Row ahead of Parliament Monsoon Session after order on ‘no dharna’ and ban on ‘unparliamentary' words
India Today
The order on dharnas comes amid opposition outrage over the use of 'unparliamentary' words in both the houses of Parliament.
Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning July 18, two back-to-back orders -- ban of 'unparliamentary' words and 'no dharnas' in the precincts of Parliament House -- have sparked criticism from the Opposition parties.
On Friday, after the Rajya Sabha released a new circular which stated members of Parliament cannot use its precincts for any demonstration, dharna or strike.
The bulletin, issued by Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody, stated, "Members cannot use the precincts of the Parliament House for any demonstration, dharna, strike, fast, or for the purpose of performing any religious ceremony." He also said that the kind cooperation of members is solicited.
Congress general secretary and chief whip of the party in Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh and senior party leader Manish Tewari were the first ones to react to the order.
Calling the decision 'unfortunate', Tewari asked why the presiding officers have been setting the stage for confrontation with members ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session. "Why are the Presiding officers setting the stage for confrontation with the members? First the word war & now this. It is indeed unfortunate," he tweeted.
Why are the Presiding officers setting the stage for confrontation with the Members ? First the word war & now this.It is indeed unfortunate. @ombirlakota @MVenkaiahNaidu pic.twitter.com/FFXJUs5wFf
While sharing the copy of the order, Ramesh took to Twitter to attack the government saying, “Vishguru's latest salvo — D(h)arna Mana Hai!”.
