New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi continued his discourse in the Lok Sabha regarding the resolution for the removal of Speaker Om Birla, expressing worries about the neutrality and functioning of the Chair.

During the debate, Gogoi recounted an incident where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was advised against attending the House for a planned address due to security issues, labeling the situation as “shameful.”

He highlighted the Speaker's conduct, referencing the moment when Om Birla suggested that Prime Minister Modi refrain from attending the Lok Sabha to respond to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.

Gogoi pointed out Birla's prior statement that this guidance stemmed from “credible information” suggesting that certain women MPs intended to surround the PM's chair, potentially creating an “unexpected situation.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed that he had indeed recommended the Prime Minister's absence for the scheduled address.

Birla justified his actions by citing intelligence inputs that indicated the possibility of “unprecedented disorder” and security risks posed by Opposition MPs, asserting that the decision was made to avert “unexpected” disruptions.

Gogoi argued that this incident was “legally distinct” as he believed the Speaker had “pre-emptively” advised the Prime Minister against attending the House.

“This is a total breach of neutrality,” Gogoi stated, questioning the basis on which such an allegation against women MPs was made.

Stressing the significance of the Speaker's office in a parliamentary democracy, Gogoi cited a statement from India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, regarding the importance of this role.

Quoting Nehru, he remarked: “The Speaker represents the House. He embodies the dignity and freedom of the House, and since the House symbolizes the nation, the Speaker becomes a representation of the nation’s freedom and liberty.”

With this principle in mind, Gogoi posed the question of where the space for expression exists in the House today.

He also asserted that the Leader of the Opposition has the right to question in Parliament, challenging which statement made by Rahul Gandhi had pressured the government.

Additionally, Gogoi referenced reports indicating that the United States had permitted India to continue purchasing Russian oil for 30 days amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Addressing the issue of national dignity, he asked, “Where has our dignity gone? What happened to the notion of being the 'Vishwaguru'?”