Lok Sabha gets heated as speaker’s emergency remark triggers controversy

Om Birla's re-election as Lok Sabha Speaker was overshadowed by controversy when his remarks on the Emergency's 50th anniversary sparked protests. The incident disrupted initial bipartisan goodwill and highlighted tensions between the government and opposition in India's parliament.

Protests erupted today in the Lok Sabha over the re-election of Om Birla, with controversy arising when he spoke about the Emergency forcing the House to adjourn.

Born in 1928 in Pilani, Rajasthan, Birla, who has been MP three times, was elected by voice vote in a special poll to contest the Speakership. The election was followed briefly by an atmosphere of cooperation, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi congratulating Birla and even shaking hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, the friendly spirit that was apparent immediately came to a premature end. Birla during his speech in the House even asked for two minutes silence on the 50th anniversary of what he said was the ‘Emergency’ This statement immediately provoked the Opposition of the House and led to the adjournment of the House.

Some Members of Parliament responded negatively to the Speaker’s utterances, by condemning them as ‘divisive’ and ‘unfortunate’. The above utterances are seen as having dampened the spirit of unity on a day that was supposed to be all about coming together.

This controversy erased calls for calmer tones and unity that were made earlier. While PM Modi had quipped about Birla’s ‘sweet smile’ that ‘keeps the entire House happy’, Opposition leaders have raised their pitch on how dissenting voices also need to be heard.

The election was quite unique as it was only the third time ever since independence that a candidate for the Speakership faced competition. The ruling NDA’s candidate Birla won the confidence voting with 297 votes against the opposition candidate Congress MP K Suresh who got only 232 votes.

It shows the pro-government and anti-government forces still exist in the country and the opposition has always been complaining that the government does not allow a Deputy Speaker from the opposition to be appointed – a post that has not been filled in the previous Lok Sabha term.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Speaker Election: Om Birla of NDA gets a challenge from Kodikunnil Suresh of INDIA bloc

Beginning the new parliamentary session this controversy lays the ground for future heated discussions and debates within the Lok Sabha.