New Delhi: On the eve of second week session beginning LS Speaker Om Birla in a letter sent to the leaders of all political parties in the Lok Sabha, Shri Birla stated, “For some time now, the dignity and prestige of our parliamentary democracy have been compromised by certain Honorable Members within the chamber and on the Parliament House complex. The manner in which banners, placards, and posters are being displayed, the nature of the language being used, and the overall conduct and behavior exhibited inside the House and the premises are matters of grave concern for all of us. This situation necessitates serious reflection and analysis by all of us, both individually and collectively.”
He emphasized that, “Our House has always maintained a glorious tradition of dignified discussion and dialogue. In the past, whenever a decline in the standard of conduct within the House was felt, conferences were organized by all political parties and other stakeholders from time to time, where discussions were held on preserving and promoting the dignity and prestige of our democratic institutions. This subject has also been discussed in the Conferences of Presiding Officers, and resolutions have been passed. I too, on several occasions during meetings of the Business Advisory Committee, meetings with leaders of political parties, and other opportunities, have urged for the maintenance of high standards of conduct and behavior.”
He further urged, “The entire country observes our conduct, and the message from India’s Parliament resonates across all democratic institutions in the nation. The time has come for us to engage in serious reflection and soul-searching to uphold the high dignity and prestige of our democratic institutions. In particular, the top leadership of all political parties and the leaders of all parties in the House must make special efforts to ensure discipline and high moral conduct and behavior among their respective members within the chamber and the Parliament House complex. If we all strive together in this direction, the public’s faith in parliamentary democracy will surely be further strengthened, and the prestige and dignity of the House will continue to grow. I am confident that you will all extend your full cooperation in maintaining the glorious traditions of this great institution.”
