Ruckus in Lok Sabha as Birla mentions Emergency, takes a dig at Indira Gandhi

BJP MP Om Birla on Wednesday (June 26) was elected as the Speaker of Lok Sabha for a second consecutive time after a motion moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was adopted through voice votes.

While both the government and the Opposition welcomed Birla’s appointment, a ruckus broke out in the House after the Speaker made a reference to the Emergency, inviting protests from the INDIA bloc MPs.

Emergency remark

“This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. Along with this, we appreciate the determination of all those people who opposed the Emergency, fought and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India. June 25, 1975 will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India. On this day, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in the country and attacked the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar,” Birla said amid chants of protests from Congress MPs.

“India is known all over the world as the mother of democracy. Democratic values ​​and debate have always been supported in India. Democratic values ​​have always been protected, they have always been encouraged. Dictatorship was imposed on such an India by Indira Gandhi. The democratic values ​​of India were crushed and freedom of expression was strangled..." he said.

‘Largest celebration of democracy’

Birla in his address also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiu and all the members of the House for giving him a second opportunity to serve as Speaker. “I want to thank everyone for showing trust in me," he said.

“This 18th Lok Sabha is the world's largest celebration of democracy. Despite other challenges, more than 64 crore voters participated in the elections with great enthusiasm. On behalf of the House, I express my gratitude to them and the people of the country. I thank the Election Commission for conducting the election process in a fair, unbiased and transparent manner and for the efforts made by them to ensure that even a single vote is cast in remote areas. The NDA government has been formed for the third consecutive term under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. In the last decade, the expectations, hopes and aspirations of the people have increased. Therefore, it becomes our responsibility to make collective efforts to fulfil their expectations and aspirations in an effective manner," he said.

The House has been adjourned for the day and will meet again on Thursday (June 27).

Birla vs Suresh

Earlier in the day Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab announced Birla as the Speaker after the Opposition, which had proposed Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh as its candidate, did not press for votes to the motion.

“I announce Om Birla elected as the speaker,” Mahtab said.

Soon after, Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju went to Birla's seat in the front row of the treasury benches to escort him to the chair.

In a rare sight of camaraderie, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also joined them. Rahul greeted Birla and shook hands with the prime minister.

After that, Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Rijiju escorted Birla to the chair where Mahtab welcomed him saying, "It is your chair, please occupy."

Matter of honour: PM Modi

"It is a matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for second time," the prime minister said.

"I congratulate you on behalf of entire House and look forward to your guidance for next five years," he said.

In his address, Modi said Birla's work as a parliamentarian should be an inspiration for new Lok Sabha members.

"Your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy," the prime minister said.

Calling Birla's previous stint as Speaker a “Golden period in Parliamentary history”, Modi said the laws that couldn't be passed by Lok Sabha in 70 years were passed under Birla's watch as Speaker

Speaker is custodian of people's voices: Rahul

Congratulating Birla on behalf of the INDIA bloc, Rahul said the House represents voice of the people and the Speaker is the custodian.

He said the question isn't how efficiently the House runs but how much the voice of the people is heard and represented in the House.

“If the Opposition is not allowed to speak it would be undemocratic and unconstitutional,” he added expressing hope that the Speaker will allow Opposition to express its views in the House.