Opp parties to meet in Delhi today to frame their stand
Amid the Opposition outrage over the “gag order” on using certain words in Parliament, a new circular issued by the Rajya Sabha on Friday to prohibit demonstrations, dharnas, fast or religious ceremonies in the Parliament House premises sparked another round of controversy two days before the Monsoon Session begins. A miffed Opposition said it would hold a meeting on Saturday to frame its strategy.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla however said such circulars to members are a process going on since 2009. The authorities also termed the issuance of such notices as “routine” affairs ahead of Parliament sessions.
The new bulletin, which has been issued by Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, said, “Members cannot use the precincts of the Parliament House for any demonstration, dharna, strike, fast, or for the purpose of performing any religious ceremony.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged political parties to refrain from making allegations without getting into facts. He also stressed that such circulars are being issued for many years.
“It (such circulars to members) is a process. This process has been going on since 2009,” he said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Parliament House complex. Congress general secretary and chief whip of the party in Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter to attack the Government. “Vishguru’s latest salvo — D(h)arna Mana Hai!,” he said, sharing a copy of the circular issued on July 14. Opposition members have in the past demonstrated inside Parliament complex and have staged protests.