Om Birla Triggers Row with Emergency Remark in Maiden Speech as Lok Sabha Speaker
Om Birla, recently elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha, stirred controversy during his inaugural address by condemning the imposition of Emergency in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In a poignant speech, Birla described the Emergency as a dark chapter in India’s history, emphasizing its suppression of democratic values and freedom of expression.
He expressed reverence for those who opposed the Emergency, lauding their efforts in safeguarding India’s democracy. Birla underscored the significance of June 25, 1975, as a pivotal moment when democratic principles were severely tested and constitutional freedoms were curtailed.
His remarks, which labeled the Emergency as a period of dictatorship and highlighted its detrimental impact on India’s democratic fabric, sparked protests from the opposition within the Parliament. Despite the dissent, Birla observed a solemn two-minute silence to honor the lives lost during that turbulent period.
Following his election by voice vote, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Birla, noting his leadership during the previous term of the Lok Sabha, which saw the passage of significant legislation including the Women’s Reservation Bill and the abrogation of Article 370.
The election of Om Birla as Speaker marked a departure from tradition, as consensus could not be reached between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, necessitating a formal election—a rarity in parliamentary history.
Om Birla, born in 1962, began his political career in Rajasthan and has been a prominent BJP leader since 1987. His election as Speaker in 2019 marked his ascension to a position typically held by seasoned parliamentarians, reflecting his stature within the party and parliamentary experience.
