The Lok Sabha is witnessing heightened drama as opposition MPs’ call to oust Speaker Om Birla draws fierce rebuttals from NDA allies. Labeling the protests as an assault on democratic norms, ruling coalition leaders warn that constant disruptions harm national interests.
Kiren Rijiju, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, recounted a shocking incident involving Congress lawmakers. He described how two dozen of them barged into Birla’s chamber, indulging in unruly conduct right in front of senior party figures including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal, who allegedly instigated the confrontation. ‘Speaker Birla’s mild nature prevented harsher measures,’ Rijiju noted.
Echoing this, BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal defended Birla’s impeccable record. ‘Birla has maintained absolute neutrality, avoiding BJP events entirely. Accusing him is baseless and disrespectful to the Speaker’s esteemed office and parliamentary traditions,’ Jaiswal said passionately.
Turning to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations tied to an unpublished book, Jaiswal highlighted contradictions exposed by General Naravane and the publisher. ‘Rahul’s claims lack credibility; this is just another ploy to target the BJP,’ he remarked.
JD(U)’s Sanjay Kumar Jha called for Rahul to apologize publicly. ‘Facts are clear: the book isn’t out, as confirmed repeatedly. Their antics are sensationalism at its worst, morphing government critique into anti-national rhetoric,’ Jha observed.
Madan Rathore, BJP’s Rajasthan president and MP, branded Gandhi’s narrative as delusional. ‘Attempts to defame leaders like PM Modi are deplorable. We stand by our leadership,’ he affirmed.
This escalating feud underscores the fragile state of legislative discourse, with calls growing for opposition to prioritize constructive debate over confrontation.