New Delhi, March 10 In a scathing attack on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused him on Tuesday of partisan behaviour, making "baseless" allegations against opposition MPs and preventing Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi from raising "critical issues" before the House.
Gogoi initiated the debate on the resolution to remove Birla from the Speaker's position, stating that the opposition was compelled to bring the resolution to "protect the Constitution" and the "dignity of the House".
He questioned, "Where is the freedom of speech now?"
He raised concerns about the Speaker's actions on February 2, when Gandhi was scheduled to address the House, specifically questioning why the Speaker allowed interruptions.
"There was an expectation that the chair would be neutral. However, examining uncorrected transcripts would reveal how many times the LoP was interrupted. While the LoP was speaking, another member was called upon," Gogoi said. "Is this the parliamentary tradition we want to uphold? Microphones are being used to silence MPs. This is in direct contradiction with the principles of this House."
Gogoi also cited remarks made by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, stating that the Speaker represents the dignity of the House and symbolizes the nation's freedom and liberty. "Where is the freedom of speech now?" he added.
The Congress MP from Jorhat, Assam, questioned the objective being placed on women MPs.
"When the PM was scheduled to address the House, the Speaker advised PM Modi not to attend, citing credible information that certain women MPs would surround the PM's chair and create an unexpected situation," Gogoi said.
"This is a serious breach of neutrality," Gogoi stated.
Gogoi further alleged that the charges against women MPs are "baseless." He also claimed that a "paternalistic" approach is adopted towards women MPs in the House.
He said that while the LoP's remarks are often expunged, allegations made by treasury bench members against former PMs are allowed.
The Congress leader claimed that the environment in Parliament has become such that the LoP is not allowed to speak due to the leadership of the country.
Giving reasons as to why the opposition was compelled to bring the resolution, Gogoi said, "When the LoP wanted to speak on the motion of thanks to the President's address, he was interrupted 20 times by the Speaker, members of the chairpersons' panel, and senior members of the treasury benches. The interruptions were premeditated."
"The Speaker did not allow the LoP to speak. The LoP was repeatedly interrupted while attempting to raise critical issues that needed to be discussed by the House and the people of the country," Gogoi said.
Gandhi wanted to discuss former army chief MM Naravane's remarks in his unreleased book, in which Naravane reportedly discussed taking direction from political leaders and being told by the country's "mukhiya" (head) that "Jo uchit samjho wahi karo" (Do what you feel is right).
At this point, Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair, urged Gogoi to stick to the reasons for bringing the resolution against Birla.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju intervened, saying that this was a discussion about the Speaker, and if the opposition was talking about other issues, they should not interrupt when "we are replying".
Gogoi claimed that if a transcript were examined, Rijiju would be found to interrupt opposition members most often.
Home Minister Amit Shah then quipped that it is true that Rijiju has interrupted the most, but there has never been an opposition like the current one.
After several interruptions, Gogoi resumed his speech and said Gandhi wanted to raise the issue of the ongoing investigation in the US against a businessman, which also mentions a minister, but was not allowed.
Gandhi also wanted to discuss trade deals between the EU and the US with India. "He (Gandhi) asked what made India rush into a deal (with the US) and make concessions to the US that would be detrimental to our farmers," Gogoi said.
"When the leader of the opposition wanted to bring critical issues to light, the Speaker demanded authentication, and the LoP agreed to do so. However, treasury benches repeatedly opposed it and did not allow the LoP to speak," Gogoi said.
Earlier, the Congress MP raised questions over Pal presiding over the proceedings and asked who decided who would preside over the proceedings on the resolution for the removal of the Speaker.
He said that all members have good relations with Birla on a personal level, and that is why the opposition members are saddened that they had to bring the resolution. "But it is our responsibility to protect the dignity of the House and save the Constitution. It is to protect the faith of the people in democracy," he added.