“Do Not Try to Destroy Government Property”: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Warns Opposition MPs Amid SIR Protests

New Delhi: Amid heated protests by Opposition MPs over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and other related issues, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued a stern warning on Monday against any damage to government property inside Parliament.

“If you ask questions with the same force with which you are shouting slogans, it will be beneficial for the people of the country,” Birla said. “The people have not sent you to destroy government property and I request you and warn you that no member has the privilege to destroy government property. If you try to destroy government property, I will have to take some decisive decisions and the people of the country will see you. Action has been taken against members for such incidents in many assemblies. I warn you again. Do not try to destroy government property. This is my request to you.”

The Speaker’s remarks came after Opposition MPs, including Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders, staged demonstrations in the Lok Sabha over alleged irregularities in Bihar’s voter lists and broader concerns about the Election Commission’s functioning. Sloganeering and disruption of proceedings had brought the House to a temporary halt.

Birla emphasised that Parliament is a platform for raising genuine concerns through debate and questioning, and not for physical destruction or intimidation. The warning signals that the Speaker is prepared to take strict disciplinary action if members cross the line, a move aimed at maintaining decorum and ensuring the legislative process is not hampered.