Speaker tells MPS to end ‘cycle of interruptions’ in House

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Monsoon session next week, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has in an emotional letter to parliamentarians said that the “cycle of interruptions” in Parliament would continue endlessly if MPS justify disruptions by citing the conduct of other parties in the past.

Reminding MPS of their “moral responsibility”, Mahajan urged them to ensure smooth functioning of the House and said, “time has come for us to introspect and decide what is the way forward and ideal image for our Parliament and democracy”.

The task of protecting and keeping intact the prestige and sanctity of Parliament, the “sacred temple of democracy”, is a collective responsibility, she said in the two-page letter.

“From my experience, I can say that people observe the performance of their representatives very keenly and media also present to the people the detailed report of their performance in Parliament and Parliamentary constituency,” Mahajan, who is serving her eighth term as an MP, said.

It was a privilege being a member of the “august House”, she added and told MPS that people had high expectations from them and had reposed their faith in them.

“In return, you may also wish not only to meet the expectations of your constituents and the nation but also make a contribution to the progress of the country and strengthening of democracy.”

Discussing frequent adjournments in the last sessions due to members coming to the well of the house - shouting slogans and showing placards - Mahajan said divergence of opinion and dissent should be within the parameters and norms of Parliamentary dignity so that people may continue to have an abiding faith in democracy and democratic institutions.

The Monsoon session of Parliament begins July 18 and continues till August 10.