Cong condemns MP Assembly order banning slogans and protests

The Opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Friday strongly condemned an order of the state assembly, which bans protests and raising slogans in its premises for the monsoon session beginning July 28.

According to sources, the Assembly sent letters to all MLAs regarding the order a few days ago. The Assembly has cited security reasons behind the order, said sources.

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However, the Congress has deemed the said order to be a direct attack on democracy, and on the right of public representatives to raise issues concerning people.

Sources said the ban was issued under the Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar’s Standing Order 94(2). According to the order, MLAs are not allowed to raise slogans or protest within the Assembly campus.

Deputy Leader of Opposition Hemant Katare said today that they would not be silenced by such orders and would keep raising public issues. He pointed out that the opposition raises slogans in the names of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar to raise public issues and to make the government aware.

“I do not understand why the BJP has problems in hearing slogans in the name of Bapu and Baba Saheb,” Katare questioned. He stated that if the government does not respond to issues in the house, then the opposition is forced to raise slogans.

“It is our right in a democracy,” Katare asserted.

The State Assembly’s monsoon session is scheduled from 28 July to 8 August.