New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern on Saturday over certain political parties defending lawmakers who breach the rules of Parliament and state legislatures. Speaking at the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC), PM Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of the House and highlighted the shift in approach, where senior members no longer take the initiative to ensure decorum.
In his address, PM Modi stated, There was a time when, if any member in the House broke the rules and action was taken against that member, senior members of the House would talk to them so that in the future they did not repeat the mistake. But these days, some political parties stand in support of such members and defend their mistakes. The situation is not good for Parliament or the state legislature.
This statement comes in the wake of a contentious Winter Session that witnessed the suspension of 146 Opposition lawmakers. The opposition claims that the suspensions were a result of their continuous demand for answers regarding a security lapse in the heavily fortified building. However, the government denies this accusation, asserting that the suspensions were a consequence of disorderly conduct.
Highlighting the changing landscape, PM Modi further remarked, Earlier, if any member of the House was accused of corruption, everyone used to distance themselves from him. But today we see even corrupt people, convicted by the court, being publicly glorified… This is an insult to the executive. This is an insult to the judiciary. This is also an insult to the great Constitution of India.
PM Modi also called for increased participation of women and youth in policy-making during his address at the conference. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who inaugurated the event, emphasized the importance of dissent in the democratic system while discouraging the use of disruption as a tool for protest.
The Prime Minister’s remarks shed light on a growing concern regarding lawmakers who breach House rules and are subsequently defended by certain political parties. The need to uphold the dignity of the House and maintain decorum is crucial for the smooth functioning of democracy. The recent suspension of opposition lawmakers further underscores the divide between the government and opposition, with differing narratives surrounding the reasons behind the suspensions. As the Indian political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed and resolved in the future.
