Parliament – BJP Women MPs Defend Speaker Amid Lok Sabha Dispute

Parliament – BJP Women MPs Accuse Opposition of Disorderly Conduct

Women Members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party have come out in strong support of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, condemning what they described as disruptive behaviour by Opposition members during the recent debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.

In a formal communication addressed to the Speaker, BJP MPs alleged that several Opposition lawmakers entered the Well of the House, climbed onto tables, tore official documents and threw papers toward the Chair. The letter characterized the episode as deeply regrettable and damaging to the dignity of Parliament.

The MPs further claimed that certain Opposition women members gathered around the Prime Minister’s seat and later approached the Speaker’s chamber in an aggressive manner on February 4. They urged the Speaker to initiate strict action against those responsible, calling the episode one of the most troubling moments in recent parliamentary history.

Congress Women MPs Reject Allegations

The development follows a separate letter sent earlier by women MPs from the Congress party, who accused the ruling side of compelling the Speaker to level what they termed unfounded and defamatory accusations against them.

According to the Congress MPs, their protests during the debate were peaceful and aligned with established parliamentary norms. They alleged that instead of addressing their concerns, they were unfairly singled out.

The disagreement stems largely from the handling of speeches during the Motion of Thanks discussion. Congress members have maintained that Rahul Gandhi, serving as Leader of the Opposition, was repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak over four consecutive days. At the same time, they alleged that a BJP MP was permitted to make objectionable remarks about former Prime Ministers.

Speaker’s Role and Prime Minister’s Absence

In their letter, BJP women MPs defended the Speaker’s conduct, noting that during his nearly seven-year tenure, Om Birla has worked to uphold the decorum and functioning of the House while ensuring opportunities for members across party lines.

The matter gained further attention when Speaker Birla revealed that he had advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to attend the House on a particular day. According to the Speaker, he had received information suggesting that some Congress MPs might approach the Prime Minister’s seat, potentially leading to an unprecedented situation.

Congress MPs, however, have questioned the circumstances surrounding the Prime Minister’s absence. They claimed that when they met the Speaker to demand action against a BJP MP for controversial remarks, he acknowledged a serious lapse but later indicated he was awaiting the government’s response, raising concerns about institutional independence.

They further alleged that the following day, the Speaker issued a statement containing serious accusations against them, which they believe was influenced by pressure to justify the Prime Minister’s absence.

Standoff Over President’s Address Debate

The broader dispute has resulted in a continuing stalemate in the Lok Sabha, particularly over Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the Motion of Thanks debate. During his speech, Gandhi reportedly sought to reference the memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane in relation to the 2020 border standoff with China. The reference became a point of contention, contributing to heightened tensions in the House.

As both sides maintain their positions, the episode underscores ongoing friction between the ruling party and the Opposition in Parliament. While BJP MPs have framed the events as a breach of decorum that warrants firm disciplinary action, Congress members continue to argue that their concerns about fair debate and procedural integrity remain unaddressed.

The controversy highlights broader questions about parliamentary conduct, institutional neutrality and the balance between protest and order within India’s democratic framework.