New Delhi’s political corridors are buzzing with tension as the demand by opposition MPs to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla escalates into a full-blown controversy. NDA parliamentarians have unleashed sharp criticism, accusing the opposition of undermining the very foundations of democracy through their disruptive tactics.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju led the charge, pointing fingers directly at the Congress party. ‘At least 20-25 Congress MPs stormed into the Speaker’s chamber and behaved indecently. I was there myself. The Speaker is a remarkably patient man; otherwise, strict action would have been taken. Senior leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal were present, egging them on to fight,’ Rijiju revealed, painting a vivid picture of the chaos.
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal emphasized the sanctity of the Speaker’s position. ‘The Lok Sabha Speaker’s role is one of utmost respect. Since Om Birla took office, he has never attended any BJP meeting to preserve his impartiality. Such accusations against him are unjust. The opposition must not dishonor democracy and the Speaker this way,’ he asserted.
Jaiswal didn’t spare Rahul Gandhi, referencing former Army Chief Naravane and the publisher’s clarification that the book in question remains unpublished. ‘No one takes Rahul Gandhi’s statements seriously. Now he’s raising a fuss over this book and accusing the BJP falsely,’ he added.
JD(U) national executive president Sanjay Kumar Jha demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi. ‘Both Naravane and the publisher confirmed the book is unpublished. The Speaker repeatedly stated you can’t quote from an unpublished book. This was all to create a sensation. Congress has gone from opposing the government to opposing the nation itself,’ Jha charged.
Rajasthan BJP chief and MP Madan Rathore dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s claims as fantasy. ‘He lives in imagination and tries to tarnish reputations. We know our country’s leadership. Speaking against PM Modi like this is condemnable,’ Rathore concluded.
As the winter session unfolds, this clash highlights deepening divides in Parliament, with NDA urging restraint and respect for democratic institutions.