Mahajan writes to MPs, tells them to end 'cycle of interruptions' in House

The "cycle of interruptions" in Parliament will continue endlessly if MPs justify disruptions by citing the conduct of other parties in the past, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has said in an emotional letter to parliamentarians ahead of the Monsoon session next week.

Reminding MPs of their "moral responsibility", Mahajan urged them to ensure smooth functioning of the House and said "time has come for us to introspect and decide what is the way forward and ideal image for our Parliament and democracy".

The task of protecting and keeping intact the prestige and sanctity of Parliament, the "sacred temple of democracy", is a collective responsibility, she said in the two-page letter.

"On the basis of my experience, I can say that people observe the performance of their representatives very keenly and media also presents to the people the detailed report of their performance in Parliament and Parliamentary constituency," Mahajan, who is serving her eighth term as a MP, said.

It was a privilege being a member of the "august House", she added, and told MPs that people had great expectations from them and had reposed their faith in them.

"In return you may also wish to not only meet the expectations of your constituents and the nation but also make contribution to the progress of the country and strengthening of democracy."