Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla warned some members against repeatedly changing their appearance while entering Parliament and bringing banners into the Parliament complex.
The Speaker told Parliament House and the Parliament complex to keep up the dignity and sanctity of Parliament House and the Parliament complex. His comments came at a time of alarm over unusual political demonstrations and symbolic forms of protest by some Members of Parliament.
BIG NEWS 🚨 Speaker Om Birla on Pappu Yadav -
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"I warn some members who change appearances constantly to enter Parliament.
Banners are not allowed inside.
Many members have met me and written to me, saying that the sanctity and dignity of the Parliament House and the Parliament… https://t.co/3hM9IIxGob pic.twitter.com/w8HJrr5Iqf
“I warn some members who change appearances constantly to enter Parliament. Banners are not allowed inside,” Om Birla said.
The Speaker said several members had approached him and they had written complaints about activities they believed could affect the dignity of Parliament.
“Many members have met me and written to me, saying that the sanctity and dignity of the Parliament House and the Parliament complex must be maintained,” he said.
Birla also warned that members would not undermine the dignity of the institution by breaking parliamentary norms by acting in a manner that went against parliamentary norms.
"You cannot destroy the sanctity and dignity of Parliament,” the Speaker said.
The remarks are linked to the recent controversy in which Independent MP Pappu Yadav appeared in traditional ‘pujari’ attire and participated in a protest with a donation box outside Parliament. Rahul Gandhi and several other Members of Parliament were seen giving contributions during the symbolic demonstration.
While the Speaker did not name Pappu Yadav in the quoted remarks, the warning has drawn attention because of the recent debate over the use of distinctive clothing, props and protest material by MPs in and around the Parliament complex.
Pappu Yadav’s appearance had received mixed responses. The demonstration was perceived by the supporters as a creative and symbolic way of bringing up a political issue, and by the critics as theatrical and not appropriate in the Parliament complex.
The Speaker’s statement has now added an institutional dimension to the debate.
Parliament is the country’s highest legislative forum, where elected representatives debate laws, government policies and matters of national importance. Rules and conventions govern the House so that it is ordered, disciplined and respectful.
Members are allowed to express political disputes and participate in protests, but parliamentary rules and directives issued by the Speaker are to be followed.
Banners are particularly important because placards and protest material inside the House have brought mayhem in the past. Speakers and presiding officers have repeatedly reminded members that parliamentary debates should be conducted according to established procedures.
Om Birla’s warning appears to reinforce the distinction between legitimate political expression and conduct that may be seen as affecting the decorum of Parliament.
The Speaker’s reference to members “changing appearances constantly” has also aroused debate on the use of costumes and symbolic attire in political protests. Political leaders have often used distinctive clothing to communicate messages, draw attention to public issues or show solidarity with particular groups.
But the latest warning shows that the Speaker will require MPs to make sure that demonstrations don’t violate Parliament House’s dignity or disrupt parliamentary functioning.
The comments will be followed by further political reactions. Opposition leaders might claim that symbolic protests are democratic expression, while those who favour stricter parliamentary discipline may be grateful for the Speaker’s insistence on decorum.
It raises questions about the lines between political protest and parliamentary behaviour.
The Speaker’s words make clear that Parliament’s dignity must remain a priority regardless of political affiliation. His warning extends to the conduct of members and is to ensure that this institution functions in an orderly and respectful manner.
For now, Om Birla has made it clear that banners are not allowed within Parliament and members should not engage in conduct that could undermine the sanctity and dignity of the Parliament House and its complex.
The development will keep the political symbolism, protest methods and parliamentary decorum in question in the coming days.
