Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, voiced his distress over the “politicization” of the December 13 Parliament security breach, revealing that a high-level committee is actively investigating the incident. Opposition parties pressed for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the breach, with some members displaying placards containing their demands.
Birla objected to the presence of placards in the House, stating that it diminishes the dignity of the parliamentary proceedings. “It is sad that politics is being done on this issue… To enter the Well of the House and sloganeering is against the dignity of the House. I request your (opposition) cooperation to hold discussions on important issues,” urged Birla.
During the Question Hour, the Speaker clarified that the suspension of certain Opposition members was unrelated to the December 13 incident but was a consequence of members bringing placards into the House. He emphasized that the security of Parliament falls under the Lok Sabha secretariat’s jurisdiction.
A high-level committee has initiated its investigation, incorporating suggestions from the all-party meeting to enhance parliamentary security. Birla assured continued consultations with members on the matter, urging them to take their seats. However, opposition MPs persisted in their protests and slogans, leading to the adjournment of the House until 12 noon.
The Opposition also demanded action against BJP MP Pratap Simha, who authorized visitor passes for two individuals involved in the recent security breach.
The incident on December 13 involved two men jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery, releasing colored smoke, and shouting slogans during the Zero Hour. As a response to the disruption caused by the protest against the breach, 12 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP were suspended for the remainder of the session.
