New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) Women Members of Parliament from the Congress party addressed a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, expressing their profound objection to what they termed as “serious allegations” that they had “threatened or attempted to obstruct” Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a session in the House last week.

The issue arose after Speaker Birla indicated that he had received information suggesting that Opposition MPs might engage in “unexpected actions,” leading him to adjourn the House to avoid any unpleasantness in this “temple of democracy.”

As the hour approached 5 p.m. on February 4, members were anticipating the Prime Minister’s arrival to deliver his address. However, protests persisted within the House, where around eight to nine women MPs from the Opposition reportedly congregated around the Prime Minister’s designated spot. Notable names included Geniben Thakor, Varsha Gaikwad, Jyotimati, R. Sudha, K. Kavya, and Shobha Bachhav.

The Congress party dismissed these claims as “unfounded.”

Following the adjournment, the Prime Minister’s planned response to the Motion of Thanks regarding the President’s address was cancelled.

In their correspondence to the Speaker, the women Congress MPs stated, “We write this letter with deep anguish and a strong sense of constitutional responsibility. It is extremely unfortunate that you, as the Honourable Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the constitutional custodian of this august House, have been forced by the ruling party to make false, baseless, and defamatory allegations against women Members of Parliament belonging to the Opposition, particularly from the Indian National Congress.”

They further highlighted the significance of the Speaker’s role, asserting that the Chair is a “constitutional office meant to protect the dignity of Parliament, ensure fairness, and safeguard the rights of all Members, irrespective of party affiliation.”

Referring to parliamentary traditions, the MPs noted, “During the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, established parliamentary convention mandates that both the ruling party and the Opposition are allowed to speak, after which the Prime Minister replies. Yet, for the past four consecutive days, the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, has been deliberately denied this opportunity in the Lok Sabha. This is unprecedented and indefensible.”

They also voiced concerns regarding disciplinary actions taken during the session, mentioning, “On the other hand, eight members of Parliament from the INDIA alliance were suspended on the behest of the ruling party, and a BJP Member of Parliament was permitted to speak in a vulgar and obscene manner about former Prime Ministers.”

Recalling their discussions with the Speaker, they wrote, “When we met you, we demanded justice and the suspension of the above-mentioned BJP MP. You acknowledged that a grave mistake had occurred and asked us to return at 4 p.m. Upon meeting you again, you stated that you were awaiting the government’s response regarding the issue, indicating that you are no longer the decision maker in such matters.”

“This raises serious questions regarding your authority as Speaker of the House. Subsequently, at 5 p.m., violating conventional procedure, the Prime Minister was scheduled to speak in the Lok Sabha. All members of the INDIA alliance rose in protest, and the Prime Minister failed to appear in the House,” they added.

The parliamentarians further alleged political pressure influencing the Speaker’s statement, claiming that he was “clearly pressurised by the ruling party to defend the non-appearance of the Prime Minister.” The following day, Birla issued a statement making “grave allegations against” the women Congress MPs.

“Sir, our protests have been unrelentingly peaceful, firm, and entirely within democratic norms. Most of us come from humble backgrounds, and many are first-generation politicians. Our journeys have been built from decades of hard work among the people, facing resistance and discrimination. Questioning our integrity is a grievous attack on every woman who earns her place in public life with dignity and courage.”

The Congress MPs also asserted that they were being targeted for opposing “Prime Minister Narender Modi’s anti-people government and demanded accountability from him.”

“His absence from the House was not due to any threat from us; it was an act of fear. He did not have to face the Opposition,” they added.

Reiterating their commitment to democratic principles, they stated, “We are Members of Parliament from the Indian National Congress, a party that stands for love, peace, constitutional values, and human dignity. We do not believe in violence and intimidation. We are brave women elected representatives who will not be silenced by intimidation. We believe that transparency is the only way to restore the dignity of the Speaker’s office and the credibility of this House.”

While expressing respect for the Speaker’s office, they concluded, “Sir, we have the utmost respect for your office and for your good self. However, it is amply clear that you are under sustained pressure from the ruling party. We urge you once again to act as the impartial custodian of the Lok Sabha. We will stand with you and support you wholeheartedly in this endeavour.”

The letter ended with a powerful appeal, stating, “Let history remember you as one who stood for what was right in the most trying circumstances and upheld constitutional propriety for the good of the nation. Let it not remember you as one who bowed to pressure from those who leave no stone unturned in subverting constitutional values and damaging the democratic fabric of our nation.”

The letter was signed by Geniben Thakor, Varsha Gaikwad, Jyotsna Charandas Mahant, Jyotimati, R. Sudha, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.