New Delhi, 01 October (H.S.): Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday paid floral tributes to former Lok Sabha Speaker G.M.C. Balayogi on his birth anniversary at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

Om Birla, in a post on X, described Balayogi as an inspiring legacy of parliamentary dignity, impartiality and democratic values. He said Balayogi’s tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker was particularly remembered for his commitment to strengthening parliamentary traditions, upholding the dignity of the House and maintaining impartiality towards members of all political parties.

Om Birla said Balayogi’s public life was marked by struggle, education and sustained hard work. He noted that Balayogi firmly believed that the primary responsibility of the Lok Sabha Speaker was to safeguard the dignity and honour of the House.

Upon assuming the office of Speaker, Balayogi assured members from all sections of the House that his decisions would remain impartial and that he would conduct proceedings in the spirit of collective wisdom.

An important aspect of Balayogi’s parliamentary legacy was his emphasis on parliamentary ethics and conduct. During his tenure, a provision was incorporated into the Lok Sabha’s rules and procedures under which members who entered the Well of the House and disrupted proceedings could face automatic suspension.

OmBirla said the credibility of Parliament depends not only on its ability to legislate but also on the conduct of its members and the institutional dignity of the House. Balayogi, he said, paid particular attention to this aspect. He was also credited with establishing the Lok Sabha’s first Ethics Committee.

Balayogi’s contribution extended beyond ensuring the smooth functioning of the House. He believed that elected representatives should receive adequate professional training and orientation to discharge their responsibilities effectively. He therefore placed emphasis on strengthening orientation programmes for newly elected Members of Parliament and legislators.

Birla said this approach remains highly relevant, as a strong Parliament requires capable representatives who understand their constitutional and public responsibilities.

Remembering Balayogi, Birla said, was an opportunity to recall the values that form the foundation of a healthy parliamentary democracy. He said Balayogi’s parliamentary vision, democratic commitment and dedication to the dignity of institutions would remain an enduring part of the memory of the Indian Parliament.

Balayogi’s public career began at the grassroots level before he progressed to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and subsequently to Parliament. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991.

In 1998, Balayogi was elected Speaker of the Lok Sabha, becoming the youngest person to hold the office at the time. The House then represented nearly 40 political parties and had a highly diverse political composition.

Presiding over such a politically diverse House was a demanding responsibility, but Balayogi’s approach helped build trust among members across party lines. He was elected Lok Sabha Speaker for a second term in 1999, on that occasion unanimously.

The renewed consensus among the diverse political parties in the Lok Sabha reflected the broad confidence that members placed in Balayogi’s leadership of the House.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar