PM Modi writes to Om Birla after no-confidence motion defeat, praises patience

A week after the Lok Sabha rejected a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to Speaker Om Birla praising his conduct during the heated proceedings, even as Birla separately urged political leaders to rein in unruly behaviour and restore discipline in Parliament.

The exchange of letters comes amid rising concerns over disruptions in the House, including the display of placards and banners by members inside the chamber and the Parliament complex.

PM PRAISES SPEAKER’S CONDUCT DURING PROCEEDINGS

In his letter, Prime Minister Modi commended the “patience, restraint, and impartiality” shown by Birla during the debate and voting on the no-confidence motion brought against him in the Lok Sabha last week.

The Prime Minister wrote that the proceedings had given birth to a “new political culture” in the House and stressed the importance of protecting democratic institutions.

He also expressed concern over what he described as a “dynastic and feudal mindset” among certain individuals who, according to him, seek to confine democratic institutions within their limited spheres and resist the emergence of new leadership.

Emphasising the role of Parliament, Modi wrote that it remains the sanctum for “dialogue, reason, and deliberation”, where voices from every region of the country deserve representation.

BIRLA THANKS PM FOR SUPPORT

Responding to the letter, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla conveyed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and said Modi has consistently shown deep faith in the rules, procedures and traditions of India’s parliamentary democracy.

Birla said the Prime Minister’s letter reflects the moral values of public service that he has upheld throughout his political life, both as the Prime Minister and earlier as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

SPEAKER RAISES CONCERN OVER CONDUCT OF MPS

Soon after, Birla wrote to leaders of all political parties in the Lok Sabha, raising concerns over the behaviour of members inside the House and in the Parliament complex.

“For some time now, the dignity and prestige of our parliamentary democracy have been compromised by certain Honourable Members within the chamber and on the Parliament House complex,” Birla wrote.

“The manner in which banners, placards, and posters are being displayed, the nature of the language being used, and the overall conduct and behaviour exhibited inside the House and the premises are matters of grave concern for all of us,” he said, calling for serious reflection by all parties.

CALL TO UPHOLD PARLIAMENTARY TRADITIONS

The Speaker reminded leaders that Parliament has long maintained a tradition of dignified debate and dialogue. He referred to past instances when concerns over declining standards of conduct led to discussions among political parties and resolutions at conferences of presiding officers.

Birla also said he has repeatedly raised the issue in meetings of the Business Advisory Committee and in interactions with party leaders, urging them to maintain decorum inside the House.

“The entire country observes our conduct, and the message from India’s Parliament resonates across all democratic institutions in the nation,” he wrote.

Calling for collective responsibility, Birla urged party leaderships to ensure discipline among their members in the chamber and across the Parliament complex.

“If we all strive together in this direction, the public's faith in parliamentary democracy will surely be further strengthened, and the prestige and dignity of the House will continue to grow,” he wrote, expressing confidence that political leaders would cooperate in preserving the traditions of Parliament.

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