Parliament rules apply to all, even PM: Om Birla

A day after a no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla said the rules of Parliament apply to everyone, including the Prime Minister. “I stayed away from House proceedings on the day the Opposition gave notice of a motion seeking my removal as Speaker,” a solemn-looking Birla told members while chairing proceedings in the Lok Sabha.

“Even the Prime Minister must obtain permission from the Speaker before delivering a speech,” Birla said, responding to accusations from Opposition members that the Chair had been partial in allowing discussions in the House.

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Birla said it was the responsibility of every member to maintain the decorum of the House and added that the rules governing proceedings were part of established parliamentary traditions and had not been devised by him. All members have the freedom to speak within the framework of rules and procedures, he said.

He added that as Speaker he has tried to ensure that all members get the opportunity to express their views in accordance with parliamentary procedures. India’s Parliament, he said, has a long tradition of both agreements and disagreements, which reflect the strength of democracy.

Thanking the members for participating in the debate, Birla said the discussion allowed representatives from across parties to raise their concerns. “Members of the House have strengthened its traditions and enhanced its prestige. I thank everyone for placing their trust in me. I assure you that I will always carry out my duties in an impartial and fair manner,” he said.

Birla also made a veiled reference to the Opposition’s demand to discuss an unpublished book by former Army chief M.M. Naravane on India’s face-off with China in the Galwan Valley in 2020. “Nobody has the special right to speak on any topic beyond the rules of the House,” he said, reminding that in the past lawmakers, including BJP’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, submitted documents to the Chair before raising them for discussion.