Oppn MPs Suspension Not Linked To Security Breach Incident, LS Speaker Om Birla Says

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasised that the suspension of 14 MPs was to uphold the House's sanctity, asserting that the decision is unrelated to the December 13 security breach incident.

File Photo of Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla

Source : PTI

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday addressed the December 13 security breach incident in the Lok Sabha and the suspension of 14 opposition MPs, emphasising that the decision aimed to uphold the sanctity of the House. In a letter to all Members of Parliament, he highlighted the seriousness of the incident, expressing deep concern and underlining the need to strengthen security arrangements in Parliament.

In a letter shared by news agency PTI, he stated, "The unfortunate incident that took place inside the House is a matter of grave concern for all of us. We expressed our collective concern over this incident in the House." The Speaker outlined immediate actions taken, including the formation of a high-level Inquiry Committee to investigate the incident thoroughly. The committee has already commenced its work, and its report will be shared with the House, he mentioned.

Moreover, Speaker Birla constituted a High Powered Committee to review security aspects in the Parliament Complex and formulate a concrete action plan to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

 

Regarding the Opposition MP's suspension, he stated, "It is indeed unfortunate that some Hon'ble Members and political parties are linking the decision of the House to suspend some Hon'ble Members from the service of the House to the incident which occurred on 13th December, 2023. This is unwarranted."

The Speaker clarified that the suspension of MPs is not associated with the security breach incident but is solely aimed at upholding the "sanctity of the House". He reminded members of past incidents in the House and the collective resolve to maintain parliamentary decorum.

"As the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, it has always been my endeavor to ensure meaningful discussion in the House through constructive dialogue and participation of all the Members," said Speaker Birla. While expressing anguish over the necessity for strict action, he said that he expects members to prioritise the dignity and decorum of the House in the future.

14 Opposition MPs Suspended From Parliament

The suspension of 14 opposition MPs, including nine from the Congress, was announced as the Lok Sabha security breach escalated into a major row. The suspended MPs disrupted proceedings by moving into the Well of the Lok Sabha, questioning the security breach, and demanding a statement from the government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved two resolutions for their suspension. While the government urged the opposition not to politicise the national issue, the Congress, TMC, and others demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.

Hibi Eden, Jothimani, Ramya Haridas, and Dean Kuriakose from the Congress were suspended when the first resolution was adopted, four Congress MPs -- VK Sreekandan, Benny Behanan, Mohammed Jawaid, and Manickam Tagore along with PR Natarajan (CPI-M), Kanimozhi (DMK), K Subbarayan (CPI), SR Parthiban (DMK) and S Venkatesan (CPI-M) were suspended through the second resolution.

TMC leader Derek O'Brien was suspended in Rajya Sabha.

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