'Not your party's culture': Om Birla rebukes protesting MPs, Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday following Opposition protests over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

This is the fourth consecutive day that the Question Hour has been disrupted since the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Speaker Om Birla expressed deep disappointment over the conduct of the protesting MPs, accusing them of flouting parliamentary norms and undermining the dignity of the House.

As Opposition MPs raised slogans, banged tables, and waved placards, the Speaker repeatedly appealed for order, reminding them of the significance of Question Hour in ensuring government accountability.

“Honourable members, I have already said that Question Hour is very important. This is your time to raise the expectations of the people and hold the government accountable,” said Birla, urging members to respect parliamentary procedures.

He chided senior Opposition leaders, including Congress MP KC Venugopal, for allegedly encouraging unruly behaviour.

“Honourable Venugopal ji are you teaching them to do this. This sloganeering, thumping tables, bringing placards, this is not the culture of your party. The new generation of your party is not behaving the way they should,” the Speaker said.

Birla pointed out that several MPs often complain about not getting a chance during Question Hour, yet when the time comes, such disruptions derail proceedings. He also underscored the financial cost of Parliament sessions, saying, “Crores of rupees are spent on the proceedings of the House. People have elected you to raise their voice, not to do this.”

Appealing once again for calm, Birla urged the protesting MPs to return to their seats, assuring them that they would be given an opportunity to raise their issues after Question Hour as per the rules.

Despite his repeated interventions, the uproar continued, forcing the adjournment of the House till 2 pm.