New Delhi, March 11 Trinamool Congress MP Saayoni Ghosh on Wednesday claimed that "hardly any democracy remains" in Parliament as the voices of opposition members have been "suppressed," and MPs have been forced to fight for their own rights within the House.
Participating in the debate on the resolution to remove Om Birla from the Speaker's post, Ghosh said she had no personal animosity towards Birla, and there were no personal grievances against him.
"However, this is a matter of impartiality and dignity. There is hardly any democracy left in Parliament. Our opinions are being stifled. How can we advocate for the people when we are fighting for our own rights?" she said.
Ghosh alleged that Parliament, a platform for policy-making, has been transformed into an advertising platform.
"The Railway budget has been abolished, and bills are being introduced at midnight...Rahul Gandhi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav are not allowed to quote from any source, but their 'favorite' MP is allowed to do so," she claimed.
"You can indulge your ego, but you cannot prevent the US President from advising you. Do not turn this Parliament into a party office," she said, adding, "The TMC will not surrender."
She also urged the government to stop its alleged "unfair" treatment of the opposition.
In his speech, IUML MP E T Mohammed Basheer said that the opposition is in a "very difficult situation" as the freedom of speech of MPs has been "denied," and many MPs have been suspended, which is a "condemnable act."
"You are dictating to the opposition. You are misusing your power. The opposition is being silenced. A thorough introspection is required as law-making has been made a mockery," he said.