New Delhi, March 12. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla sat on the Speaker’s chair for the first time on Thursday after the no-confidence motion against himself was rejected by voice vote. He said that for the third time in the parliamentary history of India, a resolution was taken on the no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and it was discussed for more than 12 hours over two days. It has always been his endeavor that every member within the House can express his views under the rules and procedures and everyone gets adequate opportunities.
Same rules for all in Parliament, no one can be considered above the rules
Om Birla said that everyone should be proud of India’s democracy and its Constitution. He said, ‘There has been a great tradition of agreement and disagreement in the House. I have always tried to maintain balance in the House and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. The rules are the same for everyone in Parliament and no one can be considered above the rules.
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• I have always tried to ensure that the House runs fairly and according to the rules.
• I do not try to suspend any member.
• He said that taking such difficult decisions pains him, but he asked members to question whether these… pic.twitter.com/WxkahCOJD2
— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) March 12, 2026
There is no button near the chair by which an MP’s mic can be turned off or on.
Giving an example, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that even the Prime Minister has to give notice before speaking in the House. He clarified that no one can be given the right to speak beyond the rules and the House will function only as per the procedure. He also said that the Chair does not have any button by which an MP’s mic can be turned on or off. Members can speak only when their turn comes.
Committed to maintaining constitutional dignity and decorum in Parliament
Om Birla said in the Lok Sabha that it is very important to have a strong opposition in a democracy. He also said that in Parliament all members are given an opportunity to express their views and the proceedings of the House are always conducted as per the rules and procedures. He said that he is grateful to all those MPs who raised issues related to his functioning. He assured that he is committed to maintaining constitutional dignity and decorum in Parliament.
Speaking in the House strengthens our democracy and ensures accountability. The House is a lively platform for discussion.
I have always tried to ensure that every member in the House gets adequate opportunities to express his views on topics and issues. Those honorable members who hesitate to speak should be actively… pic.twitter.com/GehhUkcTdG— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) March 12, 2026
It is mandatory to seek permission from the Speaker before speaking in the House.
On the opposition’s allegation that he was not given adequate opportunity to speak in the House, the Lok Sabha Speaker clarified that the proceedings of the Lok Sabha are conducted as per the laid down rules and procedures. He said that it is mandatory for any member to take permission from the Speaker before speaking in the House.
The opposition did not follow the rules many times, which led to difficult decisions
Om Birla said that the permission of the Speaker has to be taken before presenting any photo, document, quote or printed material in the Parliament. He indicated that the opposition did not follow these rules many times, due to which they had to take difficult decisions. On the questions raised regarding the suspension of MPs, Om Birla said that he does not want to suspend any member, but sometimes difficult decisions have to be taken to maintain the dignity of the House.
‘When rules of Parliament are violated, then I have to fulfill my responsibility‘
He said, ‘I feel sad in taking such decisions, but it should also be seen why the situation of suspension arises. When the rules of Parliament are violated, then I have to fulfill my responsibility.
Speaker has the power to maintain discipline and decorum in the House
Om Birla said that under Rule 377, the Speaker has the power to maintain discipline and decorum in the House. Referring to the protest by opposition women MPs, the Speaker said that when some MPs proceeded towards the treasury bench carrying placards, he had to take action to protect the dignity of Parliament. He has always tried to enhance the dignity of the House and strengthen its democratic traditions and will continue to work in the same spirit in future also.
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