The re-election of Om Birla as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha indicates that not many changes can be expected so far as running the House is concerned, and it is a foregone conclusion that the Opposition would continue to raise questions on his neutrality. This became obvious when both Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav in their brief speeches to congratulate Om Birla on his re-election hoped that he would rise to the occasion and ensure that the dignity and impartiality of his office remains above board. Om Birla was viewed in the previous
Lok Sabha as an extension of the government, and there were charges that while discharging his duties, he showed partiality towards the treasury benches and was harsh on the opposition. The Speaker is a very important part of Parliament and is expected to maintain neutrality at all times, in order to not only preserve the sanctity of the House he presides over, but also the traditions and conventions attached to his office. In Britain the Speaker is elected for life and the moment he assumes the august office, he ceases to be a member of any political party.
The convention is that his future elections are always unopposed and this courtesy is extended to him by the political opponents with the hope that he would carry forward the business of the House, keeping the larger interests of the people and the country in mind.
This is something which would take a long time to be observed in India and in case of Om Birla, he is regarded as someone whose interpretation of rules and regulations often raise doubts over his impartiality. It is an accepted fact that the ruling dispensation has to ensure that the house is run smoothly and the Opposition’s point of view is accommodated as and when any debate takes place. Equally important is how the Speaker conducts the proceedings and does not in any manner vitiate the atmosphere which is often surcharged with members agitated over some issue or the other. However, the beginning of the 18th Lok Sabha has been on a confrontational note. The Speaker could have easily refrained from provoking the opposition through his remarks and observations regarding the imposition of Emergency 50 years ago. Yes, the emergency was a big blunder committed by the then government headed by Indira Gandhi but in 50 years, the people and the country have moved on.
The Congress after its humiliating defeat in 1977 seen as the punishment for the imposition of emergency, bounced back to power within three years and then went on to win over 400 seats in 1984. It was the single largest party in 1989, 1991 and had sizable numbers in 1996, and thereafter till 2014 when it slipped to its most dismal strength. The short point is that majority of Indians today were not even born when the Emergency was declared and while they should be aware of its horrors, the beginning of the Lok Sabha session, was perhaps not the occasion to do so, given that the intent of the presiding officer should have been to maintain cordiality with the Opposition. In fact, what happened on the first day, is indicative that the Speaker would continue to function as he did in the previous House, and therefore his neutrality shall always be questioned.
After the formation of the new government, it was clear that the Prime Minister had his way and thus inducted all those he wanted to in his ministry and allotted them whatever portfolio he wished was appropriate. Yes, this is his prerogative but the Opposition foolishly expected that things might change.
It was evident from that point that Om Birla would be the Speaker and the names doing the rounds were just a part of speculation and wishful thinking of those opposed to this government. As mentioned in these columns earlier, Modi is going to go ahead with the team with which he is comfortable and not allow the opposition even an inch of space.
Thus, if Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh and Mamata expect things to undergo a transformation, they are sadly mistaken. This shall not happen under any circumstances.
So far as Om Birla is concerned in the Lok Sabha, and Jagdeep Dhankar in the Rajya Sabha, they have to ensure that no doubts are ever cast on the positions they hold, and therefore it is their duty to be fair and just at all times. There is the case of Somnath Chatterjee who was a part of the CPM all his life but when he was the Speaker, he took the decisions which were expected of him. In the process, he had to leave his party and spent the remaining years of his life as a non-party man. P.A.Sangma’s short stint as the Speaker too is remembered and he too subsequently broke his relations with his party.
The presiding officers must realise that the government of the day represents the will of the people. However, the Opposition also brings forth the voice of the citizens in order to keep the government in check. This is what democracy is all about. The spotlight shall be on Om Birla and the onus would be on him to dispel any wrong impression or perception about his neutrality. Cooperation and not confrontation should be the mantra which can take the Parliament forward.