By A group of women Members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party has formally urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to initiate stringent action against Opposition MPs over what they described as “unprecedented and disruptive conduct” inside the House earlier this month. In a detailed letter, the MPs alleged that certain actions during proceedings on February 4 undermined the dignity of Parliament and risked setting a troubling precedent for democratic debate.
The complaint pertains to disruptions that occurred during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address — traditionally one of the most significant debates in the parliamentary calendar. According to the signatories, the conduct witnessed that day went beyond routine protest and crossed into behaviour they claim brought disrepute to the Lok Sabha as an institution.
In their communication to the Speaker, the women MPs expressed appreciation for his efforts to maintain order during the tense session. However, they argued that the gravity of the incident warrants action under established parliamentary rules to preserve decorum and accountability.
The letter details a sequence of events in which Opposition members allegedly entered the well of the House, climbed onto tables, tore official papers, and threw them toward the Chair. It further claims that some MPs advanced toward the treasury benches holding placards and banners, creating what the BJP lawmakers described as an atmosphere of confrontation within the chamber.
The MPs stated that the situation escalated to a point where the Prime Minister’s seat was allegedly surrounded, and senior ministers seated in the front rows were approached amid raised slogans. They maintained that members from the ruling side refrained from responding despite what they termed “grave provocation,” citing instructions from party leadership to maintain restraint.
In their account, the confrontation did not end within the chamber. The letter claims that some Opposition MPs later moved toward the Speaker’s chamber in a visibly agitated state, with raised voices heard from inside. While the exact nature of that interaction has not been officially detailed, the BJP MPs argue that the cumulative events had the potential to spiral into a serious institutional crisis.
Describing the episode as one of the most distressing moments they have witnessed in Parliament, the signatories said the developments could have marked “one of the darkest chapters” in India’s parliamentary history had tempers flared further. They stressed that democratic disagreement must remain within procedural boundaries and warned that physical demonstrations inside the House erode public trust.
The letter also places the appeal within a broader institutional context, praising Speaker Birla’s tenure and describing him as a presiding officer who has consistently upheld impartiality and equal opportunity for members across party lines. The MPs expressed confidence that he would examine the matter carefully and act in accordance with parliamentary rules.
There has been no immediate official response from Opposition parties regarding the allegations outlined in the letter. Parliamentary sources indicate that any disciplinary action would follow established procedures and consultations.
The episode once again highlights the growing friction between the treasury and Opposition benches, particularly during high-profile debates. As Parliament continues its session amid heightened political tensions, the focus now shifts to how the Speaker addresses the complaint — and whether it leads to formal action or further debate over the limits of protest within the House.
