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Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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Welcome gesture

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee deserves praise for adopting a unique style of disciplining the erring MPs. His decision to refer to the Committee of Privileges cases of disorderly behaviour by 32 MPs paid rich dividends. One hopes his concern for the smooth running of the house will be appreciated by all MPs in future. The ruling coalition and the opposition displayed a positive attitude towards settling the privilege issue, which is commendable.

C.P. Chandradas,

Coimbatore

* * *

Mr. Chatterjee can pat himself on the back for ending the impasse over the privilege move against unruly MPs, following assurance from party leaders that they will extend full cooperation in the smooth running of Parliament. Whether the legislators will keep their promise is, however, a moot question.

K.S. Thampi,

Chennai

* * *

Mr. Chatterjee’s gesture is commendable. Some of our MPs, unfortunately, have set a bad example to the entire nation by behaving in a disorderly manner in Parliament. They owe an apology to the nation.

Air Commodore V.V. Nair (retd.),

Manipal

* * *

All those who watch the live telecast of the proceedings know only too well how the opposition members waste precious time in Parliament. Our sympathies have always been with the Speaker who appeals for discipline and cooperation in vain.

Mr. Chatterjee rightly decided to refer the disorderly conduct of some MPs to the Privileges Committee. The move, in the normal course, should have led to introspection among the MPs and some change in their behaviour. Unfortunately, far from being remorseful, the MPs resorted to a frivolous protest, wasting one more day. The Speaker has been magnanimous in withdrawing the privilege move. It is hoped that there will be some improvement in their behaviour in the next session.

Y.S. Kadakshamani,

Madurai

* * *

I wonder whether Mr. Chatterjee’s gesture will have the desired effect and ensure a smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings in future. The NDA has been stalling the proceedings of both houses from day one of the present Lok Sabha. The people were extremely concerned over the virtual non-functioning of Parliament. They were happy that at last the Speaker took a bold initiative to discipline the erring MPs. It is disappointing that he did not take the move to its logical conclusion.

The photographs of the “mouth shut” agitation by BJP MPs (May 6) speaks volumes about their scorn and ridicule for the Speaker’s action. It is time public opinion brought pressure on the ruling party and the opposition to uphold the dignity of Parliament.

K. Lakshmanan,

Tiruchi

* * *

It was amusing to read about the “mouth shut” protest by the opposition MPs against the Speaker’s decision to refer their disorderly conduct to the Privileges Committee. Perhaps, for the first time they maintained silence to protect their right to disrupt Parliament. Mr. Chatterjee’s decision to withdraw the privilege move comes as a disappointment to those who expected some strict action against the 32 MPs. Unfortunately, the major opposition parties politicised Mr. Chatterjee’s effort to restore order instead of correcting themselves.

Ikbal Ahmed,

New Delhi

* * *

The “mouth shut” protest by the opposition MPs was deplorable and uncalled for. The frivolous exercise only exposed them further. It is unfortunate that Parliament has been virtually reduced to a platform for trading accusations and allegations. There is hardly any meaningful debate. Our legislators would do well to understand that words speak louder than action.

B. Jayanna Krupakar,

Surathkal

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