Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised concerns in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday about restrictions on his participation in parliamentary debates, asserting that the House represents the entire nation, not just a single political party. His remarks came during a discussion on a resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla from office.

Gandhi interjected in the debate, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “has been compromised,” and emphasized that the consequences of this are widely recognized. He claimed that he had been repeatedly prevented from speaking on key issues and criticized what he described as “vile” references to his name made during the proceedings.

Responding to BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad, who cited parliamentary procedures advising the leader of opposition to exercise caution on matters of national security, Gandhi defended his interventions. He highlighted that his contributions addressed critical national concerns, including allegations involving military leadership, financial controversies, and other high-profile matters. “Every time we get up to speak, we are stopped,” he said, adding that this included the historic instance when a leader of opposition was allegedly not permitted to speak during a debate for the first time in India’s history.

Also Read: Speaker Om Birla Faces No-Confidence Motion In Lok Sabha Over Alleged Partisan Conduct

Gandhi specifically mentioned raising issues related to Chief of Defence Staff M. M. Naravane, the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and the business conglomerate Adani, asserting that these topics are fundamental to the Indian public. “Our prime minister has been compromised; everybody knows the result of that,” he reiterated.

Earlier in the debate, Prasad argued that the motion to remove Speaker Birla should not be used to “satisfy the ego of a leader” and stressed that parliamentary norms require measured language, especially regarding national security and partisan conduct. His comments triggered an uproar from opposition members.

Later, Deputy Speaker Dilip Saikia allowed Gandhi to respond to the allegations, enabling the continuation of the debate under parliamentary protocols. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in the House over decorum, freedom of speech, and the perceived limitations on opposition participation in parliamentary discussions.

Also Read: Lok Sabha to Take up Resolution on Speaker Om Birla's Removal at 12 Noon