Lok Sabha Speaker writes to MPs on Parliament disruptions
New Delhi, July 10 : Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, in a letter addressed to all MPs, expressed concern over the frequent disruptions of Parliament, saying divergence of opinion and dissent should be within the established norms.
In the letter that was released to the media on Tuesday, Mahajan said the tenure of the 16th Lok Sabha has entered into its final year and only three sessions were left.
The monsoon session is slated to begin on July 18.
She said people observed the performance of MPs very keenly and hoped that the members will establish high standards of parliamentary conduct, discipline and decorum.
Mahajan asked if political parties can justify their conduct by advancing the argument of improper conduct and interruption of the business of the House by other parties in the past.
"If we accept this argument, then the cycle of interruptions will continue endlessly and such tendency will never be checked," she said.
She said that at times some members have come towards her chair and shouted slogans, shown placards and banners and interrupted the proceedings of the House, forcing its repeated adjournment.
"All of you will agree that discussion, debate, divergence of opinion and dissent are integral part of functioning of any democratic system. Constructive opposition and lively debates are the lifeline of democracy, but you will also agree that the discussion, divergence of opinion and dissent should be within the well established parameters and accepted norms of Parliamentary dignity and decorum so that people may continue to have abiding faith in democracy and democratic institutions.
"It is for this purpose that we have given ourselves the rules for conduct of business in the House which have evolved over the years. Is it not our moral responsibility to ensure that these rules are followed in letter and spirit?" she asked.
The Speaker said that during her recent foreign visits, members of Indian diaspora and other foreign dignitaries also expressed their disappointment and concern over the constant disruptions in the House.
She said it was the collective responsibility of the members to protect and keep intact the prestige and sanctity of Parliament.
"Thus, time has come for us to introspect and decide what is the way forward and ideal image for our Parliament and democracy."
The Speaker said that conduct and quality of debate and discussion in Parliament also shapes up the level, norms and decorum of debate and discussions on social platforms.
"I hope the electoral and political battles will be fought in the constituencies and at the same time members will discharge their democratic responsibilities with decorum in the House."
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I enjoy being a finisher for my team: Ashutosh Sharma
Jaipur (PTI): Delhi Capitals batting all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma said he relishes his role as a finisher after his side snapped a three-match losing streak with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in an IPL match here.
Ashutosh struck an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls, hitting four boundaries, as Delhi successfully chased down a daunting 226-run target with five balls to spare on Friday.
"I enjoy being a finisher for my team. The team has trusted me to bat in these situations and I enjoy playing in these moments. I always feel that as long as I am at the crease, I can win the game for my team," Ashutosh said at the post-match press conference.
Chasing a stiff total, Delhi were laid a solid foundation by KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, who stitched together a 110-run opening partnership.
"In T20 cricket nowadays, a lot depends on the opening partnership and the powerplay. Our openers played really well and because of that we were in the game throughout and could take it till the end," Ashutosh said.
Delhi’s overseas pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Kyle Jamieson had earlier set the tone by removing Rajasthan's explosive openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi inside the first two overs.
"We wanted to get their opening partnership out early, as they have been doing well in previous matches. That was our plan and it worked, which was good for us."
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour admitted that poor execution with the ball cost his side the match.
"The bowlers couldn't execute their plans again today. 226 we felt was enough on this surface, they should have been able to defend that.
"When you are defending that kind of total it is important to have a good powerplay. We gave away lots of runs and didn't take any wicket," he said.
Despite the defeat, Rathour drew positives from the batting effort, particularly the response after the early loss of openers. Skipper Riyan Parag led from the front with a 90 off 50 balls, while Dhruv Jurel contributed 42.
"We were consistently getting good starts. Both our openers were doing well for us in every match. So, this was the first time that both got out early. So as a team, I think it was important how we came out of that situation and how we played.
"The way Riyan and Jurel batted at that time, the partnership they built, and the way Donovan finished it, it was really good to see," Rathour said.
