Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Assembly has banned sloganeering and protests on its premises during the monsoon session starting 28 July. The Assembly Secretariat issued a letter to all ministers and MLAs, citing security concerns. However, the Opposition has strongly opposed the move, calling it an attack on democratic rights.
New rules under Speaker’s order
The ban was enforced under the Speaker’s Standing Order 94(2).According to the order, MLAs are not allowed to raise slogans or protest within the Assembly campus.
Assembly Principal Secretary A.P. Singh sent a circular on 10 July, asking MLAs to cooperate with these new arrangements for security reasons.
Visitor entry strictly regulated
The Assembly will issue limited visitor passes.MLAs must submit details of only one personal assistant and one driver along with the vehicle number for passes.
Only two visitors per MLA will be allowed in the visitor gallery, and only for one hour.Entry times will vary based on the MLA’s convenience.
No unauthorized entry during Session
MLAs have been told not to bring anyone without a pass, either on foot or in their vehicle.Even security guards posted with ministers or MLAs will not be allowed if they carry large weapons.
Never before ban on slogans, says former officer
Former Principal Secretary of the Assembly, Bhagwandev Israni, said MLAs have always protested near the Gandhi statue.He said that such a ban on slogans and protests in the Assembly premises has never been issued before, to his knowledge.
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3377 questions raised for Session
MLAs have raised 3,377 questions for the monsoon session.This includes 2,076 questions submitted online and 1,301 offline.The Assembly has shifted to an e-Vidhan format, and MLAs are showing more interest in digital submissions.
The Secretariat has asked government departments to reply within deadlines so MLAs receive correct answers during discussions.
Opposition Leader criticises the order
Deputy Leader of Opposition Hemant Katare criticised the order.He said banning slogans and protests in the Assembly campus is like a “Tughlaqi order.”
Katare asked, “What problem does the BJP have with slogans of Bapu and Babasaheb Ambedkar?”
We will not be silenced” – Katare
Katare said MLAs have a duty to raise public issues.He stated that if the government does not respond inside the House, the Opposition will be forced to raise slogans.“This is our fundamental right,” he said.
He added that while slogans should not be raised during House proceedings, protesting outside in the Assembly campus is a long-held tradition and must not be stopped.
Public representatives must speak for the people
Katare reminded that legislators are elected to raise their constituents’ concerns.He alleged that when they ask questions, the BJP government often avoids answers or delays responses.
He accused the government of shielding corrupt officials and contractors in exchange for commissions.Katare said symbolic protests near the Gandhi statue have been used to highlight such issues.
