Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Advises PM Modi to Skip Session Amid Disruption Fears
Concerns Over Potential Disruption in Lok Sabha
On Thursday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla revealed that he had received information indicating that Congress MPs were planning to create significant disruptions during the President's address. Consequently, he advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to attend the session on Wednesday. Birla clarified his decision by stating that he was informed of potential inappropriate actions near the Prime Minister's seat during the address. He emphasized that such incidents could undermine the democratic traditions of the country, prompting him to request the Prime Minister's absence from the House.
Opposition's Actions Lead to Suspension of Lok Sabha Proceedings
When the Lok Sabha reconvened on Wednesday, the Speaker had to suspend the session until Thursday due to repeated disruptions caused by the opposition on various issues. Reports indicated that several female MPs from the opposition, primarily from Congress, stood near the Prime Minister's seat, blocking the corridor through which he would enter. Despite attempts by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to persuade them to move, Congress MPs like Varsha Gaikwad and Jyotimani remained in place. TMC MP Mahua Moitra later stated to a news agency that the central government cannot dictate the opposition's speech, asserting their right to express their views freely.
Allegations of Planned Disruption by Opposition MPs
Sources further claimed that the opposition's female MPs had arrived at the House before proceedings began, intending to disrupt the Prime Minister's address. Their behavior was described as highly aggressive, with indications that they might attempt to interrupt speeches again the following day. The government believed that the MPs could encircle the Prime Minister upon his entry into the House, leading to the decision to suspend proceedings for the day. As a result, Prime Minister Modi's address was also postponed following the suspension of the Lok Sabha.