In an attempt to ease parliamentary tensions, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday reinstated eight opposition MPs with immediate effect. The decision to revoke their suspension followed a formal request by Congress leader K Suresh and was confirmed through a voice vote after a motion was moved by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju.
The eight members — seven from the Congress and one from the CPI(M) — had been on the sidelines since February 3, having been suspended for "unruly behaviour" during the opening half of the Budget session. While their exclusion was originally intended to last until the session concludes on April 2, their return marks an attempt to restore a semblance of order during the critical second stage of the Union Budget proceedings.
During the session, Kiren Rijiju addressed the House on the importance of a "Laxman Rekha" — a boundary of conduct — to ensure that legislative business can proceed without constant interruption. Such an attitude was also reflected in the words of the Speaker, Om Birla, who issued a stern reminder regarding the propriety of behavior in Parliament. The Speaker also pointed out that the display of placards, posters, and photographs is strictly prohibited. He also added a caveat that AI-generated pictures should also not be brandished in the House or in the Parliament complex.
The reinstated MPs include Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, C Kiran Kumar Reddy, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Prashant Padole, and Dean Kuriakose of the Congress, alongside S Venkatesan of the CPI(M). With the full House now back in session, the government is expected to push forward with voting on demands for grants across several key ministries later this evening.
Also read: Suspension of 8 MPs from LS likely to be revoked on Tuesday
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