Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated today that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a deep belief in the fundamental nature of Parliament and has always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India's parliamentary democracy. Mr. Birla made the statement in response to a letter written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him. The Lok Sabha Speaker said the Prime Minister's letter expresses the highest ethical values of public service that Mr. Modi has upheld throughout his long public life.
Mr. Birla said the letter will inspire all elected representatives in Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies and will further strengthen the robust ethical foundation of Indian democracy. In his letter, Mr. Modi congratulated MPs for the defeat of the no-confidence motion brought against the Lok Sabha Speaker. The Prime Minister said that differences of opinion are natural in a democracy.
Diversity of opinion is what makes democracy vibrant. He said, however, that it is equally true that there is a clear distinction between disagreement and disrespect. It is a matter of concern for all those who believe in democracy and its institutions that political disagreement sometimes appears to turn into disrespect for parliamentary decorum. He added that such moments test the person in the chair. Mr. Modi said the restraint, balance, and impartiality showcased by Mr. Birla in handling these circumstances are commendable.