- Assembly Secretariat issues strict directives ahead of July 28 session
- Opposition slams move, calls it a gag on democratic voice
Bhopal: In a significant and unprecedented move, the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Secretariat has prohibited legislators from staging protests, demonstrations, or sloganeering within the Assembly premises during the upcoming monsoon session, set to begin on July 28 and continue till August 8, with a total of 10 sittings.
In a formal letter sent to all ministers and MLAs dated July 10, the Secretariat cited Standing Order 94(2) and emphasized the need for enhanced security and smooth conduct of Assembly proceedings. The letter requests legislators to submit names of their personal assistants, drivers, and vehicle details in advance, and restrict entry of unauthorized persons or those without valid passes.
The directive also reiterates that heavily armed security personnel will not be allowed inside, and only two guests per MLA will be permitted into the visitor’s gallery for a maximum of one hour.
This decision follows past incidents where legislators, including Bharat Adivasi Party MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar, held prolonged sit-ins near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue inside the Assembly campus, drawing attention to public issues.
Opposition reacts sharply
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar has fiercely criticized the move, calling it “an attempt to muzzle the voice of democracy.” He alleged that the directive is a result of pressure from the ruling government, aimed at preventing the opposition from highlighting public issues.
“The government is scared of being exposed on false data and failing policies. First, they refuse to live-stream Assembly proceedings. Now, they are banning slogans and protests inside the campus. This is nothing short of a democratic murder,” Singhar said.
Despite the restrictions, Singhar asserted that the Congress will raise people’s issues vocally during the session. “We will not be silenced. We will continue to represent the people’s voice—inside and outside the Assembly,” he added.
The stage is now set for a potentially stormy monsoon session, both inside the House and in public discourse.
