NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praising him for his composure, impartiality and leadership after a no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the House. PM Modi also lauded him for upholding parliamentary decorum and ensuring the dignity of democratic institutions.In the letter, PM Modi wrote, “The no-confidence motion brought against you in the Lok Sabha has been rejected by the House. Just as the House clearly rejected this political act, I also congratulate the members of the House for this. After the motion was defeated, I carefully listened to the statement you made in the House. The balance, patience, and clarity with which you referred to parliamentary history, the responsibilities of the Speaker, and the supremacy of rules is highly impressive. I commend you for this.”
PM Modi further praised the Speaker for safeguarding democratic norms, emphasizing that “no one in this House is above the rules”. “The responsibility of the Lok Sabha Speaker is not just to conduct proceedings but also to safeguard democratic traditions, rules, and the institutional dignity. Your clear statement that no one in this House is above the rules is a message that reaffirms the core spirit of our democracy,” PM Modi wrote.PM Modi also acknowledged that democratic institutions often face challenges when new voices emerge and said Birla had consistently broadened the spirit of democracy by ensuring equal opportunities for all members, especially young and new MPs. Modi wrote, “The manner in which you have discharged your duties even amid difficult circumstances is truly inspiring.”
‘Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words’: Om Birla responds to PM Modi’s letter
Om Birla responding to PM Modi’s letter thanked him for his words of courage and said that the message reflected his deep faith in parliamentary rules, traditions and democratic values.Sharing the letter in a post on X, he wrote: “I have received your letter. You have always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India’s parliamentary democracy. Your letter expresses those highest ethical values of public service that you have lived by throughout your long public life; both in your current role as Prime Minister of India and previously as Chief Minister of Gujarat.” Birla further expressed his thanks to PM Modi for his inspiring words. “This message of yours, transcending the boundaries of party lines, will inspire all elected representatives in Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies, and will further strengthen the robust ethical foundation of the democracy established by our freedom fighters and the members of the Constituent Assembly. Heartfelt thanks for your inspiring words,” he wrote.Om Birla expressed “deep concern” over the showing of banners, placards, posters and use of certain language inside the House by some MPs. In a letter written to all Members of the Parliament, he urged leaders of all political parties to ensure discipline and high ethical conduct among their members. “The manner in which banners, placards, and posters are being displayed, the kind of language being used, and the conduct and behaviour being exhibited inside the chamber and the Parliament House complex is a matter of deep concern for all of us. There is a need for all of us to engage in serious reflection and analysis of this situation, both individually and collectively,” he wrote. “The Parliament of India is the highest democratic institution representing the sovereign aspirations of 1.4 billion citizens of the country… As members of the country’s highest democratic institution, our responsibility to maintain the dignity and prestige of all democratic institutions of the country becomes even greater,” he further wrote.The no-confidence motion, backed by 118 opposition MPs, was moved against Birla over allegations of partiality. The proceedings against him witnessed nearly 12 hours of intense debate over two days. With Speaker Birla absent during the discussion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who presided over the House, announced that the motion had been rejected through a voice vote amid protests and sloganeering from opposition members demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.Returning to the Chair on Thursday after the motion was defeated, Birla addressed the House.“This House represents the sovereign will of 1.4 billion citizens of India. Every member comes with the mandate of lakhs of citizens and carries the hope of addressing their problems, deprivations, and aspirations,” he said. Birla emphasized that he had always sought to conduct proceedings with impartiality, discipline and balance, providing opportunities to all members while preserving the dignity of the House.
