no-bias-gave-both-sides-time-birla-rejects-lop-gag-claim

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday rejected allegations that the Leader of the Opposition was prevented from speaking in the House, asserting that there was “no bias” in his conduct and that both the treasury and Opposition benches were given adequate time during proceedings.

Birla made the remarks while responding to a resolution seeking his removal as Speaker, which was defeated by voice vote in the Lok Sabha after a heated debate.

Addressing the House, Birla thanked members who supported him as well as those who expressed criticism during the discussion. He said he valued the concerns raised by MPs regarding the functioning of the Chair and issues of transparency in parliamentary proceedings.

Rejecting claims that microphones of Opposition members were deliberately switched off, Birla said the Speaker does not have any control over the microphone system in the House.

“The Chair does not have any button to turn microphones on or off,” he said, adding that members are allowed to speak only when it is their turn according
to the rules governing parliamentary debates.

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Birla also addressed the issue of suspensions of Opposition MPs, stating that such actions were taken only when rules of the House were violated and decorum was disrupted.

“I always try to ensure that no member of Parliament is suspended. However, when rules are breached, it becomes necessary to take such steps to maintain the dignity of the House,” he said.

Referring to protests staged by Opposition members during recent proceedings, Birla said he had intervened to protect the dignity of Parliament after some MPs stormed the treasury benches holding placards.

The Speaker also reminded members that any photographs, printed material, quotations or documents intended to be tabled in the House must receive prior approval from the Chair.

He claimed that the Opposition had not always adhered to this rule, forcing him to take difficult decisions while conducting proceedings.

Birla said he remained committed to upholding the constitutional dignity of Parliament and ensuring that debates were conducted in accordance with established rules and procedures.