New Delhi, 3 August 2023: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla did not attend the House proceedings on August 2 to express his discontent to the MPs after the Manipur issue caused frequent interruptions.
According to sources close to Mr. Birla, the Speaker informed government managers and floor leaders of the opposition parties that he was unhappy and would not attend the proceedings until the members behaved appropriately to preserve the dignity of the House.
Congress Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Supriya Sule were among the opposition leaders who addressed the Speaker.
The Lok Sabha could not consider the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 for passage since it was called to order minutes after lunchtime. Although it’s unclear if the Bill will be discussed on Thursday, the Opposition is ready to debate it in the House.
The Bill, which seeks to replace the ordinance giving the Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi final say over official transfers and postings, effectively overturns a May 11 Supreme Court decision that had granted the authority to the Delhi Government, which is currently led by Arvind Kejriwal.
The Congress has not issued a three-line whip requiring party members to be present, although the BJP has. Shashi Tharoor, a prominent member of the Congress, was expected to testify in opposition to the Bill.
The Home Minister Amit Shah may have been off schedule, according to sources, but Mr. Shah was present in Parliament and didn’t leave until both Houses had closed for the day.
P.V. Midhun Reddy, a member of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), took the Chair when the House convened at 11 a.m. Despite the Opposition’s vociferous objections regarding the Manipur violence issue.
Mr. Reddy adjourned the House until 2 p.m. due to opposition members’ demands for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a remark regarding the situation in the conflict-ridden State.
When the House reassembled, the protesting Opposition members marched into the House Well, calling out slogans and waving placards.
Kirit Solanki of the BJP, who was presiding over the proceedings, advised the members of the opposition to maintain decorum before starting with the laying of papers. He did, however, postpone the House for the day because the Opposition paid him no attention.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension and political discord surrounding crucial legislative matters, and the Speaker’s action emphasizes the urgent need for a conducive and respectful parliamentary environment to conduct meaningful debates and discussions.
