PM Modi Condemns Opposition's Disrespect Towards Lok Sabha Speakers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp critique against political parties, accusing them of targeting the position of Lok Sabha Speaker since 2014 due to selfish interests and arrogance. In a letter to Speaker Om Birla, Modi highlighted that this trend began when he first assumed office and Sumitra Mahajan occupied the chair, with opponents unable to digest the ascendancy of new leaders.
Narrow Mindset and Democratic Institutions
"Some people with nepotistic and feudal mindset look at democratic institutions through their narrow mindset. They cannot easily accept the rise of any new person," Modi wrote. This statement came days after the opposition's motion for Birla's removal was defeated, with the Prime Minister painting his opponents as viscerally antagonistic to high office occupants unaffiliated to them.
Modi specifically took aim at Congress and its allies, accusing them of turning democratic disagreement into disrespect for institutions. He praised Birla's emphasis in his post-motion statement that no one is above rules, a stance that underscores the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.
Speaker Birla's Call for Discipline
In response, Speaker Om Birla lauded Modi's commitment to democratic values and wrote a separate letter to leaders of different political parties. He expressed concern over protests inside and outside Parliament that violate rules, calling for discipline in a message pointedly aimed at opposition MPs.
"The time has come when we need to do serious reflection and introspection to maintain the dignity and prestige of our democratic institutions. In particular, the leadership of all political parties and their leaders in the House will have to make special efforts to ensure discipline and high moral conduct inside the House and within the Parliament complex among their members," Birla emphasized.
He noted that some members are dealing a blow to the dignity of parliamentary democracy by bringing banners and placards to Lok Sabha and demonstrating at the main entrance, actions that have frequently led to untimely adjournments.
Mutual Praise and Historical Context
In his reply thanking PM Modi, Birla praised the Prime Minister's unwavering trust in democratic rules and traditions, citing Modi's long public life, including his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. "You have always put deep trust in the parliamentary values of dialogue, debate and deliberations," Birla told Modi.
Modi, in his initial letter, commended Birla for his statement in Lok Sabha on Friday, which emphasized that rules are the same for all and that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi would not receive any special privilege. Modi described Birla's explanation as deep and effective, rooted in India's parliamentary history and the Speaker's responsibility.
"Its constitutional institutions are the biggest strength of Indian democracy. Parliament is the supreme platform of these institutions," Modi added, reinforcing the importance of upholding parliamentary decorum.
Past Instances of Disrespect
Modi also referenced earlier instances when Sumitra Mahajan was Speaker, noting that some members did not behave as expected. "Even then unwarranted bitterness and disrespect towards the chair were visible on many occasions," he said, indicating a persistent pattern of opposition behavior targeting Speakers.
The exchange of letters between Modi and Birla occurs amid ongoing frequent protests from opposition MPs in Lok Sabha, highlighting tensions within India's parliamentary democracy and the ongoing struggle to maintain institutional dignity.
