Adhere to the Rules: Speaker Birla Asks Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, has been witnessing a series of intense debates and heated exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition. Recently, the tension reached a boiling point when Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla asked the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, to adhere to the rules of the House. The Speaker’s stern warning came in the midst of a heated discussion on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Amendment Bill.
The incident took place on a day when the House was debating the GST Amendment Bill, which aims to increase the cess on luxury cars and SUVs to fund the Centre’s social welfare schemes. The opposition parties, including the Congress, were strongly opposed to the bill, arguing that it would disproportionately affect the common man. Rahul Gandhi, who is also the Congress MP from Wayanad, was leading the opposition charge, aggressively questioning the government’s claims and accusing them of misusing the GST cess.
However, Speaker Birla, who is known for his strict adherence to parliamentary norms, seemed to have had enough of Gandhi’s aggressive behavior. In a sharp rebuke, he told the Leader of the Opposition to conduct himself in accordance with the rules of the House. “In this House, father and daughter, mother and daughter, husband and wife have been members. In this context, I expect Leader of the Opposition [Rahul] to conduct himself in accordance with [rules],” Birla said.
The Speaker’s stern warning was seen as a clear message to Gandhi and other opposition members to refrain from using unparliamentary language and to maintain decorum in the House. The Lok Sabha Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that members of Parliament adhere to the rules and norms of the House. In recent times, there have been several instances of unruly behavior by opposition members, including Gandhi, which has led to disruptions in the House and delays in the passage of important legislation.
Gandhi, however, has been unapologetic about his aggressive behavior in the House, claiming that it is his duty as the Leader of the Opposition to hold the government accountable. In an interview with a leading news channel, he said, “I am not going to change my behavior just because some people are uncomfortable with it. My duty is to fight for the rights of the people and to ensure that the government is held accountable for its actions.”
While Gandhi’s stance has its supporters, many believe that his behavior has crossed the line and is not in line with the norms of the House. According to many observers, Gandhi’s aggressive behavior has not only disrupted the functioning of the House but has also set a bad example for other members of Parliament.
The Speaker’s warning to Gandhi has also been seen as a reminder to all members of Parliament to conduct themselves in a manner that is befitting of the dignity of the House. In a tweet, the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office said, “The Speaker’s reminder to the Leader of the Opposition is a reminder to all members of Parliament to maintain decorum and respect the rules of the House.”
The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling for Gandhi to be held accountable for his behavior. On the other hand, some have defended Gandhi, arguing that he has every right to express himself and to hold the government accountable.
In conclusion, the Speaker’s warning to Gandhi is a timely reminder to all members of Parliament to adhere to the rules and norms of the House. As the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi has a critical role to play in holding the government accountable and in ensuring that the rights of the people are protected. However, this role must be played with dignity and respect for the institution of Parliament.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
