NEW DELHI, FEB 5: The Lok Sabha faced a continued stalemate Thursday as Speaker Om Birla revealed that safety concerns prevented Prime Minister Narendra Modi from delivering his scheduled reply to the President’s Address. The House was adjourned for the day after the Speaker criticized the use of banners and the crowding of the treasury benches by opposition lawmakers.
The tension peaked when women parliamentarians from the opposition benches occupied the space directly in front of the Prime Minister’s designated seat. This move led to the deferment of the Prime Minister’s speech for a second consecutive day. Speaker Birla cautioned that the House cannot function effectively if members continue to bring posters and ignore parliamentary norms.
“I urged the PM not to come because anything untoward could have happened,” Birla said during the session. He further noted that the conduct of certain members had become a matter of deep concern for the chair.
The opposition has remained firm in its protest, seeking accountability for statements made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. The Congress party pointed to recent precedents regarding unpublished works and critical quotes, suggesting a double standard in how rules are applied to the treasury and opposition benches.
BJP leaders have called for firm repercussions against those involved in the disruption. Sanjay Jaiswal and Aprajita Sarangi stated that the Prime Minister’s absence was a tactical move to prevent the situation from escalating further.
“PM avoided coming to the House to maintain its dignity,” Sarangi said, adding that the messaging on the banners carried by opposition members was inappropriate for the chamber.
