A recent bulletin issued by the Rajya Sabha has ignited a fresh controversy across the nation, advising Members of Parliament (MPs) to refrain from using certain specific words and slogans at the conclusion of their speeches. According to this bulletin, the use of phrases such as 'Thanks', 'Thank You', 'Jai Hind', and 'Vande Mataram' will now be restricted in the proceedings of the House. This decision has stirred significant debate in political circles, with several prominent leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing strong objections.
Parliamentary Tradition and New Directives
The Rajya Sabha, in its bulletin released on Monday, explicitly stated that MPs should avoid concluding their speeches with expressions like 'Thanks', 'Thank You', 'Jai Hind', and 'Vande Mataram'. The bulletin justifies this restriction by stating that the tradition in both Houses of Parliament doesn't permit the use of such slogans. This directive appears to be aimed at ensuring uniformity and adherence to established parliamentary practices and decorum. While the detailed rationale behind this move is still a subject of public discussion, it's understood to be part of broader efforts to maintain discipline and dignity within the House. However, the prohibition on words associated with national sentiment has raised considerable questions and sparked widespread debate.
Mamata Banerjee's Vehement Opposition
Immediately after the bulletin's release, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted sharply to the decision. During a media interaction, she questioned the rationale behind the ban, stating, “Why won’t we say it, while we say Jai Bangla, in Bangla. We say Vande Mataram. This is our slogan of freedom. It's the national song. Jai Hind is Netaji (Subhas Chandra Bose)’s slogan, while the slogan for which we fought. This is our country’s slogan. Whoever clashes with it will be crushed. ” Banerjee's statement has transformed the issue into a significant political controversy, with deep concerns being voiced over the restriction of slogans intrinsically linked to national pride and the freedom struggle. According to her, these slogans aren't merely words but. Symbols of the nation's identity and its historical fight for independence.
Other Key Instructions in the Bulletin
Beyond the prohibition on slogans like 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram', the new Rajya Sabha bulletin also includes several other crucial instructions aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning and discipline of the House. A second significant directive mandates that if an MP criticizes a minister, the criticizing MP must also be present in the House when the minister responds. This rule ensures that the member making the criticism has the opportunity to hear the minister's clarification and that accountability is maintained within the House. This is an important step that could enhance the quality and fairness. Of parliamentary debate, ensuring that accusations and counter-accusations aren't merely one-sided.
Emphasis on Maintaining House Dignity
Plus, the third instruction states that MPs aren't permitted to display any objects in the Well of the House, while this directive is crucial for preventing disorder within the House and maintaining the seriousness of its proceedings. It has often been observed that during protests, MPs enter the Well to display posters or other objects, thereby disrupting parliamentary business, while this rule aims to curb such activities. On top of that, the bulletin advises against several actions that could interfere with the dignity or proceedings of Parliament. The overarching goal of these instructions is to foster a respectful and productive environment in both Houses of Parliament, where serious discussions and legislative work can proceed without unnecessary interruptions. Nevertheless, the issue of banning slogans like 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram'. Remains at the center of political debate, and further reactions are anticipated.