'Rules Equally apply to all': Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's First Reaction After No-Confidence Motion

New Delhi: LAfter resuming duties as Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla on Thursday rejected allegations that the Leader of the Opposition had been denied opportunities to speak in the House and said that the rules of the Parliament apply equally to all. 

What did Om Birla in the Lok Sabha?

During his opening remarks, Om Birla said that the chair is not about an individual but about upholding the dignity of Parliament.

"Chair does not belong to one person but is a symbol of prestige of the House," he said.

While addressing members following the opposition's no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the Lok Sabha, Om Birla thanked MPs who supported him as well as those who expressed criticism during the discussion.

Om Birla insisted that parliamentary proceedings are conducted strictly according to established rules.

"I stayed away from House proceedings the day opposition gave notice for motion seeking my removal as Speaker," Om Birla said in the Lok Sabha.

Talking about how members from across the parties were allowed to present their concerns, Om Birla said, "In the parliamentary history of independent India, this is the third time that the House has discussed a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Over the past two days, honourable members have held extensive discussions so that the views, arguments and concerns of all members could be presented before the House."

Did Om Birla respond to the allegations?

While responding to the allegation that the Opposition was not allowed to speak, Speaker Om Birla said that Lok Sabha functions according to established rules that require members to seek permission from the Chair before addressing the House.

Om Birla also said that that no one is above the rules of the Lok Sabha.

"Even the Prime Minister and ministers must give notice under House rules before making statements. The rules apply to everyone," Birla said.

Om Birla slao clarrified the allegations, saying, "Some honourable members said that the LoP is prevented from speaking and is not given sufficient opportunity to speak. I would like to clarify from this august Chair that whether it is a leader in the House, the Leader of the Opposition, a minister, or any other member, every honourable member has the right to speak in the House only in accordance with the rules and procedures."

"Some honourable members were also of the opinion that the Leader of the Opposition stands above the House and can speak on any subject. However, no one has any special privilege of that kind. I want to make it clear that the House functions according to its rules," he added.