ls-speaker-s-emergency-statement-draws-inc-ire

Congress MP KC Venugopal has raised a significant concern regarding a recent statement made by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Venugopal expressed his shock and disappointment over remarks made about the Emergency imposed in June 1975, calling it a grave matter that affects the credibility of Parliament.

 

Venugopal's letter, written on June 26, 2024, highlights the gravity of the situation. He mentioned that during the general camaraderie in the House, which is typical during such occasions, the Speaker’s reference to the Emergency from the Chair was unprecedented and deeply shocking.

 

Venugopal emphasised that making such a political reference from the Chair, especially as one of the first duties of a newly elected Speaker, assumes even graver proportions.

 

The Congress MP, on behalf of the Indian National Congress, expressed profound concern and anguish over what he described as a travesty of Parliamentary traditions. He conveyed that political statements from the Speaker’s mouth could have been avoided, and such messages do not foster cooperation.

 

Speaking to ANI, Venugopal reiterated his stance. He noted that the Lok Sabha Speaker had officially declared Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition and that it was a courtesy for Rahul Gandhi to meet and thank him.

 

However, he pointed out that political statements from the Speaker’s position should be avoided as they send the wrong message about cooperation. Venugopal also criticised the President's address, stating it lacked new initiatives and failed to meet the expectations of the youth, women, poor, and farmers of the country.

 

The controversy stems from the Lok Sabha's resolution adopted on Wednesday, which condemned the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

 

Speaker Om Birla read out the resolution, describing June 25, 1975, as a black chapter in India's history. He praised the strength and determination of those who opposed the Emergency and fought to protect India's democracy.

 

The Emergency, imposed nearly 50 years ago, remains a sensitive and contentious issue in Indian politics. It involved a 21-month period during which the government, led by Indira Gandhi, declared a state of emergency across the country.

 

During this time, civil liberties were suspended, political opponents were imprisoned, and the press was censored. The period is widely regarded as one of the most controversial and tumultuous times in Indian democratic history.

 

Venugopal’s letter and subsequent statements highlight the ongoing sensitivity of the issue and the potential repercussions of invoking such historical events in contemporary political discourse.

 

The Congress party's reaction underscores their concern about maintaining the sanctity and non-partisan nature of Parliamentary proceedings, especially from the Speaker’s Chair.