests inside the House, some opposition members advanced towards the Speaker’s chamber, raising their voices in protest.
Appeal for Strict Action Under Rules
The signatories urged the Speaker to invoke the strongest disciplinary measures available under parliamentary rules. They argued that such steps were necessary to protect the integrity of democratic institutions and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The MPs also expressed confidence in the Speaker’s leadership, noting his efforts over the years to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for members across party lines.
Background to the Disruptions
The ongoing standoff in the Lok Sabha began earlier in the week. Proceedings had been repeatedly disrupted after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not permitted by the Chair to quote from a media article referencing excerpts from an unpublished memoir attributed to former Army chief M. M. Naravane. The article reportedly contained references to the 2020 India–China border conflict.
Opposition parties protested the ruling, leading to frequent adjournments. Amid rising tensions, the Speaker later stated that he had received information suggesting that some members might attempt to approach the Prime Minister’s seat in an unexpected manner. As a precaution, he advised that the Prime Minister not attend the House at that moment.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra rejected the claim, disputing the suggestion that such an act had been planned.
Suspensions Follow Unruly Scenes
In the aftermath of the disturbances, eight opposition MPs were suspended for the remainder of the Budget Session for what was described as disorderly conduct. The decision further deepened the divide between the treasury and opposition benches.
The episode has reignited debate over maintaining discipline and decorum in parliamentary proceedings. With political tempers running high, both sides have accused each other of undermining democratic norms, even as the House continues its legislative business amid persistent friction.