Avoid provocative statements on religion: Om Birla tells MPs

Underlining that all religions are equal before the Constitution, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday said MPs should avoid making provocative statements about any religion and maintain the dignity and decorum of parliament at all times.

Birla, who completes three years in office on Sunday, thanked leaders of all political parties for contributing towards making his journey so far successful, and said it was a big achievement that the House’s average productivity during the period has been above 100 per cent.

The House has functioned for nearly 1,000 hours across eight sessions so far in the 17th Lok Sabha, he said. Terming discussions and debates “ornament of a democracy,” Birla told in an interview that parliamentarians should avoid unnecessary aggression and shouting while speaking in the parliament.

“Discussion, debate are crucial parts of a parliamentary democracy. Sarcasm, taking digs at each other are also acceptable during debates. But unnecessary aggression, and interrupting each other should be avoided by MPs in parliament,” Birla said.

On the question of heated debates among politicians these days on religions, Birla suggested members of parliaments should refrain from making provocative statements against any religion as all religions are equal before the Constitution. “While speaking on religious issues MPs should keep in mind that their statements do not hurt the feelings and sentiments of any other religion. We all should diligently follow this practice. Our Constitution gives everyone the right to practice their religion,” Birla said, “Provocative remarks against any religion should not be made in

parliament.”