Lok Sabha Speaker urges MPs to avoid protesting outside Parliament's doors

New Delhi [India], August 6: On Tuesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla requested MPs to refrain from protesting in front of the steps leading to the Makar Dwar of Parliament.

This morning, leaders of the INDIA bloc parties staged a protest outside the Makar Dwar, demanding the rollback of the 18 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on life and health insurance premiums.

Birla emphasized, "The collective sentiment of the House is that no protests should take place at any of the 'dwars' gates of Parliament House. No gate should be obstructed to ensure the smooth passage of members."

He stated that it is the duty of every MP to honor this collective sentiment and advised that no member, especially senior ones, should engage in actions that diminish their dignity.

On August 2, All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) leader and MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay criticized the 18 percent GST on medical and health insurance as "anti-people," arguing that it negatively impacts citizens.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to X to demand the rollback of GST on life and medical insurance premiums, calling it detrimental to people's ability to meet basic needs and warning of further protests if the government does not comply.