Opposition Leaders Appeal to LS Speaker, Cite Government's Erosion of Parliamentary Standards

New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) Opposition leaders have addressed a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing the government of undermining parliamentary procedures and democratic principles. Their key concerns encompass the ongoing vacancy of the Deputy Speaker position since 2019, the restriction of speaking opportunities for opposition MPs, and the recurrent disconnection of their microphones during discussions.

The correspondence also points out unilateral actions that disregard the Business Advisory Committee, exclusion of important ministries from Budget dialogues, neglect of adjournment motions, and interference in Parliamentary Standing Committees.

Moreover, it is reported that speeches from the opposition are often omitted on Sansad TV, and consultative committee meetings are not held regularly. In their letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker on Thursday, opposition leaders voiced serious concerns regarding what they characterized as a “worsening disregard for Parliamentary procedures” and “democratic norms” under the administration.

Highlighting several issues, the letter demanded immediate corrective actions to uphold the integrity of India’s parliamentary democracy. They raised the issue of the “extended vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's position since 2019,” which they claim violates Article 93 of the Constitution.

Opposition leaders argued that the lack of a Deputy Speaker compromises the neutrality and effectiveness of the House.

Another troubling trend noted was the consistent denial of “speaking opportunities to the Leader of Opposition (LoP)” and other opposition MPs.

The letter alleged that microphones of opposition MPs are frequently turned off when they attempt to present points of order, while members of the ruling party can speak freely.

These actions, they claimed, severely hinder democratic dialogue and equity.

The letter also condemned the government for “marginalizing” the Business Advisory Committee by introducing unscheduled items in the House without prior consultation.

This includes instances like the Prime Minister's recent unplanned address to Parliament, which occurred without advance notice.

Concerns were also raised about the oversight of budget discussions in Parliament. Significant ministries are reportedly being excluded from budget deliberations and demands for grants, thereby diminishing transparency in financial matters.

Furthermore, Rule 193—which allows discussions on urgent public issues without voting—has seldom been utilized, thus avoiding dialogues on critical issues.

Opposition leaders also alleged interference in Parliamentary Standing Committees, claiming that the Speaker’s office had intervened to suggest amendments in committee reports, thus compromising their independence.

Adjournment motions, which are typically employed to address urgent national matters, have allegedly been neglected or summarily dismissed.

The letter underscored the diminishing focus on Private Members' Bills and Resolutions, which are vital for participatory democracy, and claimed a pattern of intentional camera angle adjustments on Sansad TV to prevent broadcasting opposition floor leaders during their addresses.

Opposition members also raised concerns regarding the composition and leadership of House Committees, asserting exclusion from the consultation processes.

They highlighted inconsistencies in convening consultative committee meetings, which are intended to foster dialogue between MPs and ministries.

Describing these developments as deeply troubling, opposition leaders urged the Speaker to take swift actions to restore equity, transparency, and compliance with parliamentary norms. They stressed that a well-functioning democracy relies on the effective operation of Parliament.