Rajya Sabha Secretariat alleges ‘factually incorrect narrative’ over suspension of 12 Opposition MPs – Full statement

The suspension of 12 Members of the Parliament from the Opposition camp due to the “ruckus” they created in the House towards the end of the Monsoon Session earlier this year, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Thursday issued a clarification stating that the entire incident was portrayed in a “factually incorrect narrative”.

“It has been noted with concern that a factually incorrect narrative has been presented based on the observations of some leaders and MPs of RS in the matter of stalemate over the suspension of 12 Members of the House and adjournments of the House during the session. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu constantly engaged with leaders and MPs both from Opposition and the Centre to find a way forward to enable the House function normally. He has even complimented some MPs for coming forward to resolve the stalemate over suspension issue and was in regular contact with them,” the Secretariat said in a statement.

The Rajya Sabha Chairman, during his conversations with leaders from both sides and on several occasions in the House, urged both sides to resolve the matter amicably through discussion given the stated positions of both sides, the statement further said.

“Initially it was proposed to the Chairman that the Leader of Opposition (LoP) would express regret on behalf of all suspended MPs in the House. But an issue was raised that what if some parties whose MPs were suspended would disagree with the LoP in case he expressed regret on behalf of all suspended. The Chairman suggested that the best course would be to talk to all concerned parties before expressing regret for the incidents of August 11 that led to suspension,” it said.

It was even suggested that if all parties concerned were not on board, regret could be expressed on behalf of the parties willing to do so. But nothing happened thereafter, the Secretariat stated.

“The Chairman even suggested to the central government to move a Motion for termination of suspension in case such regret was expressed. The precedent of the then LoP Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley expressing regret on behalf of 7 MPs (no BJP MPs suspended) for their misconduct during the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2010 also came up for discussions with leaders,” the Secretariat said.

It was recalled that some opposition parties refused to nominate their Members on the committee that the Chairman proposed to set up to enquire into the incidents of August 11 that led to the suspension of some Members.

“It was recalled that Chairman on several occasions in past, both in House and outside has expressed concern over resorting to persistent disruptions as a matter of strategy to derail functioning instead of debating issues under relevant provisions by giving due Notices,” the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said.