Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed concern on Tuesday over repeated interruptions in proceedings. He urged the government and opposition to reach an agreement allowing debate on important legislation with significant national impact.
In a statement during noisy protests, Birla noted the government had accepted the opposition request for a reply from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding police action against students demonstrating against the NEET paper leak on July 20.
Birla added that other opposition concerns could be addressed if the House operates without interruptions. He stressed that both the government and opposition must cooperate to ensure constructive debate and that the administration bears responsibility for running the House.
Birla voiced distress when the House fails to function and reminded members that displaying placards violates parliamentary rules.
Since the monsoon session started on July 20, the Lok Sabha has been unable to complete Question Hour, with several bills passed amid noise without discussion. Birla highlighted the importance of Question Hour for holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency, noting he had already directed that only listed questions be raised between 11 a.m. and noon.
He observed that citizens expect parliamentary discussions. His appeal followed government statements urging the opposition to engage in debate without disruptions. The opposition, however, demanded discussion on alleged misuse of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
As the impasse persisted, Birla adjourned proceedings until 2 p.m. Separately, NDA members protested outside Parliament against police action on demonstrators in Jharkhand and criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his stance on the matter.
