Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan’s warning, citing certain rules that she would take disciplinary action against members who do not “maintain decorum” and disrupt proceedings by shouting slogans, wearing black bands and displaying placards, has irked the Opposition, which is in a minority in the House.
“In the event of disorderly conduct, I would be constrained to initiate appropriate disciplinary action against erring members,” Mahajan said, after Congress members stormed the Well carrying placards to protest against the Lalit Modi issue, joined by the Left, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Aam Aadmi Party.
The Nationalist Congress Party, too, stood up in protest. The Telangana Rastra Samithy MPs too were in the Well holding placards demanding a High Court in the new State. Congress members were seen wearing black bands on their sleeves and waving placards.
After the Speaker’s warning, Opposition MPs became more combative, with Mohd Salim, CPI (M)’s deputy leader in the House, shouting “Arrest us, Madam”.
The Opposition continued its protest in the Well, demanding the resignation of Cabinet Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chief Ministers Vasundhara Raje and Shivraj Chouhan for their alleged role in Lalitgate and Vyapam scam, leading to the House being adjourned for the day.
As a result, the second day of the Monsoon Session of Lok Sabha ended without transacting any business, apart from extending the time for presentation of the report on the Land Bill by the joint panel.
Later emerging from the House, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia defended the protests, saying “we are allowed to use any legitimate form of protest, even black badges,” adding that “the Opposition is united on this issue.”