Ensure MPs able to raise ‘points of order’: O’Brien

TMC MP Derek O’Brien on Friday asked Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan to ensure that members were able to raise points of order without having to stand for extended periods, stating that Opposition MPs were repeatedly denied the opportunity despite following procedure.

Raising a point of order under Rule 258 during Zero Hour, O’Brien said Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan, while announcing next week’s business, left out a debate on electoral reforms that the Business Advisory Committee had already cleared in its previous sitting.

The TMC leader said two short-duration discussions had been approved by the committee, but only one, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, was mentioned by the minister.

O’Brien told the Chair that Opposition MPs had stood for nearly 45 minutes on Thursday seeking to raise their point of order. “Rule 258 is every member’s right. We stood, we waited, yet the Chair did not allow us. In desperation, I had to walk to the Well. Please protect this right. Nobody can take it away,” he said.

Chairman Radhakrishnan responded that the difficulty arises when several MPs simultaneously demand to raise points of order. “Only one person should speak at a time. When everyone starts shouting together, how can the Chair recognise a point of order?” he said.

Murugan, intervening briefly, confirmed that the BAC had decided on both discussions. He said the debate on Vande Mataram would be taken up on Tuesday, and that the subject of electoral reforms would be scheduled after the Lok Sabha completes its discussion on the corresponding matter.

“We follow the rules, procedures and the rulings of the Chair. The right to raise a point of order is always respected. But when many members stand up together, it becomes difficult for the Chair to grant it,” he added.