In a dramatic turn of events in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised strong objections against Speaker Om Birla’s alleged bias and attempts to silence him in Parliament. The accusation has sparked a fierce political debate and raised questions about the functioning of the House.
The Controversial Incident:
On March 26, 2025, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, claimed that Speaker Om Birla did not allow him to speak during an important discussion in the Lok Sabha. According to Gandhi, when he stood up to address the House, Birla abruptly left the session and suspended proceedings, denying him the opportunity to speak.
In a candid interaction with the media, Gandhi expressed his frustration, stating, “Every time I stand up to speak, I am denied the chance to express myself. There’s no democracy here, and the Speaker’s actions are undermining the very essence of Parliament.” Gandhi further alleged that the Speaker was not following the traditional practice of allowing the Leader of Opposition to speak, calling it an “undemocratic” approach.
Speaker Birla’s Remarks:
In response to the allegations, Speaker Om Birla defended his actions, stating that members of the House should conduct themselves in accordance with the dignity of the Parliament. He also referred to several instances where the behavior of some members, including Gandhi, did not align with the decorum expected in the House. Birla further emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations of the House, specifically referencing Rule 349, which governs the behavior of MPs.
Birla’s comments included, “It is important for all members, including the Leader of Opposition, to uphold the sanctity of the House. We expect all MPs to follow the rules and maintain the decorum that Parliament demands.”
Congress Leaders’ Protest:
Following the suspension of the proceedings, several Congress MPs, including Gaurav Gogoi, staged a protest against the Speaker’s decision. They argued that Rahul Gandhi was being unfairly targeted and that the Speaker was showing favoritism toward the ruling BJP members. Gogoi pointed out that when BJP MPs or ministers stand up in the House, they are immediately given the floor to speak, which contrasts with the treatment meted out to opposition leaders.
Gogoi also remarked, “When Sushma Swaraj was the Leader of Opposition, she was always given the respect and opportunity to speak. But today, under Om Birla’s leadership, the opposition’s voice is being stifled.”
The Bigger Picture:
This altercation highlights the ongoing friction between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. The controversy also sheds light on broader concerns regarding the functioning of Parliament, with critics arguing that the government is increasingly undermining the role of the opposition. With democracy at its core, the role of the opposition is crucial in holding the government accountable, and depriving the opposition of a voice in the House could have serious implications for the democratic fabric of India.
The Congress party has vowed to continue raising its objections and is pushing for a more inclusive and democratic atmosphere in the Parliament. The party leaders have also demanded a meeting with Speaker Birla to address their concerns about the fairness of the proceedings.
Public and Political Reaction:
The incident has sparked a storm of reactions on social media and across political circles. Supporters of Rahul Gandhi have rallied behind him, condemning the Speaker’s actions as biased and authoritarian. On the other hand, BJP supporters argue that the Speaker is simply maintaining order in the House and that the opposition should respect the rules of parliamentary procedure.
Conclusion:
As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Speaker Om Birla will address the concerns raised by the opposition and whether any changes will be made to the way Parliament is conducted. What is clear is that the growing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition are far from over. This controversy has not only raised questions about parliamentary decorum but has also underscored the deepening divide in Indian politics.
