BJP Women MPs Call for Strictest Action Following Congress Letter to Lok Sabha Speaker
In a significant escalation of parliamentary tensions, women Members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have formally written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to take the "strictest possible action" against Opposition MPs. This move comes directly in response to a prior letter from Congress women MPs, creating a heated exchange over conduct during the recent Motion of Thanks on the President's address.
Allegations of Unruly Behavior in the House
The BJP MPs' letter strongly condemns what they describe as an "unfortunate incident" involving Opposition members. They allege that during the parliamentary proceedings, some MPs engaged in disruptive behavior, including throwing papers and entering the Well of the House. Furthermore, the letter claims that Congress MPs "surrounded the Prime Minister's seat" and later approached his chamber in an aggressive manner, actions they argue undermine the dignity of Parliament.
Congress Counters with Accusations of Defamation
This development follows a letter from Congress women MPs who had earlier accused the ruling party of making "false and defamatory" claims against them. The Congress MPs have maintained that their protests were entirely peaceful and justified. They highlighted that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was repeatedly denied an opportunity to speak, which they say prompted their demonstrations. Additionally, they pointed to reports that a BJP MP made "vulgar" remarks about former Prime Ministers, an allegation that has further fueled the stalemate over parliamentary decorum.
Escalating Stalemate Over Parliamentary Conduct
The exchange of letters between the two political groups has intensified the ongoing deadlock regarding appropriate behavior in the Lok Sabha. Key points of contention include:
- The BJP's demand for stringent disciplinary measures against Opposition MPs.
- The Congress's defense of their protests as a response to being silenced.
- Allegations of disrespectful comments from both sides, complicating efforts to restore order.
Speaker Om Birla now faces mounting pressure to address these grievances and enforce parliamentary norms, as both parties stand firm in their positions. The situation underscores the deepening political divisions and the challenges in maintaining procedural harmony within India's legislative body.
