When MPs start acting appropriately, I’ll join the Lok Sabha debate: LS Speaker

Speaker Om Birla declined to appear for the Monsoon session of Parliament due to ongoing chaos in the Lok Sabha. He warned the lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, saying that he would abstain from debates until both sides responded politely. The monsoon session has been interrupted since its inception, primarily due to opposition outrage over ethnic violence in Manipur.

Birla, known for his upbeat disposition, took particular offense when MPs escalated their protest during the Tuesday unveiling of the contentious Delhi services bill. Birla remained in his chamber and delivered an announcement to lawmakers, declaring he would only return to the House if both camps behaved well.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla: Will only participate in Lok Sabha proceedings once MPs begin to behave

Birla, famous for his cheerful demeanor, took particular offense when MPs intensified their outrage on Tuesday during the unveiling of the divisive Delhi services bill.

LS Speaker Om Birla refused to appear in the Monsoon session

Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday declined to appear for the rest of the Monsoon session of Parliament due to continuing chaos in the Lok Sabha and warned lawmakers from the parties in power and the opposition that he would not participate in the debates until both camps act professionally, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

The monsoon session is getting interrupted since its inception

Since the session’s start on July 20, there have been ongoing interruptions in the Lower House, primarily due to the opposition’s outrage at the ethnic violence in Manipur, which has claimed at least 150 lives. The administration only agreed to a discussion on the issue; the opposition is asking for an address from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an argument in both Houses; this caused the opposition to continue their protests and interrupt parliamentary business.

The Speaker asked MPs to behave in the House

According to a non-named official in his office, Birla remained in his chamber on Wednesday and delivered an announcement to lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition groups, declaring he would only return to the House if both camps guaranteed to conduct themselves well.

Introduction of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Birla, famous for his cheerful demeanor, took particular offense when MPs intensified their outrage on Tuesday during the unveiling of the divisive Delhi services bill.

In effect, the Administration of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which recently came up in the Lower House, surpasses a May 11 Supreme Court decision that gave the democratically elected government of the Capital regulate over the administration, except for divisions related to law enforcement, public safety, and land. The ordinance, formally released on May 19, allowed the central government to maintain influence over the government agencies in Delhi.

One MP tears down the document in the House

While others entered the House well, one lawmaker ripped up documents inside the chamber. The official claimed that the Speaker “just had enough.” The House was due to debate the amendment on Wednesday but was suddenly adjourned shortly after lunch.

The Speaker received a visit from MPs from both sides, who expressed regret to him and requested him to return to the House on Thursday, according to a second Birla office official who declined to get named.