Congress Women MPs Accuse Lok Sabha Speaker of Making False Allegations Under Government Pressure
In a significant development, women Members of Parliament from the Congress party have directly confronted Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of making "false, baseless and defamatory allegations" against them under pressure from the government. The controversy centers on claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced a potential threat from these MPs, which allegedly prevented him from attending the House to reply to the motion of thanks.
Letter Details Allegations and Questions Speaker's Impartiality
The MPs articulated their grievances in a formal letter addressed to Speaker Birla, asserting that his statements were made a day later under government pressure "to defend the non-appearance of the PM." They emphasized that questioning their integrity constitutes an attack on every woman who earns her place in public life with dignity and courage. The letter was signed by prominent Congress figures including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, S Jothimani, R Sudha, Geniben Thakor, Varsha Gaikwad, and Jyotsna Mahant.
In their communication, the MPs explicitly stated, "His (PM) absence from the House was not due to any threat from us, it was an act of fear. He did not have the courage to face the opposition." This marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing tensions between the governing camp, the Speaker, and the opposition during the Budget session.
Rahul Gandhi Supports MPs and Calls for Legal Action
Adding to the political drama, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly supported the women MPs, dismissing the notion that they could have indulged in violence. Speaking to reporters, Gandhi challenged the government, stating that if any member did threaten the Prime Minister, the authorities should file an FIR and arrest that MP. This statement underscores the party's stance on the issue and its demand for accountability.
Accusations of Bias and Pressure on the Speaker
The letter goes further by questioning Speaker Birla's impartiality, with a pointed remark: "you are no longer the decision maker." The MPs alleged that it is amply clear that you are under sustained pressure from the ruling party. They urged him to act as an impartial custodian of the Lok Sabha, appealing to his sense of duty: "let history remember you as one who stood for what was right in the most trying circumstances... let it not remember you as one who bowed to pressure from those who leave no stone unturned in subverting constitutional values and damaging the democratic fabric of our nation."
Contrast in Treatment of Opposition and Ruling Party MPs
The MPs highlighted what they perceive as biased treatment in the House. They noted that while Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak for four days and eight opposition MPs were suspended, a BJP MP was permitted to speak in a "vulgar and obscene manner against former PMs." This is an unnamed reference to Nishikant Dubey's speech. According to the letter, Speaker Birla had acknowledged that a wrong had occurred but left the Congress' demand for Dubey's suspension to be decided by the ruling party, further fueling allegations of partiality.
This incident underscores the deepening rift in parliamentary proceedings and raises critical questions about the role of the Speaker in maintaining democratic decorum and fairness.
