Amid uproar over Parliament security breach, Rajnath Singh asks MPs to be ‘alert and exercise caution’

They also sought action against BJP MP Pratap Simha who had issued passes to the two men who jumped into the visitor’s gallery and burst canisters of colour gas in the well of the House.

“I believe, in the future, all MPs, be it from the Treasury or the Opposition, need to remain alert and exercise caution… Whoever we give passes to …should not come (to the House) and create anarchic situations… This has to be ensured not just by the Treasury but also by the Opposition. In our old Parliament also we have had incidents of protests, throwing of papers, and jumping. We all need to condemn it together,” Rajnath Singh said.

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Calling the Wednesday incident unfortunate, Singh also criticised the protests by Opposition members even though an inquiry had already been ordered and termed their protests as “anarchy”.

“Everyone has condemned what has happened yesterday. Taking immediate cognizance of it, you (Speaker Om Birla) have ordered an inquiry. You have also asked for steps to be taken to ensure such things do not happen again. So, I believe there is no need to precipitate such anarchy (by the Opposition) in the House,” he said.

Earlier, as Opposition MPs shouted slogans, Birla said, “Whatever happened yesterday, we are worried about that. The security of Parliament is the responsibility of the Parliament Secretariat. We all know that all of this comes under Lok Sabha.

“That is why I had a discussion with you yesterday. We will again have a discussion. The responsibility of security is with the Lok Sabha secretariat. I will discuss the matter with you again. This is the wrong way. Please take your seat,” said the Speaker.

As the Question Hour continued to remain disrupted with Opposition MPs demanding a statement from the Government, Birla said, “The Government cannot interfere in the functioning of Lok Sabha secretariat. I will not allow it either. Do not start a wrong tradition. Such incidents have happened earlier too. We will discuss them as well. If such things do not happen in future, we will discuss that as well. That is our privilege. Everyone’s safety is my responsibility.”

While participating in the Question Hour, BSP MP Malook Nagar sided with the government on the issue. “Whatever happened yesterday… There is a need for change. Those who are politicking over it, I want to ask them to work for the country,” said Nagar.

However, as protests continued, Birla warned Congress MPs T N Prathapan, Hibi Eden, and Dean Kuriakose against spreading “anarchy” in the House before adjourning the proceedings until 2 pm.