Amidst the recent controversies and discussions in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla addressed the House after his return. During this, he said that this House represents the sovereign will of 140 crore citizens of India. He said that every MP comes to the House with the problems and expectations of the people of his area and it has always been his endeavor that all the members can express their views openly as per the rules.
Attempt to make the House the voice of the last man
The Speaker said that it has always been his endeavor that the Lok Sabha should also become the voice of the person standing in the last row of the society. He told that he encouraged many members who hesitate or speak less to express their views. According to him, speaking openly in the House strengthens democracy and also ensures accountability of the government.
Tradition of consent and disagreement democracy
Om Birla said that parliamentary democracy has a strong tradition of both consent and disagreement. Article 93 of the Indian Constitution provides for the election of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the House has elected him for this responsibility for the second time. He said that it has always been his endeavor that the proceedings of the House should be conducted impartially and according to the rules and the dignity of the House should continue to increase.
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recused himself from the proceedings after the no-confidence motion
The Speaker said that on February 10, some members of the opposition had given notice of no-confidence motion against him. After this he distanced himself from the proceedings of the House. He said that many emotions came to the fore in the discussions of the last two days and he listened to all the members seriously. He thanked all the members for both support and criticism.
Asana is not a person’s symbol, it is a symbol of tradition.
He said that the seat of the Lok Sabha Speaker is not a symbol of any particular person but of an institution and tradition. Former Speakers have strengthened the dignity and traditions of this House and he will also try to carry forward the same tradition. He thanked all the MPs for the confidence reposed in him by the House and said that he will continue to fulfill his responsibilities with full devotion and constitutional decorum.
Leader of Opposition is also not above the rules
On the allegations of Leader of Opposition not getting the opportunity to speak in the House, the Speaker said that Leader of the House, Leader of Opposition, Minister or other members all have the right to speak as per the rules and procedure. He clarified that no member is above the rules and the rules given to him apply equally to all. Om Birla said that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has to give a statement in the House, then he also has to take permission from the Speaker first.
