Congress Appeals to Lok Sabha Speaker: Farmers' Voices Shouldn't Breach Decorum

The Congress has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to consider a recent interaction between farmer leaders and the media a violation of parliamentary decorum. The appeal follows a meeting between the farmers and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, citing past instances when non-parliamentarians addressed the media in similar contexts.

The Congress has called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to reconsider labeling a recent interaction between farmer leaders and the media as a decorum breach. This plea follows a meeting between the farmers and Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament complex last week.

In a letter to Birla, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal pointed out that non-parliamentarians have previously spoken to the media without objections. He cited instances like women filmstars speaking after the women's reservation bill was tabled, highlighting that such interactions should not be seen as violations.

The Congress emphasized that citizens' voices, whether farmers or politicians, strengthen democracy. Venugopal urged that farmers' right to express themselves should be respected, even within Parliament premises. He insisted that if rules are enforced, they should apply equally to all regardless of political affiliation.

(With inputs from agencies.)