Controversy Over Parliament Protest Location

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized recent protests by INDIA bloc parties on the steps of Makar Dwar in Parliament, stating it was inappropriate and against prior agreements. The protests, involving multiple opposition parties, called for the reversal of an 18% GST on life and health insurance premiums.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday called out INDIA bloc parties for their protest on the steps of the Makar Dwar in Parliament, labeling the action 'not appropriate' and reminding members of an earlier consensus against such demonstrations at the entrance.

The protest, featuring MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Congress, AAP, and NCP among others, demanded the rollback of an 18% GST on life and health insurance premiums. Protesters held placards reading 'Tax terrorism' and raised slogans on the Parliament premises.

Birla emphasized that a prior agreement had been reached, involving all parties, to not stage protests on any of the Parliament entrances due to inconvenience caused to other members, particularly women. He urged all members to adhere to the consensus. In response, opposition MPs asked for clarification on where they could protest, especially since Gandhi's statue, a traditional protest site, had been relocated.