Speaker Om Birla Rejects Opposition's Privilege Claims, Vows Equal Treatment for All MPs
NEW DELHI: A day after the vote of no-confidence against him was decisively rejected, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has resumed his duties with a firm and resolute stance. In a clear and unequivocal statement, Birla asserted that he will strictly adhere to parliamentary rules and will not permit any special treatment for any member, including the leader of the opposition.
Birla Clarifies Rules Apply Equally to Every Member
"Some members believe that the leader of the opposition may stand at any time and speak on any subject of their choice as their special privilege. I wish to clarify that the House functions according to rules framed by the House itself. These rules apply equally to every member," said a confident Birla as he repudiated the charge—the principal justification of the Congress-led move to bring a motion against him—that he did not allow Rahul Gandhi to speak.
He further rejected the accusation that he has been unfair to the opposition and switches off microphones when they are speaking. "I would like to clarify once again that the Chair does not have any button to switch microphones on or off. The system in the Houses activates the microphone only of the member who has been granted permission to speak," he explained.
Background: No-Confidence Motion Debate
Birla's assertive remarks came just one day after Home Minister Amit Shah and other speakers from the NDA turned the debate on the no-confidence motion against the Speaker into a discussion on Rahul Gandhi's alleged sense of entitlement and the resulting expectation of privileged treatment. The Speaker, with Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh looking on, emphasized that all members enjoy the same status in the House.
"Each member comes here with the responsibility to raise the concerns of the people and to fulfil their hopes and expectations," Birla stated, reinforcing the principle of equality among parliamentarians.
Denial of Disrespect Towards Women Members
Birla, who had previously annoyed Congress by revealing that he had been tipped off about the opposition party's plans to have its women members surround Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month during a debate, denied showing any disrespect to women members.
"I have always held the highest respect for all women members. My endeavour has always been to ensure that every woman member gets the opportunity to speak in this House. During my tenure, every woman member, including first-time members, has had the opportunity to express her views," he affirmed.
Opposition Given Ample Speaking Time, Says Birla
Contrary to opposition claims, Birla denied that opposition members were not given sufficient time to speak. He pointed out that, to the contrary, opposition members have often received more time than allocated during debates.
"I frequently extend the time allotted for debates and Zero Hour so that more members can express their views," he noted, highlighting his efforts to facilitate broader participation.
Firm Stance Against Disorderly Conduct
However, Birla was firm about not allowing certain disruptive behaviors in the House. He explicitly stated that sloganeering, display of placards, tearing and throwing of papers, and movement into the Well of the House are inimical to the smooth functioning of Parliament.
"Disagreement and intense debate are natural in a democracy, but there is a clear line between democratic discourse and disorder," he asserted, drawing a clear boundary for acceptable conduct.
Post-Statement Exchange with Congress
After Birla concluded his statement, KC Venugopal of Congress again raised the issue of a notice by the Leader of the Opposition seeking permission to speak on the LPG crisis. The Speaker responded by informing him that he has already notified the concerned minister in the government, and the Leader of the Opposition will be allowed to raise the issue once he is present in the House.
This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions but also Birla's commitment to procedural fairness, as he ensures that legitimate concerns are addressed through proper channels without granting undue privileges.
