New Delhi, Oct 22 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said democracy is embedded in India’s living ethos and that it remains committed to safeguarding free speech and open debate.
Addressing the media at a press conference here, Birla said that every MP has a right to raise any issue in Parliament, but placards and sloganeering have no place in any democracy.
Asked about the youth protests in France and some other countries, the speaker emphasised that global events naturally affect any nation, including India.
“Democracy is part of India’s living organisms. India always makes efforts to ensure debate and discussions and promote free speech so that the world benefits from it,” he said.
On the possibility of recent youth protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi and other parts of the country figuring in parliamentary debates, Birla said any MP can raise any issue in Parliament, but placards and sloganeering have no place in any democracy.
He underlined that the Business Advisory Committee decides the issues to be discussed in Parliament.
“We keep debating important issues after due consultations,” he said.
Asked whether the October 26-27 BRICS Parliamentary Forum here will discuss the ongoing global conflicts, the speaker said war is definitely a matter of concern.
“We do discuss such issues. We want peace as only peace will bring stability in the economy and society. If necessary, we will discuss conflicts,” Birla said.
He also said terrorism is a big challenge for the world and India has been taking strong action against the menace.
“We will strongly raise it and tell the world that terrorism must end in the world,” he said.
(PTI News)
