Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla rejected opposition allegations of bias in his first address to the House on Thursday. He stated that parliamentary rules apply to all, including the Prime Minister. This came a day after a no-confidence motion against him was defeated on Wednesday.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, while chairing the proceedings on Thursday, stated that he had stayed away from House proceedings on the day the opposition gave notice for the motion seeking his removal. He emphasized that even the Prime Minister must obtain permission from the Speaker before delivering a speech. The opposition has accused him of bias for not allowing them to put forward their points in the Lok Sabha.
Birla's speech lasted over half an hour, during which he outlined that all sides in the House must maintain the decorum of the institution and follow the inherited rules. He further said that while lawmakers have the freedom to speak, it must be exercised under set rules and regulations. The no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the House on Wednesday.
This episode highlights ongoing tensions in the Indian Parliament, where the opposition has questioned the Speaker's impartiality. Birla described his actions as unbiased and rejected the opposition's 'partisan' charge as he returned to the Speaker's chair.
