Opposition Parties Confront Speaker Over Denial of Speech Rights

A delegation of opposition parties met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to protest the denial of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's right to speak in the House. They criticized the Speaker's politicization and arbitrary procedures, highlighting concerns over the lack of Deputy Speaker appointment and restricted legislative debates.

A delegation from various opposition parties confronted Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday, protesting the denial of an opportunity for Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to voice his concerns in the House. The opposition accused the Speaker of politicizing procedural rules to the detriment of democratic discourse.

Congress' deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi highlighted that several opposition parties, including the Congress, DMK, and TMC, expressed disappointment over the ruling side's alleged infractions on parliamentary traditions. Similar criticisms were directed at the long-standing vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post since 2019.

The delegation also criticized the unilateral introduction of business by the government without consulting the opposition, frequent neglect of private members' bills, and the systemic silencing of opposition lawmakers during significant legislative discussions.

(With inputs from agencies.)