Speaker Om Birla Reaffirms Security Concerns for PM Modi Amid Lok Sabha Turmoil
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has emphatically reiterated his assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's safety was under genuine threat from opposition Members of Parliament during the scheduled reply to the motion of thanks on the President's address on February 4. This statement comes in direct response to opposition parties' claims that Birla's advice for Modi to cancel his speech was unfounded and that no such danger existed.
Unprecedented Disorder and Aggressive Conduct
As the time for Prime Minister Modi's address approached, the Lok Sabha descended into what sources described as "grave and unprecedented" chaos. According to parliamentary secretariat insiders, several opposition MPs visited Speaker Birla's chamber, where they allegedly used unparliamentary language and made threatening remarks. One such comment reportedly included, "dekhte hain PM ka kya karte hain" (let's see how they handle PM's address), highlighting the volatile atmosphere.
Inside the House, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Opposition MPs were seen climbing onto tables, tearing official documents, and hurling them toward the Chair. These actions, as per sources, represented a severe breakdown of parliamentary discipline and marked one of the most regrettable incidents in Lok Sabha history, attracting widespread attention and concern both domestically and internationally.
Confrontational Posture and Encroachment on Treasury Benches
Amid the escalating drama, several women MPs aggressively moved toward Prime Minister Modi's designated seat, effectively cordoning it off. Sources noted that some of these MPs advanced further along the treasury benches, carrying banners and placards while adopting an openly confrontational stance. This not only involved laying siege to the Prime Minister's seat but also encroaching upon the area where senior ministers were seated, intensifying the sense of disorder and insecurity within the parliamentary chamber.
Birla's Justified Concerns and Advisory to PM Modi
In light of these events, Speaker Om Birla had legitimate and well-founded apprehensions regarding both Prime Minister Modi's personal safety and the overall maintenance of order in the Lok Sabha. The sequence of aggressive behaviors and the palpable tension prompted Birla to advise Modi against entering the House, a decision rooted in the urgent need to prevent further escalation and ensure security.
The conduct of the opposition MPs, as described by sources, was deemed wholly unbecoming of elected representatives and underscored the extreme volatility of the situation that day. This episode has sparked debates on parliamentary decorum and the safety protocols for high-ranking officials during legislative sessions.
