Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday nudged the Congress-led opposition to cooperate in smooth running of the House saying both their principal demands had been accepted by the government.”Your demands that the Union Home Minister should participate in the discussion and that the issues concerning students should be discussed have been accepted. All members should now cooperate in the orderly functioning of the House,” he said as disruptions of the House ran into the third week.Birla recalled that he had made a similar appeal to all parties during Monday’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, and on Tuesday reiterated his request for their cooperation in the conduct of the House.The Speaker observed that bringing placards and banners into the House during Question Hour is not in keeping with the dignity and decorum of the House.He emphasised that the House functions through dialogue and cooperation.The Speaker said it causes him deep anguish when the House is unable to function. “Several members have personally approached me and expressed the view that the House should function. Question Hour should be devoted to discussing matters of importance. Several important Bills are before the House, which are in the national interest, and these should be taken up for discussion in the House,” said Birla.


