Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, after the Question Hour, asked members not to stage any protests at the Lok Sabha’s entrance, especially in the morning when MPs are entering.
The Speaker's comments come a day after the Lok Sabha Secretariat sent an advisory to protesting MPs.
“I request all political parties not to obstruct the entry gate of Parliament when others are entering the building (to attend proceedings. Women MPs have personally flagged this. I have already given directions, and I request once again that if there is an issue, meet me but don’t obstruct the entry gate,” Birla said before the Zero Hour began.
Birla’s comments come as Opposition leaders of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc continued their protests at the Parliament premises on Wednesday over the Adani issue, demanding an investigation by a joint parliamentary committee. MPs of the Congress, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), DMK and the Left parties held a protest at the Makar Dwar, the entrance of the Parliament building, with a banner that read “Modi-Adani are one”.
Late Tuesday, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued an advisory urging MPs not to hold protests at the Parliament's entrance, citing safety and security issues.
“Members are requested not to hold protests or demonstrations in front of Gates of Parliament House as such actions cause serious hindrance to the movement of Members to the Parliament Chambers during sittings of the Houses. Here attention of Members is drawn to Direction 124A(2) of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha. Keeping building gates free from any blockage is also essential for ensuring safety and security of Members in the Parliament House,” the notification read.