Om Birla warns MPs of tough action over protests in Parliament; LS adjourned sine die

On Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued a strong warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) against engaging in protests within the Parliament premises, emphasizing that such actions would result in serious consequences. His warning came after protests from both Opposition and ruling BJP MPs over the alleged insult to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. Birla reminded MPs that Parliament is a place for debate and discussion, not demonstrations, and stressed that protests at the gates or anywhere in Parliament would be unacceptable.

The controversy began earlier this week during a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah made remarks about Ambedkar’s legacy. Congress leaders accused Shah of insulting Ambedkar, citing his comments as disrespectful. The BJP, in turn, retaliated by accusing the Congress of undermining Ambedkar’s legacy, pointing to the Congress's role in Ambedkar's electoral defeat in 1952 and his removal from the Cabinet of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951.

Tensions escalated on Thursday when protests from both the BJP and Congress clashed in Parliament. BJP members gathered outside Parliament in protest against Congress, while Congress MPs attempted to enter through the Makar Dwar gate. As both sides came into close proximity, a scuffle broke out, leading to injuries. Two BJP MPs were reportedly injured during the confrontation, and Congress members alleged that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, was intimidated during the protest. The BJP claimed that Gandhi had pushed MPs, a charge that Congress denied. No formal action had been taken at the time regarding the injuries or accusations.

In response to the disruptions, Speaker Birla on Friday addressed the House and warned MPs against future protests in Parliament, underscoring that maintaining the institution's decorum was a collective responsibility. “Do not resort to demonstration or protest at any gate or anywhere in Parliament premises. Else, the House will have to take serious action,” Birla stated. He called on MPs to respect the established rules of the House, emphasizing that protests were a violation of the decorum and discipline required for the smooth functioning of Parliament.

On Friday, the BJP carried out further demonstrations inside the Parliament premises, and the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die shortly after it convened. Opposition members stormed the Well of the House, chanting slogans in support of Ambedkar. Speaker Birla once again urged MPs to maintain order, stating that future protests would be met with “appropriate action.” The adjournment came amidst ongoing tensions between the Congress and BJP over the handling of Ambedkar’s legacy, and the protests raised concerns over the ability of Parliament to function effectively amid such disruptions.