Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday opened the debate on the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying the aim was not to target him or the President but to preserve the dignity of Parliament.
Gogoi said that microphones in Parliament have been used as a weapon as they are often switched off to ensure that the voices of opposition leaders are not heard. He added that Birla interrupted opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s speech when he spoke about important issues such as the trade deal between India and the United States.
“In February, when the Parliament Party spoke of a motion of thanks for the President’s speech, it was stopped at least 20 times. The Speaker of Parliament, the President, Parliamentary Affairs, Defense, the Home Minister and others boycotted the proceedings. All the Parliament Party wanted to know was why the government had told the then Army Chief, ‘Gochit Samjo Wah Karo.’ [do whatever you deem appropriate’]He said, referring to former Army Chief Manoj Naravane’s unpublished memoirs.
Gandhi’s repeated attempts last month to point to a magazine report based on his memoirs to question the government’s handling of the 2020 border clash with China sparked a row in the Lok Sabha. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and other BJP members accused the Congress leader of “misleading” the House.
Jagoi said that Gandhi was interrupted while speaking on such a crucial issue. “When the army needed a defense minister, it had to wait. We are not Pakistan. Our army was asking the political leadership what decisions needed to be taken while enemy tanks were approaching. Our leader was simply asking why.” [Prime Minister Narendra Modi] “Jo uchit samhejo woh karo,” Gogoi told the army.
Gogoi said the Speaker interrupted the speech episode when he was highlighting other facts. “In this discussion, it should be clear what issue the LOP was talking about when he was interrupted.”
He wondered why India was rushing towards a trade deal. “What made India make concessions affecting our farmers. Why did the Prime Minister support the deal? What kind of pressure was the government under? Was the government under pressure because of the names in the Epstein files and other names that may have been there?” he asked, referring to documents, photos, videos and emails detailing the activities of convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his circle.
Gogoi said they brought the resolution with a heavy heart and made it clear that it was not a personal attack. “We were forced to submit this resolution. The personal relationship of the Speaker of Parliament is good with everyone. But we were forced to submit this resolution to save democracy and the dignity of Parliament. The dignity of Parliament and its rules must be protected.”
He said they are doing this to save the House of Representatives and people’s faith in democracy. “Parliament is a temple that everyone can enter. You may be from the left, an experienced politician, or an independent. This place is open to everyone, regardless of gender or creed, so the role of the Speaker of Parliament is very important. Constitutional ethics require neutrality. The Speaker is the guardian of the right of the entire House.”
The 10-hour debate began in Lok Sabha on the no-confidence motion after Congress MP Mohammad Jawad moved a resolution. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who presided over the House, said 10 hours had been allotted for the discussion.
Opposition leaders questioned the legitimacy of Pal chairing the debate as he is a member of a committee selected by Birla.
