New Delhi, Feb. 9 -- Statements and media bytes by Opposition members of Parliament and functionaries of political parties alleging that the remarks of Speaker Om Birla regarding his advice to the Prime Minister not to come to the House to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address are devoid of facts, sources said on Monday.

The sources said that the opposition's claims that there was no imminent threat to the Prime Minister "are baseless and stand contradicted by the events that transpired on the floor of the House" last week.

They said Speaker's assertion reflects a conscientious discharge of his duty to protect Parliament and all its members.

The sources said that to place the matter in its proper perspective, it is e...