Planned standoffs have no place in Parliament & legislative assemblies, says LS Speaker Om Birla

 
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today said attempts are being made for planned standoffs inside the Lok Sabha which is not good for democracy. He said planned standoffs are also seen in Rajya Sabha and legislative assemblies. Addressing media persons at Bhubaneswar today, Mr Birla said, political parties will have different thoughts and opinions and leaders of ruling and opposition parties will agree and disagree on various issues. However, planned standoffs have no place in Parliament and legislative assemblies as people have sent members with lots of hopes and aspirations. The Lok Sabha Speaker was referring to the last monsoon session of the Parliament, where both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha could barely manage to work for a few hours due to disruptions. Mr Birla said difference of opinions always strengthen democracy and must be allowed inside the House. He expressed concern over the declining standards of debate and conduct in both Parliament and assemblies. He expressed displeasure over the kind of language and behaviour witnessed in the just concluded monsoon session saying they were not according to the dignity of Parliament.