New Delhi, March 26, 2025.
Rahul Gandhi has asserted that Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, stopped him from talking in some proceedings of Parliament.
As a matter of fact, Gandhi stated that he was not happy about it, as that was undermining the functions of democracy disturbing the House.
Allegations
Back outside Parliament, Gandhi told reporters he tried to be part of the proceedings. “I asked him to let me speak, and he (the Speaker just ran off. You cannot run the House in this manner. He (the Speaker) just flew up and left, and I had to respond when I was speaking.”
Henceforth, Gandhi stressed that the Leader of the Opposition is supposed to have the right to speak in the House.
Adding to this, he said he was baffled that the Speaker stopped him from speaking. “If I get up, I am supposed to speak. I don’t know what is going on in the House. They would not let me speak.”
Response from Congress
After the incident, Congress MPs had a discussion with Om Birla to raise their concerns.
They emphasized that the government needs to allow and provide a voice for the opposition in Parliament.
Subsequently, they also claimed that Bira was breaking the democratic norms and conventions of the parliament.
Historical Context
Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time that Gandhi has made these types of allegations. He was subjected to a police investigation for an alleged assault against members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Apparently, this happened outside Parliament in December of 2024.
Firstly, he alleged that he had been assaulted, as the BJP members claimed they were blocking him from entering Parliament.
Additionally, they also threatened him in doing so.
Broader Implications
The events have sparked public discussions about the health of parliamentary democracy in India.
Observers identified that the ability of opposition leaders to raise their issues is part of democracy.
Conclusively, it is traditionally the Speaker’s role to assure all members can be involved in democratic debate no matter their political affiliation.
Gandhi’s Allegations
Rahul Gandhi suggested that Speaker Om Birla, as an individual, should be observed in light of earlier opportunities.
As Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi’s allegations raise anxiety about the Speaker’s individual actions.
So to say, as legitimate concerns or democratic reasoning about parliament’s proceedings. It is not an interject of unrelated influence he could constitute.
Ultimately, Gandhi’s allegations raise a broader issue of each opportunity to make certain all views are heard.
Specifically, in the highest legislative body’s history of the country. While both can use democracy to justify possibilities, however limited.
