Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has clarified that the rules of the House apply equally to all lawmakers, with no special privileges to intervene out of turn.
Addressing the Opposition's key allegation that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is not allowed to speak, Birla stated that all Honourable Members have the right to speak only while adhering to the procedure prescribed under the Rules of the House.
The Speaker emphasized that the House operates by rules, which are made by the House itself, not by the Government or the Opposition.
He also pointed out that even the Prime Minister or ministers have to obtain prior consent under Rule 372 to make a statement in the House on a matter of public importance.
Birla appealed to the House to begin a new, positive, and constructive chapter, and to move forward together on the path of national service and nation-building.
He reminded that the Lok Sabha represents the sovereign will of the 140 million citizens of India and every Member present brings with them the mandate of millions of citizens.
