Opposition flays 'gag order' on some terms used in Parliament

According to a new booklet by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, use of terms like 'jumlajeevi', 'baal buddhi', 'Covid spreader' and 'Snoopgate' is not allowed

A new booklet on “unparliamentary” words by Lok Sabha Secretariat triggered a controversy on Thursday with the Opposition alleging that words used to describe the “reality” of Narendra Modi government have been put in the list even as Speaker Om Birla said “no word has been banned” and expressions will be expunged depending on the context only.

Words like Jumla-jeevi', 'Covid Spreader' and 'Snoopgate' as well as common words like 'ashamed', 'abused, 'betrayed', 'corrupt', 'drama', 'hypocrisy' and 'incompetent' were part of the the booklet 'Unparliamentary Expressions' brought out by Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Following the circulation of the latest booklet, an exercise that started in 1954 and which has been an annual affair since 2010, leaders from various Opposition parties like Congress, Trinamool Congress, AAP and Shiv Sena had found fault with the choice of words and accused the Modi government of throttling democracy.

Also read: Words like 'ashamed', 'abused, 'betrayed', 'corrupt' to be unparliamentary in LS, RS

Birla said the government had no role in the booklet, as Parliament and state Assemblies are independent organs of Indian democracy and it has been a regular exercise. He made it clear that no word has been banned from use in Parliament and MPs are free to express their views while maintaining the decorum of Parliament. He clarified that words will be expunged depending on the context.

"No word has been banned. Members are free to express their views. No one can snatch that right, but it should be as per decorum of Parliament," Birla told reporters, adding that people unaware of parliamentary practices were making all kinds of comments.

He said the booklet was a compilation of words expunged by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Assemblies and Commonwealth countries. It includes words used by MPs from both the ruling side as well as the Opposition, rejecting allegations that the expressions used by Modi government’s opponents were added in the list.

Birla’s defence came as the Opposition mounted a spirited criticism with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi calling the booklet the "New Dictionary for New India". He said "words used in discussion and debates which correctly describe the PM's handling of the government, now banned from being spoken. Example of an unparliamentary sentence: 'Jumlajeevi Tanashah shed Crocodile Tears when his lies and incompetence were exposed'."

Congress tweeted, "Who will be afraid of 'Jumlajeevi' - who has given jumlas. Who will be afraid of the word 'Jaichand' - who has betrayed the country. These words are not being banned in Parliament, the fear of PM Modi is coming out."

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said, "Session begins in a few days. GAG ORDER ISSUED ON MPs. Now, we will not be allowed to use these basic words while delivering a speech in Parliament : Ashamed. Abused. Betrayed. Corrupt. Hypocrisy. Incompetent. I will use all these words. Suspend me. Fighting for democracy."

Shiv Sena Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "What to do, what to speak, only Wah Modi ji, Wah', this popular meme now seems to be turning true."

Lok Sabha Secretariat sources said the list was merely a compilation of words already expunged in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha or state legislatures as well as in Parliaments of Commonwealth countries. They said such lists are brought out every year and these are compilations and not suggestions or orders.

Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said all words used by the Opposition to describe the reality of Modi Sarkar now to be considered 'unparliamentary'. What next Vishguru".

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted, "the government may have banned the use of following in Parliament: Jumlajeevi, Corrupt, Drama, Hypocrisy. But they are answerable to the people of India on: LPG and Price Rise, Unemployment, Agneepath."

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted, "What is the intention of the government? If one does corruption, then do not say corrupt; call corruption a 'masterstroke'. After throwing 'jumlas' (rhetoric) like '2 crore jobs', 'doubling farmers' income', they should be termed as 'thank you'. PS: Who used the word 'Andolanjeevi' for the country's 'annadatas' in Parliament."