People's Democracy

Speaker's Statement

Following is the statement which the Lok Sabha Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee  wanted to make in the house on July 23, 2004 but  was prevented by the BJP members. It was later released to the press on the same day:

HON’BLE members, before we start the Question Hour, I wish to once again request with all humility and most earnestly, all of you and more particularly, to all the Hon’ble Leaders on all sides of the House, for your kind co-operation with the Chair in the discharge of his onerous duties and functions as the presiding officer of this great institution.

Though I feel pained, I wish to forget what has happened in the House during the last few days. Today, there are many important subjects to be discussed: the issue of our nationals being held as hostage in Iraq, the issue relating to the grave flood and drought situation in the country, the problems of backward districts, as also the issue relating to the internal security, are due to be discussed and I am sure that all sections of this august House are interested to participate in the discussions and debates.

I earnestly beg all of you to please co-operate with the Chair in the conduct of the proceedings of the House. I can assure that the rights of the Hon’ble Members will always, as before, be fully respected as far as the rules permit.

We are all proud that the people of our great country have sent us here with great hope, expectations and also dreams. We should all discharge our duties in a manner, that the people of the country may feel proud of us.