The opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh has strongly condemned an order issued by the State Assembly banning protests and the raising of slogans within the Assembly premises during the monsoon session, which begins on 28 July.
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The opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh has strongly condemned an order issued by the State Assembly banning protests and the raising of slogans within the Assembly premises during the monsoon session, which begins on 28 July.
According to sources, the Assembly sent letters to all MLAs regarding the order a few days ago. Citing security reasons, the Assembly justified the move, sources said.
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However, the Congress has termed the order a direct attack on democracy and on the rights of public representatives to raise issues concerning the people.
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Sources said the ban was issued under Standing Order 94(2) by Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar. According to the order, MLAs are not allowed to raise slogans or protest within the Assembly campus.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Hemant Katare stated today that such orders would not silence them and that they would continue to raise public issues.
He pointed out that the opposition often raises slogans invoking Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar to highlight public concerns and hold the government accountable.
“I do not understand why the BJP has a problem with slogans raised in the names of Bapu and Babasaheb,” Katare questioned.
He said that when the government does not respond to issues raised in the House, the opposition is compelled to resort to slogans.
“It is our right in a democracy,” Katare asserted. The State Assembly’s monsoon session is scheduled to run from 28 July to 8 August.
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