NEW DELHI: Deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi has written to Speaker Om Birla expressing concern “about the deteriorating standards of parliamentary conduct” in the House. He has alleged that “often it is the ministers of govt themselves who make unparliamentary, objectionable and threatening remarks against members of opposition parties”.While asserting that “difference of opinion should not result in disrespect”, Gogoi sought Speaker’s “immediate intervention” with the hope he takes prompt action against members making “deplorable” statements against other MPs.
In the letter addressed to Birla, Gogoi, who is Congress MP from Jorhat in Assam, highlighted three examples. He claimed that on July 26, Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh used “threatening language” against former Haryana CM Bhupender Singh Hooda who is not an MP.
Next, he drew on two instances from July 25. Here he alleged that minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu used “unparliamentary language while referring to Rajya Sabha member Sonia Gandhi”. He further alleged, “MP Nishikant Dubey used outright communal language during his interventions in the House.”
“It is disappointing to note that the minister of parliamentary affairs has not been able to restrain his colleagues when these incidents took place, despite being present in the House,” Gogoi said. He addressed Birla saying, “as a custodian of the House, we expect you to uphold the code of conduct and ensure no member, whether treasury or opposition, is allowed to breach the norms of Parliament.”
Disruptions to score ‘political points’ attack on spirit of democracy: Dhankhar
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said disruption and disturbance in House proceedings to score “political points” is an attack on the spirit of democracy. He termed the “trend” of members making speeches and leaving the House to give “soundbites to the media outside” without hearing out other MPs as a “hit and run strategy”. On frequent instances of disruptions in House proceedings, Dhankhar said there can be no greater danger to democracy than imparting an impression that disturbance and disruption are political weapons to get “mileage” at the cost of the prestige of Parliament and the nation. tnn
In the letter addressed to Birla, Gogoi, who is Congress MP from Jorhat in Assam, highlighted three examples. He claimed that on July 26, Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh used “threatening language” against former Haryana CM Bhupender Singh Hooda who is not an MP.
Next, he drew on two instances from July 25. Here he alleged that minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu used “unparliamentary language while referring to Rajya Sabha member Sonia Gandhi”. He further alleged, “MP Nishikant Dubey used outright communal language during his interventions in the House.”
“It is disappointing to note that the minister of parliamentary affairs has not been able to restrain his colleagues when these incidents took place, despite being present in the House,” Gogoi said. He addressed Birla saying, “as a custodian of the House, we expect you to uphold the code of conduct and ensure no member, whether treasury or opposition, is allowed to breach the norms of Parliament.”
Disruptions to score ‘political points’ attack on spirit of democracy: Dhankhar
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said disruption and disturbance in House proceedings to score “political points” is an attack on the spirit of democracy. He termed the “trend” of members making speeches and leaving the House to give “soundbites to the media outside” without hearing out other MPs as a “hit and run strategy”. On frequent instances of disruptions in House proceedings, Dhankhar said there can be no greater danger to democracy than imparting an impression that disturbance and disruption are political weapons to get “mileage” at the cost of the prestige of Parliament and the nation. tnn