Speaker Om Birla stops LoP Rahul Gandhi mid-way while speaking in Lok Sabha, here’s why

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday, July 29, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, claiming that India is ensnared in a 'Chakravyuh' controlled by ‘6 people’. Rahul Gandhi identified Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and four others as the key individuals managing this 'Chakravyuh.'

During a Lok Sabha debate on the Union Budget 2024-25, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cited the Mahabharata to critique the Bharatiya Janata Party's budget management.

“Thousands of years ago, in Kurukshetra, six people trapped Abhimanyu in a 'Chakravyuh' and killed him. I did a little research and found out that 'Chakravyuh' is also known as 'Padmavuyh' - which means 'Lotus formation'. Chakravyuh' is in the shape of a Lotus,” Rahul Gandhi said.

"In the 21st century, a new 'Chakravyuh' has been formed - that too in the form of a Lotus. The Prime Minister wears its symbol on his chest. What was done with Abhimanyu is being done with India - the youth, farmers, women, small and medium businesses. Abhimanyu was killed by six people. There are also six people in the centre of 'Chakravyuh'. Six people control India today too -Narendra Modi, Amit Shah," Gandhi added.

(Please note: The names of other four members have been expunged on direction from Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla)

Rahul Gandhi's remarks led Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to intervene, reminding him of parliamentary protocol. Birla emphasized, “As a holder of a constitutional position, you and other Opposition members have previously requested that individuals not part of the Lok Sabha should not be named or shamed. I expect all members to adhere to parliamentary decorum.”

“This is wrong,” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla added.

After Speaker Om Birla intervened, Gandhi said, “...If you want, I will omit the names of (Mention of names that have been expunged) and take just three names (PM Modi, Amit Shah) .”

During Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha speech, Speaker Om Birla also intervened after Gandhi's allegations that Prime Minister Modi had ‘backstabbed the middle class’ with the Union Budget 2024-25. This led to an uproar in the house.

The disruption in the House intensified as Gandhi's comments led to loud protests from MPs. Birla stepped in to address the situation and informed Gandhi that his remarks had provoked a strong reaction.

Rahul Gandhi had said, “I want to tell the farmers of the country that we will do what they (NDA) have not done. We will pass (the bill for) guaranteed legal MSP in this House. Before this Budget, middle class used to support PM Modi. On his orders, the middle class banged ‘thalis’ during Covid. Now with this Budget, you have stabbed the same middle class in the back and chest."