Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 12: Om Birla resumed his duties as Speaker of the Lok Sabha on Thursday after a no-confidence motion moved by Opposition parties against him was defeated in the House.

In his first remarks following the vote, Birla asserted that his actions as Speaker had always been unbiased and in accordance with the rules of the House.

He said he had consistently tried to ensure that every Member of Parliament received an opportunity to speak during proceedings. At the same time, he stressed that the Leader of the Opposition did not hold any special privilege above the House, in a remark seen as a swipe at Rahul Gandhi.

“Some members were of the opinion that the Leader of the Opposition stands above the House and can speak on any subject. However, no one has any special privilege of that kind. The House functions according to its rules,” Birla said.

He further underlined that even the Prime Minister and Union ministers must follow parliamentary procedures. “Even the Prime Minister and ministers have to give notice under House rules to make statements,” he said.

On Wednesday, the no-confidence motion brought by Opposition parties was dismissed by a voice vote after a nearly 12-hour debate in the Lok Sabha.

During the first phase of the Budget session, the Indian National Congress had repeatedly accused the Speaker of not allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak in the House. In February, the Leader of the Opposition was prevented from speaking about former Army Chief M M Naravane’s unpublished memoir, triggering protests by Opposition members.

Tensions escalated further after eight Congress MPs were suspended from the House, following which Opposition parties submitted a notice seeking the Speaker’s removal. The motion was reportedly signed by 118 MPs.

Rejecting allegations of partisanship, Birla said he had always conducted proceedings with “impartiality, discipline and balance” while adhering strictly to the rules of the House.

Addressing allegations that he controlled the microphones of MPs during debates, Birla termed the claims baseless and explained the procedure followed in the House.

“The Chair never has a button to switch the microphones on or off,” he said, adding that microphones are activated only for members who have been permitted to speak under parliamentary rules.

He noted that even Opposition members who preside over the House from time to time are aware of this process.

Before concluding his remarks, Birla said he had always encouraged MPs who hesitate to participate in discussions to express their views.

“For the third time in the history of independent India, the Lok Sabha discussed a motion of no-confidence. I have always strived to ensure that every member in the House expresses their views on issues within the rules and procedures,” he said.