Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla conducts proceedings in the House during the second part of Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, on March 12, 2026. Photo: PTI/Sansad TV
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, addressing the no-confidence motion moved against him, on Thursday (March 12, 2026) said that he is grateful to all the members of the Parliament for bringing up issues in his duties, including the lack of transparency.
“I thank all those who supported me or gave critical views during debate on resolution against me,” Mr. Birla said, adding that he “will uphold constitutional dignity in the Parliament”.
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Responding to the allegation that he did not allow the Opposition to speak, he said that “the House follows rules and regulations that mandates the permission of the Speaker before addressing”. The Lok Sabha Speaker said “House represents will of 140 crore Indians. Every member has right to speak as per rules. I always tried to ensure that every member expresses him or herself under laid down rules, procedures. I have always encouraged those who hesitate to participate in House proceedings.”
Mr. Birla also noted, “All photographs, printed material, quotes and documents must get the Speaker’s approval before being tabled in the Parliament. He insinuated that the Opposition did not adhere to this rule, forcing him to make difficult decisions.”
On the allegations of preferentially controlling the mics of members, and turning off the mics of the Opposition, Mr. Birla said that the Chair does not have any button to control the mics. He said that members can speak only when it is their turn.
Addressing on the Opposition women MPs’ protest issue, he said that he made the decision to “protect the Parliament’s dignity” after the MPs stormed the treasury bench holding placards.
“I try not to suspend any members,” Mr. Birla said. He said that it pains him to make such difficult decisions, but asked the members to question why these suspensions have to take place. He said that he suspended the Opposition members because they violated the rules of the Parliament. “This is my duty,” he said, under Rule 377, to exercise his power to maintain decorum.
“The Chair does not belong to one person but is a symbol of prestige of the House,” Mr. Birla said, adding, “I stayed away from House proceedings the day Opposition gave notice for motion seeking my removal as Speaker.”
He reiterated, “No one in Lok Sabha is above rules, it applies to all.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – March 12, 2026 01:04 pm IST
