Gaurav Gogoi writes to LS Speaker Om Birla over Union Ministers’ ‘unparliamentary’ language

Gogoi, who is a Congress MP from Assam’s Jorhat has asked for an immediate intervention from the Lok Sabha Speaker in the matter and urged prompt action against those making “deplorable statements” against members of the Parliament.

“I am writing to you to express my deep concern about the deteriorating standards of parliamentary conduct in the Lok Sabha as evidenced by several instances from the ongoing Monsoon Session. Often, it is the ministers of the government themselves who make unparliamentary, objectionable and threatening remarks against members of opposition parties,” Gogoi said in the letter.

The Congress leader claimed in the letter that on July 26, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh used “threatening language” against former Haryana chief minister Bhupender Singh Hooda who is not a member of Parliament. Similarly, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu used “unparliamentary language” on July 25 while referring to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi,

Gogoi also cited the example of BJP MP Nishikant Dubey using “communal language” in the House.

“It’s disappointing that the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs failed to control his colleagues despite being present in the House,” the Congress leader said in his letter to Birla. The leader also stressed the collective responsibility of ensuring the smooth functioning of the House and urged the government to take a proactive and collaborative approach.

He criticised the government for consistently disregarding parliamentary procedures and decorum, leaving no room for the opposition’s voice. He also emphasised that all members of the House are equally responsible for representing their constituents’ voices and stated that differences of opinion should not lead to disrespect.

“As the custodian of the House, we expect you to uphold the code of conduct and ensure that no member, whether from the treasury or the opposition, breaches the norms of Parliament,” he wrote in the letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Gogoi urged prompt action against those making deplorable statements about Members of Parliament.

— With PTI inputs.