New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha Secretariat issued an advisory to MPs not to stage protests or hold religious ceremonies in the Parliament House precincts, drawing intense criticism from the opposition.
A bulletin issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said: “Members cannot use the precincts of the Parliament House for any demonstration, dharna, strike, fast or for the purpose of performing any religious ceremony.”
Reacting, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said mockingly of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Vishguru’s latest salvo — D(h)arna Mana Hai!”
Trinamool Congress member Derek O’Brien said the opposition will continue to protest through democratic means. He also said a religious ceremony was held in Parliament recently, referring to Modi Monday unveiling the national emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament building.
“Every year they issue these notices in Parliament bulletins. Demonstrations, dharnas, strikes, and fast are part of legitimate parliamentary tactics to register a protest. No stopping us,” said O’Brien.
“However, can you please update me. Didn’t someone conduct a religious ceremony recently?” he asked.
The bulletin is among over a dozen advisories issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. An official said the advisories were customary.
In the winter session of 2021, 12 Rajya Sabha members were suspended from the Upper House for their “unruly and violent behavior” after they staged a protest on the House premises.
