Indian Speaker Tells Rahul Gandhi to Follow House Rules Amid Opposition Protest
New Delhi, March 26 – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday reminded Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to adhere to parliamentary rules, triggering fresh tensions between the government and the opposition Congress party, whose lawmakers had earlier raised concerns over Gandhi being denied the opportunity to speak in the House.
A delegation of over 70 Congress MPs, including Deputy Leader of the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, party general secretary K.C. Venugopal, and whip Manickam Tagore, met Birla to protest what they called restrictions on Gandhi’s participation in debates.
“It is expected of the Leader of the Opposition to conduct himself as per the rules,” Birla told the House. He cited Rule 349, which governs the conduct of members, but did not specify the exact reason for his remarks directed at Gandhi. The Speaker also noted instances of behavior that, he said, fell short of parliamentary standards.
A visibly surprised Gandhi attempted to respond but was not given the floor before Birla adjourned the session. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi accused the government of running the House in an “undemocratic manner” and said he was unfairly targeted without a chance to clarify his position.
Tensions in Parliament have escalated in recent weeks, with previous disruptions including protests by DMK lawmakers wearing T-shirts with slogans, which the Speaker ruled violated dress code regulations. Congress leaders have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of stifling debate in the Lok Sabha ahead of key legislative discussions.
