NEW DELHI — In an unprecedented development that has sent ripples through India’s political landscape, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla revealed on Thursday that he personally advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi to skip his scheduled appearance in the House on February 4.
The Speaker’s directive was reportedly based on "definite and concrete information" that Opposition members, primarily from the Congress party, had orchestrated a plan to stage a protest in an "unprecedented and inappropriate manner."
"Democratic Traditions in Shreds"
Addressing the House before an adjournment, Speaker Birla expressed deep anguish over what he described as a calculated attempt to dismantle parliamentary decorum.He disclosed that intelligence inputs suggested Opposition MPs were planning to approach the Prime Minister's seat to carry out an "unforeseen act."
"If such an incident had occurred, it would have torn the country's democratic traditions to shreds," Birla stated. "As the presiding officer, it was my responsibility to prevent a mishap. I requested the Prime Minister not to come to the House, and I thank him for accepting my advice to maintain the dignity of this institution."
The Speaker further characterized the behavior of certain members—specifically citing scenes where women MPs approached the Treasury benches with banners—as a "black spot" on the history of the Lok Sabha.
"If such an incident had occurred, it would have torn the country's democratic traditions to shreds," Birla stated. "As the presiding officer, it was my responsibility to prevent a mishap. I requested the Prime Minister not to come to the House, and I thank him for accepting my advice to maintain the dignity of this institution."
The Speaker further characterized the behavior of certain members—specifically citing scenes where women MPs approached the Treasury benches with banners—as a "black spot" on the history of the Lok Sabha.
The Opposition’s Strategy
The revelation follows a day of high drama on Wednesday, where the customary reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address was bypassed for the first time in over two decades. The Opposition’s strategy appeared to be a multi-pronged offensive:* Coordinated Disruption: Reports suggest a planned surge toward the Prime Minister's chair the moment he rose to speak.
* The "Naravane" Factor: Tensions had already reached a boiling point over Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to cite an "unpublished" memoir by former Army chief MM Naravane, which the government successfully blocked.
* Tactical Presence: Intelligence reportedly indicated that women MPs were to be used as a "front" in the protest to complicate any security intervention.
Congress leaders maintain that their protest was a legitimate democratic expression against the government's refusal to allow Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak on matters of national security.
* The "Naravane" Factor: Tensions had already reached a boiling point over Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to cite an "unpublished" memoir by former Army chief MM Naravane, which the government successfully blocked.
* Tactical Presence: Intelligence reportedly indicated that women MPs were to be used as a "front" in the protest to complicate any security intervention.
War of Words Erupts
The Speaker’s statement has drawn a sharp rebuke from the Congress leadership. Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra dismissed the claims as a "cover-up," accusing the Prime Minister of "hiding behind the Speaker" to avoid facing the House.Congress leaders maintain that their protest was a legitimate democratic expression against the government's refusal to allow Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak on matters of national security.
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