A day after a resolution seeking his removal from office was defeated, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the House functions strictly under its rules and regulations and will continue to do so, irrespective of whether it is acceptable to any member, and asserted that he would conduct the proceedings with sincerity and fairness. Birla was addressing the Lok Sabha for the first time since the vote for his removal, raised by over 100 Opposition members, failed by a voice vote in the Lok Sabha.

The speaker said, ‘The members of the House have strengthened the traditions of the House, and always increased the prestige of the house. I thank everyone for putting their trust in me. I give you my confidence that I will always work to carry out my duties in an impartial, fair manner.’ He said the Chair does not belong to any individual, but is a symbol of the prestige of the House.

Om Birla further said that the Lok Sabha will continue to function according to laid down rules and procedures irrespective of whether it is acceptable to any member or not, underlining that he will conduct the proceedings with sincerity and fairness.

The Speaker said that during the debate over the last two days, some members said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is not given enough opportunities to speak, and that he should be allowed to speak whenever he wishes and on any subject. He said, ‘Everyone has the right to speak in the House, but by following rules and regulations. No member, not even the prime minister or any minister, can speak without the permission of the Chair. No member of the House has the privilege to speak at any time and on any subject. He can speak only when the Chair allows’.

Birla further said allegations that he controlled the microphones of MPs in the House were baseless. The Speaker underlined that he does not have a ‘switch’ to control the mic and explained the procedure in detail.

Thursday was the first time Birla came to the House to conduct the proceedings since the notice of no confidence was given during the first part of the Budget session, which came to an end on February 13. The second part of the session began on March 9.