‘Did not let me speak’: Rahul Gandhi accuses Lok Sabha speaker of silencing him

Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Speaker Om Birla of denying him the opportunity to speak during the Parliament session. Gandhi claimed that despite his repeated requests, he was not allowed to raise key issues, calling the proceedings “undemocratic.” The Congress leader expressed his frustration outside Parliament, alleging that the Speaker “ran away” without letting him address the House.

Speaking to reporters, Gandhi said he had intended to discuss two critical issues—the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela and the growing unemployment crisis—but was repeatedly stopped. "I did nothing, I was quietly sitting. Yet, whenever I stand up, I am prevented from speaking. There is no place for democracy here," he said. His remarks come amid growing tensions between the Opposition and the government over parliamentary proceedings.

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, Speaker Om Birla emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline in the House and following procedural rules. Without directly addressing Gandhi’s claim, the Speaker remarked that several instances had come to his notice where members’ conduct did not meet the expected standards. Referring to parliamentary Rule 349, which outlines the rules of conduct, he reminded the House that all members, including the Leader of the Opposition, are expected to adhere to its provisions.

The issue escalated when about 70 Congress MPs, led by Deputy Leader of Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, General Secretary KC Venugopal, and party whip Manickam Tagore, met the Speaker to formally protest the denial of Gandhi’s right to speak. They argued that the repeated refusal to allow the Opposition leader to address Parliament was unfair and went against democratic norms. Congress sources claimed that Gandhi had been prevented from speaking in the House multiple times over the past week.

While the Speaker did not specify the reason for denying Gandhi the floor, he stressed that all members must uphold the dignity of the House. "In this House, father and daughter, mother and daughter, husband and wife have been members. In this context, I expect the Leader of the Opposition to conduct himself in accordance with the rules," Birla said. The session was later adjourned, further fueling the Opposition’s grievances.

This latest confrontation between the Congress and the ruling party highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Lok Sabha. With Parliament sessions often marked by disruptions and protests, Gandhi’s allegations have added another layer of political tension. The Congress party is now expected to raise this issue in future proceedings, demanding a fair opportunity for Opposition voices to be heard.