New Delhi
During a session in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Speaker Om Birla engaged in a discussion where the Speaker questioned Rahul Gandhi about his gesture of bowing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they shook hands on the day Om Birla was elected as Speaker of the Lok Sabha on June 26.
Speaking during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address to Parliament, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the significance of the Speaker’s role in shaping Indian democracy. He stated, what the Speaker says fundamentally defines Indian democracy.
Addressing Om Birla directly, Rahul Gandhi explained, As Leader of the Opposition, I have a responsibility to put aside personal likes and dislikes and voice the opposition. When you were being escorted to your chair, I walked beside you, shook hands with the PM, and then with you. You are the ultimate authority in the Lok Sabha, and your decisions define our democracy whether you permit us to speak or not, it all reflects on Indian democracy.
He then pointed out an observation to the Speaker, saying, when Modi ji shook your hand, you bowed down slightly, whereas when I shook your hand, you stood upright. Rahul Gandhi’s remarks highlighted perceptions of gestures within the parliamentary setting.
The exchange between Rahul Gandhi and Om Birla stressed differing interpretations and perceptions of parliamentary decorum and interactions, reflecting ongoing debates and dynamics within India’s political arena.
