Congress has submitted a privilege notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over remarks made after the women’s reservation bill failed to pass.
The notice follows the defeat of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced in the recent special session of Parliament to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill, according to the report, did not secure the required two-thirds support.
After the bill’s failure, the Prime Minister addressed the public on television and alleged that opposition parties had defeated the measure and were “against women,” while also criticising MPs’ voting behaviour.
In the notice issued on behalf of Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, the party argued that the Prime Minister’s comments amounted to a breach of parliamentary privilege and an attack on MPs. It said the remarks were derogatory, questioned MPs’ independence and integrity, and violated Lok Sabha rules and conduct.
Congress urged the Speaker to initiate privilege proceedings under Rule 222 of the Lok Sabha’s rules of procedure and conduct of business.
