Avoid provocative statements on religion, Maintain dignity: Speaker to MPs

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla asked MPs to avoid making provocative statements about any religion and stressed that all religions are equal before the Constitution. He added that representatives should maintain the dignity and decorum of parliament all the time.

"MPs should keep in mind that their statements do not hurt the feelings and sentiments of any other religion. We all should diligently follow this practice and convention. Our Constitution gives everyone the right to practice their own religion," said the Speaker.

Speaking on the occasion of completing three years in office today, he noted that the House's average productivity has been above 100%. "The House has functioned for nearly 1,000 hours across eight sessions so far in the 17th Lok Sabha''.

He stated that discussions and debates are ornaments of a democracy. But he added that parliamentarians should avoid unnecessary aggression and shouting while speaking in parliament. He also highlighted that the House should not be used as a platform to make baseless allegations and counter-allegations.

"Discussion and debate are crucial parts of parliamentary democracy. Sarcasm and taking digs at each other are also acceptable during debates. But unnecessary aggression, blurting, and interrupting each other should be avoided by MPs in parliament," said the Speaker in an interview given to PTI.

The speaker also said that the work on the new parliament building being built under the central vista project is progressing in "full swing". He added that the Winter Session of 2022 will be held in the new building.

"It will show glimpses of both modern India and our rich history. It will display the culture of all states of India," said the Speaker.