Rahul Gandhi and Speaker Om Birla’s Debate in Lok Sabha

On Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had a verbal exchange in the House. The discussion began when Speaker Birla questioned why Rahul Gandhi bowed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while shaking hands on June 26, the day Birla was elected as Speaker.

Rahul Gandhi’s Perspective

Rahul Gandhi explained that the Speaker’s words are crucial to Indian Democracy. He emphasized that as the Leader of the Opposition, he must set aside personal likes and dislikes to represent the voice of the opposition. He recounted how he shook hands with both the Prime Minister and the Speaker, noting that Birla bowed to Modi but stood straight while shaking his hand.

Response from Amit Shah and Om Birla

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the Speaker’s chair. In response, Speaker Birla explained that his cultural values teach him to bow to elders and treat equals with respect. He stated, “My culture teaches me to bow down in front of elders and shake hands with equals by standing straight.”

Rahul Gandhi’s Rebuttal

Rahul Gandhi reiterated his respect for the Speaker but maintained that the Speaker should not bow to anyone. He stressed that the Speaker is the final authority in the Lok Sabha and that all members, including himself, are subservient to the Speaker. He also highlighted his role as the Leader of the Opposition, representing all parties with love and affection.

Additional Remarks

In his first speech as Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi also criticized the government over the Agniveer scheme and the NEET paper leak issue.