New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) Union ministers and MPs from the ruling party on Thursday vehemently condemned the purported behavior of Congress members towards Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, labeling it as “unacceptable” and “contrary to constitutional principles”. In response, leaders from the opposition party defended their stance, asserting that they were merely attempting to bring procedural issues to the Speaker's attention.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale remarked that any disrespectful behavior towards the Speaker is intolerable and unprecedented.

“To treat the Speaker in such a manner is utterly inappropriate. Historically, such occurrences are rare in Parliament. While MPs should communicate their views to the Speaker, threatening him is unacceptable and contrary to constitutional values,” he stated.

MP Shambhavi Choudhary of the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas echoed these concerns regarding the actions of Congress members.

“In recent days, we have closely monitored certain developments. Even during the Winter Session, the behavior of Congress MPs was questionable. However, their current language directed at our Speaker, Om Birla, is particularly troubling,” she commented.

Touching upon a reported incident near the Prime Minister’s seat, Choudhary added: “Their approach to the Prime Minister's seat and their behavior was entirely inappropriate. This conduct indicates that the Congress party and its MPs have disregarded parliamentary decorum and traditions. While criticism is essential in a democracy, it must be articulated within the framework of dignity and respect.”

Union Minister of State B.L. Verma labeled the occurrence as “extremely unfortunate”.

“Such incidents in Parliament, particularly involving the Speaker, are profoundly disgraceful. There is no greater indignity than this. Congress MPs ought to apologize to the nation. If they fail to do so, the citizens of this country will not forgive them,” Verma asserted.

In response to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury challenged the validity of the accusations.

“If there’s credible evidence, present it. But how did it come to you? If a Congress MP made the statement, how did it reach you? Kindly clarify that. Now you are presenting it publicly,” she stated.

Congress MP Amar Singh explained that party MPs had approached the Speaker to address specific grievances.

“All Congress MPs had visited the Speaker. Our concern was that Rahul Gandhi was being denied the opportunity to speak during the President’s address, and his microphone was turned off. You claimed that no book or magazine should be referenced in the House. Then how did Nishikant Dubey reference several books, and why was his microphone left on? That was the issue we raised with the Speaker,” he explained.

Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla contended that the government was attempting to divert attention from significant issues.

“The government may attempt to do anything, but the situation is alarming. It appears the Speaker is under considerable pressure. This may be framed as a motion of privilege, but the underlying question remains: why did you sign the US deal? Why does the Prime Minister appear weak on this matter? Whatever terms were sent, you signed and approved them. Clearly inform the country: is an 18 percent tariff higher or is a 0 percent tariff higher? Misleading the public by claiming that 0 percent is greater than 18 percent is unacceptable,” he stated.

The statements arise amid escalating tensions between the ruling coalition and the Opposition in Parliament, with both factions accusing one another of compromising parliamentary standards and procedures.