Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

New Delhi: A day after the no-confidence motion was defeated, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla resumed charge of the House and delivered a firm message: Parliament will function strictly according to established rules, and no member—including the Leader of the Opposition—will receive special concessions.


The Speaker emphasized that all Members of Parliament are equal in the Lok Sabha and no separate set of rules exists for anyone.


House Will Function Strictly Within Rules
Rejecting allegations of bias made by opposition parties, Om Birla stated that the functioning of the House is governed solely by parliamentary procedures.
He said:
“Some members believe the Leader of the Opposition can rise at any time and speak on any issue as a special privilege. I want to make it clear that the House functions strictly according to rules framed by Parliament, and these rules apply equally to every member.”


Clarification on the ‘Microphone Switch-Off’ Allegation
Addressing frequent accusations from opposition benches that microphones are deliberately turned off, the Speaker clarified the technical process of speaking in the House.
According to Om Birla, the Speaker does not possess any button to switch microphones on or off.
The system is designed so that only the microphone of the member who has been granted permission to speak becomes active.


Strong Message on Parliamentary Decorum
The Speaker expressed strong displeasure over incidents such as slogan shouting, displaying placards, and tearing papers and throwing them into the well of the House.
He remarked:
“In a democracy, disagreement and intense debate are natural. However, there must be a clear line between democratic discussion and disorder. Such actions go against the smooth functioning of Parliament.”


Emphasis on Respect for Women MPs
Responding to allegations by the Congress party regarding disrespect toward women members, Om Birla said he has always upheld the highest respect for women.
He highlighted that during his tenure, even first-time women MPs have been given adequate opportunities to present their views in the House.


Government Backs the Speaker
During the proceedings, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh supported the Speaker’s position.
Both leaders stated that every member in the Lok Sabha is equal and parliamentary proceedings must strictly follow established rules.


Political Signal
Political observers believe Om Birla’s firm stand sends a strong message about discipline and procedural order in Parliament, which could shape the tone of upcoming sessions and influence the ongoing political confrontation between the government and the opposition.