Ahead of the Lok Sabha oath-taking ceremony, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has amended the parliamentary rules to restrict newly elected MPs from adding a prefix or suffix during the oath or affirmation of membership. This amendment aims to curb the incidence of sloganeering by members while taking oaths.
Clause 3 Added to Direction 1
The new clause identified as clause 3 or ‘Direction 1’ states that a member shall make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation and “shall not use any word or expression or make any remark as a prefix or suffix to the form of oath or affirmation”.
Why Amendments?
The amendments came after several members of parliament raised slogans like “Jai Samvidhan,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” “Joy Bangal,” and “Jai Palestine” in the house after taking oaths as MPs. The slogan also sparked verbal spats between the opposition bench and the Treasury bench. However, the speaker, Om Birla, has urged the speakers to stick to the amendments.
What Controversies Were Raised?
The fifth time, Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asad Uddin Owaisi sparked controversy while taking his oath. While taking his oath in the 18th Lok Sabha oath-taking ceremony, he concluded by saying “Jai Palestine.”
Reportedly, a complaint against Owaisi was filed by advocate Hari Shankar Jain about his slogans in the House. Meanwhile, a second complaint was filed by advocate Vineet Jindal, who on X confirmed he had filed a complaint against Owaisi under Article 102 of the Constitution of India.
Reaction of the Public
Reportedly, unknown persons vandalized the Delhi residence of MP Asad Uddin ahead of his remark “Jai Palestine” while ending his oath.
“Unknown miscreants vandalised my house black ink. I’ve lost count of the number of times my Delhi residence has been targeted, when I asked Delhi cops, they expressed helplessness. Amit Shah, this is happening under your oversight. Om Birla, please tell us if Mps’ safety will be guaranteed or not,” Owaisi said.
Meanwhile, a purported video of the incident also made rounds all over the internet, in which one of the miscreants said that the youth of the country should be united against the politicians, who do not say “bharat mata ki jai”. The Delhi police however reached the spot and removed the poster.
Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VPH) also staged a protest at Jantar Mantar against Owaisi’s remark. The VHP said Owaisi’s slogan displayed “allegiance to a foreign nation” while taking oath as an MP in Parliament.
