New Delhi, 15 March (H.S.):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a commendatory letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday, extolling his unflinching composure, impartiality, and leadership following the decisive defeat of a no-confidence motion against him in the Lower House.
In the missive,PM Modi lauded Birla for meticulously upholding parliamentary decorum and the sanctity of democratic institutions amid the contentious proceedings. He highlighted Birla's post-motion address, noting its balance, patience, and clarity in invoking parliamentary history, the Speaker's duties, and the primacy of procedural rules, which he deemed profoundly impressive.
PM Modi underscored that Birla's assertion—no one in this House is above the rules—reinforces the bedrock of India's democracy, emphasizing the Speaker's pivotal role in nurturing traditions, enforcing discipline, and preserving institutional dignity. He further applauded Birla for equitably amplifying new voices, particularly those of young MPs, even under duress, thereby expanding democracy's inclusive ethos.
Om Birla responded promptly on X, conveying heartfelt gratitude for PM Modi's inspiring words, which he said embody an unwavering commitment to parliamentary norms transcending partisan divides.
This exchange, Birla noted, would galvanize elected representatives across legislatures, fortifying the ethical pillars laid by India's freedom fighters and Constituent Assembly framers.
No-Trust Motion Backdrop
The opposition-led motion, endorsed by 118 MPs spearheaded by Congress's Mohammad Jawed, accused Birla of partisanship, including mass MP suspensions and prolonged Deputy Speaker vacancy. Spanning nearly 12 hours over two days—concluding March 11 with a voice vote under BJP's Jagdambika Pal amid opposition uproar demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's apology—it was swiftly negatived. Birla, recusing himself during debate, later reaffirmed his impartial conduct, stressing every member's rule-bound speaking rights and the House's representation of 1.4 billion citizens' mandate.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
