Lok Sabha Row: Speaker Adjourns House as Rahul Gandhi Denied Chance to Speak, Congress Protests

The Lok Sabha witnessed a sudden adjournment on Wednesday during Zero Hour after Speaker Om Birla stated that MPs, particularly Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, “should maintain the high standards and dignity of the House.” As Gandhi stood up to respond, the Speaker immediately adjourned the session, sparking protests from the Congress.

Later, addressing the media, Gandhi called the proceedings “undemocratic,” alleging that he had been repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak over the past week.

A delegation of Congress MPs, including Deputy Lok Sabha Leader Gaurav Gogoi, met the Speaker in his chamber to seek clarification. Gogoi later described the response as “vague” and “unsatisfactory.”

Excerpts from Gaurav Gogoi’s Interview:

IE: What prompted the Speaker’s remarks on dignity in the House?
Gaurav Gogoi: Frankly, we don’t know. During Zero Hour, MPs were raising issues concerning their states when the Speaker took the Chair and made his statement. There was no prior discussion, no warning—just an abrupt adjournment before anyone could understand his reasoning.

IE: After the adjournment, Congress MPs met the Speaker. What was the purpose of the meeting?
Gaurav Gogoi: The LoP was referred to directly, and when he stood up to speak, he was not allowed to do so. Why? The Speaker has the authority to remind MPs of parliamentary decorum, but convention also grants the LoP the right to be heard. The systematic undermining of this constitutional position under the Modi government is alarming.

IE: What did you discuss with the Speaker?
Gaurav Gogoi: We sought to understand why the House was adjourned instead of allowing the LoP to make his point. It was Zero Hour—no crucial legislation was being debated, and the list of scheduled speakers had been exhausted. Parliamentary traditions could have been upheld by letting the LoP speak.

PM Modi often speaks about the importance of dissent in democracy, yet the reality inside Parliament is entirely different. Opposition mics are muted, key ministries are ignored during discussions, ministers avoid giving direct replies during Question Hour, and the LoP is denied the respect his position commands. This is blatant hypocrisy.

IE: How did the Speaker respond to your concerns?
Gaurav Gogoi: His response was neither clear nor satisfactory. I won’t disclose the specifics, but it was inconclusive and left us without a proper explanation.

IE: Was there a specific incident that could have triggered the Speaker’s remarks?
Gaurav Gogoi: Rahul Gandhi has always contributed meaningfully to parliamentary discussions. Even when PM Modi made a statement on the Kumbh Mela, the LoP wanted to speak in support of its successful organization—but was denied the opportunity.

Similarly, when discussing economic matters, he tries to address real issues like unemployment. His speech on promoting indigenous technology was widely appreciated. He speaks on behalf of the stakeholders he interacts with.

However, the BJP’s double standards are becoming increasingly evident—they talk about democracy but suppress the Opposition at every turn.