INDIA group of parties demands action over political sloganeering in Rajya Sabha Visitors' Gallery

The INDIA group of parties is up in arms over political sloganeering from the Visitors’ Gallery at the Rajya Sabha, in breach of House norms, during the discussion on the women’s reservation bill on Thursday.

In a coordinated approach, at least one member from each of the various INDIA constituencies in the Rajya Sabha has issued an identical letter to Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The letter demands consequences for the interruption, including against any MP on whose recommendation an errant visitor was allowed into the gallery.

Among those who have sent the letter are Jairam Ramesh of the Congress, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (Thackeray) and Mausam Noor of the Trinamul Congress.

The Opposition had raised the issue in the House on Thursday after staging a walkout in protest against the political sloganeering - cries of “Modi, Modi” — from the Visitors’ Gallery.

Once they returned to the House, the Chairman said the situation will be “thoroughly investigated” and “some kind of SOP” might be evolved.

In the letter to the Chairman, the MPs have noted that Rule 264 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha lays forth restrictions for the guests.

“The fact that over 50 visitors were able to raise slogans is a matter of grave concern,” the MPs’ letter adds.

The second rule (265) adds that the Chairman “whenever he thinksfit, may order the withdrawal of strangers from any part of the Council”.

The law governing public galleries makes it clear that the MPs seeking passes for their visitors are responsible for their conduct.

“Under the regulations, a member can apply for a visitor’s card for a person who is known to him personally or in select cases, for those who have been introduced to the member by a person who is personally known to him,” the rules say.

“It is in the latter class of cases that members are to exercise utmost care. Members are urged to bear in mind that they are accountable for any adverse occurrence or unwanted item happening in the galleries as a result of anything done by holders of cards given at the request of such members.”

The MPs’ letter states the incident should be examined to understand how such a breach of security and etiquette was possible.

“The individual responsible for the disruption must be held accountable for their actions. Any MP proven to be complicit in aiding this act should likewise face commensurate consequences,” it says.

Those allowed into the Visitors’ Gallery have to obey a strict code of behavior. Visitors are warned not to speak loudly, sit cross-legged, bend over, clap or make motions such as pointing to members or waving at them.

They are essentially to act like a fly on the wall under the rigorous surveillance of the highly polite watch-and-ward staff. Schoolchildren, who come in big groups, likewise follow this stringent discipline and agree to the basic premise that they can be seen but not heard by the members.