New Delhi, Aug 01, 2022, By Special Correspondent
New Delhi, Aug 1: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday revoked the suspension of four Congress members, bringing to an end a two-week logjam in the House.
The Speaker, however, sought assurance from the Opposition that they will not bring placards to the House.
With the revocation of their suspension, the House resumed normal business.
Congress members Manickam Tagore, Ramya Haridas, TN Prathapan and S Jothimani were suspended last Monday from the Lok Sabha for the rest of the monsoon session for carrying placards and raising slogans inside the House.
Birla warned that he will take stringent action against those who violated the rules of procedure, which bars members from bringing any "exhibits" to the House.
The monsoon session of Parliament has seen scant business since it commenced on July 18 as the House remained deadlocked over protests by the opposition which insisted on taking up discussion on price rise and other issues.
In addition, the suspension of the MPs also became an issue between the opposition parties and the government, causing disruptions.
With the ongoing monsoon session scheduled to conclude next week, the Speaker convened a meeting of floor leaders on Monday to end the stalemate in the House.
When the House re-assembled after lunch break, the Speaker said he was hurt by the incidents that took place in the House over the past two weeks and urged members to work towards upholding the dignity of the Lok Sabha.
"There should be a consensus that we do not get placards in the House. I will urge all political parties not to bring placards to the House. I am giving a final warning, if anyone gets placards to the House I will neither listen to the government nor the opposition and will take action," he said.
Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the Opposition had to raise certain issues vociferously and at times resort to protests in the House if the government does not give them a patient hearing.
He assured the Speaker that he will convey the views expressed by the Chair to the members who have been suspended and maintained that it was not the intention of the opposition to hurt the chair.