On day of few disruptions in LS, TRS MPs keep up protests; Speaker says not justified

“Members of Parliament who are protesting here should go back and tell their Chief Minister (K Chandrasekar Rao) to buy the paddy now … They have not purchased gunny bags,” Reddy said, triggering protests by the TRS members.

The TRS MPs have been protesting in the Lok Sabha since Monday, when the Winter Session began.

Barring their protests, the House functioned normally. The Congress, DMK, NCP and Left parties did walk out over the Treasury benches’ reluctance to discuss farmers’ issues. But these MPs returned to their seats within 10 minutes and took part in the Question Hour. The Lok Sabha also passed The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 after discussion in the afternoon.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya moved The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 for consideration in the Lok Sabha, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. (PTI Photo)

Before that, the Speaker criticised the MPs for their protests in the Well of the House. Birla Wednesday said proceedings cannot take place normally when some members disturb the entire House. He asked the TRS MPs to maintain decorum.

“You are a member of the House. Senior members are speaking and you are waving placards in front of them,” he said, even as nine TRS MPs stood in the Well and raised slogans. Party MP Venkatesha Netha Bolarkuntha was leading the sloganeering.

“Yeh sadan mein aapka tareeka nyaayochit nahin hai. Is tareeke se sadan nahi chalne vaala ki kuchh maananeey sadasya pure sadan ko vyavadhaan karein. Sadan garima se chalta hai, shaaleenata se chalta hai. (Your behaviour in the House is not justified. The House is not going to function in such a way that some members create ruckus. The House runs with dignity and decency),” Birla said before adjourning Lok Sabha till noon.

The Speaker said he had given an opportunity for the party leader to raise the party’s issues.
“I have given your leader enough time, ample opportunity to speak on your issue yesterday.. You have come to raise slogans; you have brought placards here. This is the wrong way,” Birla said.

The visibly angry Speaker asked the house to take “collective” steps to end the disruption.

“Main sabhi sadan se aagrah karana chahta hoon aise galat tarike, parampara aur paripaatiyon ko hamen rokne ke liye samuhik prayas karna chaahiye. (I would like to urge the Houses to make a collective effort to stop such wrong practices and traditions),” he said.

Birla added: “The House represents 130 crore people. You want to express the public’s sentiment. Question Hour is an important time. The government is ready to answer everything… You don’t want to hear the answer. This is not the right way.”