Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu broke down Wednesday as he spoke about the ruckus by Opposition MPs in the House the previous day. Even as Naidu was speaking, slogans were continuously raised over various issues. He said that the “sacredness” of the House was destroyed by some Opposition MPs, adding he could not sleep last night.
“I struggled to find out the reason for forcing this house to such a low yesterday. A discussion on agriculture problems and solutions was listed. I find it difficult to understand how subject listed in the list of business for yesterday would have prevented any member from raising any issue connected to the farm sector, including the three farm Bills, which some members were keen to raise in the House,” he said.
A certain degree of sacredness is attached to this place, Naidu said, and added that in temples, devotees are allowed only up to the sanctum sanctorum and not beyond. Entering the sanctum sanctorum of the House is an act of sacrilege and it has become routine over the years, he said.
“I am distressed by the way this sacredness has been destroyed yesterday. While some members sat on the Table, some others climbed on the Table of the House, perhaps to be more visible with acts of sacrilege. I have no words to convey my anguish and to condemn such acts,” the Chairman said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla too on Wednesday expressed his disappointment over the ruckus created by the Opposition MPs during the monsoon session and said that the lower house functioned only for 74 hours and 46 minutes and the total productivity of the Lok Sabha was 22 per cent.
Speaking at a press conference after the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha Speaker said, “The sixth session of the 17th Lok Sabha concluded today. It is sad that the session was not as per expectations. I urged all the MPs, that the House be run in accordance with Parliamentary traditions and its dignity maintained. Sloganeering and raising of banners are not a part of our Parliamentary traditions. They (MPs) should have expressed themselves from their seats.” “The House functioned for only 74 hours and 46 minutes. The total productivity was 22 per cent. A total of 20 Bills were passed, including the OBC Bill which was passed with the unanimous consent of all parties,” he said.
“I am hurt by the fact that the proceedings of the House did not take place as per expectations in this Session. I always make an effort to see that maximum Business takes place in the House and discussions are held over issues related to the public,” the Speaker said. “But there was continuous obstruction this time. This could not be resolved. Last two years were more productive, as far as Busines in the House is concerned. The proceedings had continued till late in the night and MPs had made active contribution even during Covid,” the LS Speaker said.
“I always expect the MPs to maintain the dignity of the House. There have been debates, agreements, and disagreements in the House but its dignity was never lowered,” Birla added.
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leaders of all the parties for their contribution to the House.
The Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die on Wednesday bringing an end to a month-long Monsoon Session. The session began on 19 July and was slated to go on till 13 August. The lower house was adjourned for an indefinite period by Om Birla, who was in the chair.