Is the phrase ‘Mann ki Baat’ – the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme – unparliamentary? This became a subject of heated debate in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after the phrase was used by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Bhagwant Mann to criticise Mr. Modi for the agrarian distress. With Speaker Sumitra Mahajan expunging that entire reference, the Opposition was up in arms.
It wanted to know why the Prime Minister could not be criticised in a parliamentary democracy.
Questioning the Speaker’s ruling, Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress) wanted to know if ‘Mann ki Baat’ is unparliamentary.
“Is it contrary to our rules? This is unfair,’’ said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
Do not politicise all issues, Speaker tells Opposition
The protests came as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan expunged the entire reference to the broadcast, made by AAP MP Bhagwant Mann in the context of the agrarian crisis and farmers’ suicides.
As the Opposition continued with protests, Ms. Majahan sought to reason with them, stating that every issue should not be used to target the Prime Minister.
This did not pacify the Opposition and Mr. Kharge countered by saying: “He is the one who runs the country. His writ runs.”
Later, as the Opposition kept up the pressure, the Speaker said: “I am not saying you should not criticise. Nor am I saying that you should not criticise the Prime Minister. But also make concrete suggestions and do not politicise everything.’’
This is the second day in a row that a ruling from the Chair has agitated the Opposition. On Wednesday, she admonished the Opposition for repeatedly raising the issue of communal statements and attacks on places of worship. Though she allowed the Opposition to raise the issue, some remarks critical of the Prime Minister were expunged.
