Om Birla has been elected again as the Speaker of Lok Sabha. On the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha on Wednesday, he was chosen by voice vote. Om Birla displayed determination and control from day one of his consecutive second term as Speaker. In his maiden speech, he referred to the Emergency as a 'dark blot'. Social media is abuzz with discussions about his firm handling of the opposition's barbs.
A two-minute silence was observed for those who lost their lives during the Emergency. While the ruling party maintained silence, the opposition created a commotion. The uproar led Birla to adopt a stern demeanor towards the opposition leaders and advised them to speak only when their turn came.
Heavyweights from the opposition including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Asaduddin Owaisi, Supriya Sule, and Arvind Sawant, suggested that the parliament's face needs changing this term. Birla responded with assertive retorts amidst the sarcasm from the ranks of the opposition. When several opposition MPs stood up simultaneously, it was Birla's statement—urging respect for the chair and maintaining order—that became the day's highlight.
'I hope I won't need to repeat this in the next 5 years'
Prior to AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi's address, when some MPs raised a cacophony and stood up, Birla showed his annoyance. Taking to his feet, he called for order and clarified that MPs must speak only after being named and one at a time. Once the house was settled, Speaker Birla resumed his seat and stated, "Honorable members, I want to make it clear that when the Speaker stands, all MPs should immediately take their seats. This is my first time saying this, I hope not to need to repeat it over the next five years."
Speaker Birla demonstrates authority
In another instance, when Harsimrat Kaur took the chance to criticize BJP and Congress, the Speaker advised her to save political speeches for later. Similarly, when National Conference MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi raised the issue of Article 370 and labeled a Muslim MP as a terrorist, Birla expressed displeasure and remarked on his lack of knowledge. He continued, "Honorable members, today is the first day of session. Be mindful of the remarks you make while speaking. Observe the tenure before commenting."
A strong condemnation of the Emergency in the first speech
Speaker Om Birla, in his first address to the house, sternly condemned the decision to impose the Emergency in 1975. He also appreciated the resolute spirit of all those who opposed the Emergency, who struggled and shouldered the responsibility of protecting India's democracy.
He further asserted that June 25, 1975, would always be known as a dark chapter in India's history. On that day, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency and attacked the constitution forged by Babasaheb Ambedkar. India has always been recognized as the birthplace of democracy worldwide, where democratic values and debate have been advocated and protected. Such values were trampled upon as Gandhi imposed a dictatorship, crushing India's democratic ethos and throttling the voice of freedom.
