Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday rejected claims that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) was gagged during parliamentary proceedings, asserting that he maintained neutrality and gave both the treasury and opposition adequate time to speak. His remarks came while responding to a resolution seeking his removal as Speaker, which was ultimately defeated by voice vote after a heated debate in the House.

Addressing members, Birla thanked those who supported him as well as those who raised criticisms, emphasizing that he valued concerns regarding the functioning of the Chair and transparency in parliamentary proceedings. He dismissed allegations that microphones of opposition MPs were deliberately switched off, clarifying that the Speaker has no control over the microphone system. “The Chair does not have any button to turn microphones on or off,” he said, noting that members may speak only when it is their turn according to established rules.

On the issue of suspensions, Birla stated that such measures were taken only when House rules were violated and decorum disrupted. “I always try to ensure that no member of Parliament is suspended. However, when rules are breached, it becomes necessary to take such steps to maintain the dignity of the House,” he said. He also cited recent protests by opposition MPs who stormed the treasury benches holding placards, which required intervention to protect parliamentary decorum.

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Birla further reminded members that any photographs, printed materials, quotations, or documents intended to be tabled in the House must have prior approval from the Chair. He noted that the opposition has not always adhered to this requirement, which sometimes necessitated difficult decisions in conducting proceedings.

Concluding his address, the Speaker reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the constitutional dignity of Parliament and ensuring that debates were conducted in line with established rules and procedures. His statement underscores his stance on impartiality amid recent political tensions and criticism over parliamentary conduct.

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