Congress MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, raising concerns over what they called the “denial of opportunity” for Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak in the House. The protest came after the House was abruptly adjourned just as Gandhi got up to speak.
A delegation of over 70 Congress MPs, including Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi, General Secretary K C Venugopal, and Whip Manickam Tagore, approached the Speaker following his remarks urging Gandhi to adhere to parliamentary rules and maintain the dignity of the House.
Speaker’s remarks spark controversy
Om Birla stated that all members, especially the Leader of the Opposition, are expected to uphold the decorum of Parliament. However, as Gandhi rose to speak, the Speaker adjourned the House, prompting criticism from the Opposition.
After the session, Gandhi told reporters, “The House is not being run as per democratic norms. As the LoP, I should be allowed to speak, but the Speaker got up and left without any reason. He made an unsubstantiated comment about me and then adjourned the House.”
‘No space for the Opposition,’ says Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi further alleged that he has been continuously prevented from speaking in the House for over a week. “In a democracy, both the government and the Opposition should have space, but here, only the government is allowed to speak. Even when I wanted to comment on the PM’s remarks about Kumbh Mela, I was denied the chance.”
When questioned about the Speaker’s comments regarding parliamentary dignity, Gandhi responded, “I haven’t done anything wrong. I am the Leader of the Opposition, representing the main Opposition party. Yet, we are not allowed to speak.”
Speaker’s reference to Rule 349
During a discussion on public issues, Congress MP K C Venugopal had just concluded his speech when Birla made remarks about the expected conduct of MPs. He pointed to Rule 349, which outlines the decorum members must maintain in the House.
“There have been several instances where conduct has not met the high standards expected in this House. In the past, father and daughter, mother and daughter, husband and wife have all been members here. I expect the Leader of the Opposition to follow parliamentary rules,” Birla said.
The Speaker’s statement has sparked further debate, with Congress insisting that Gandhi was unfairly silenced while the ruling party maintains that parliamentary rules must be followed. The standoff highlights growing tensions between the Opposition and the government over parliamentary proceedings.