New Delhi, March 10 In a scathing attack on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused him of partisan behaviour on Tuesday, 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 post, stating that the opposition was compelled to bring the resolution to "save the Constitution" and the "dignity of the House".
"Where is the freedom of speech now?" Gogoi asked, criticizing Birla's alleged partisanship.
He questioned the manner in which Birla presided over the House on February 2, when Gandhi was scheduled to speak on the motion of thanks to the President's address.
"We expected the chair to be neutral. However, research of uncorrected transcripts would show the number of times the LoP was interrupted. While the LoP was speaking, another member was called upon (to speak)," Gogoi said. "Is this parliamentary tradition we want to see? Microphones are being used to silence MPs. This contradicts the traditions of this House."
Gogoi also cited remarks 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 Assam's Jorhat said the objectives of women MPs are being questioned.
"When the PM was to speak on the motion of thanks to the President's address, the Speaker advised PM Modi not to come to the House, citing credible information that certain women MPs would surround the PM's chair and create an unexpected situation," Gogoi said.
"This is a breach of neutrality," Gogoi stated, accusing the Speaker of preemptively advising the PM not to attend.
He alleged that the charges against women MPs were baseless and that a "paternalistic" tone is adopted towards them in the House.
He also claimed that the LoP's remarks are often expunged, but when treasury bench members make baseless allegations against former PMs, it is allowed.
The Congress leader claimed that the environment in Parliament has become such that the LoP is not allowed to speak because the leadership of the country is "weak".
Gogoi explained that the opposition was compelled to bring the resolution because the LoP was repeatedly interrupted 20 times by the Speaker, members of the chairpersons' panel, and senior members of the treasury benches while attempting to raise critical issues.
"The Speaker did not allow the LoP to speak. The LoP was repeatedly interrupted while attempting to raise critical issues that needed to be known to 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, which reportedly included Naravane stating that he received direction from the political leadership and the country's "mukhiya" told him "'Jo uchit samjho wahi karo" (Do what you feel is right)," Gogoi said.
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 this was a discussion on the Speaker, and if the opposition is talking of other issues, they should not interrupt when "we reply".
Gogoi claimed that if a research of transcripts was done, 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 the 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 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.