"Rules apply to all, even PM", says OM Birla after returning to Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday rejected allegations of bias, asserting that the rules of Parliament apply equally to everyone, including the Prime Minister. His remarks came a day after the Lok Sabha rejected a resolution seeking his removal from the Speaker’s post following a heated debate in the House.

Addressing the House while presiding over proceedings, Birla said he had stepped away from chairing the session on the day the Opposition submitted a notice seeking his removal. He stressed that the functioning of the Lok Sabha is governed strictly by established parliamentary rules and procedures.

Birla said that while Members of Parliament have the freedom to speak and raise issues in the House, that freedom must be exercised within the framework of rules and regulations. Emphasising the principle of equality in parliamentary functioning, he noted that even the Prime Minister must obtain the Speaker’s permission before making a speech in the Lok Sabha.

Rejecting allegations that he acted in a partisan manner, Birla maintained that his conduct as Speaker has always been guided by impartiality, discipline and balance. He said his objective has been to ensure that members from all sides of the House get the opportunity to speak while maintaining the dignity and decorum of the institution.

The controversy arose after Opposition parties accused the Speaker of not allowing their leaders to present their views during debates in the House. The no-confidence motion against Birla was eventually defeated after a prolonged discussion in Parliament.