PM Modi writes to Birla who then asks MPs to introspect

In a sharp attack at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the resolution brought against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was driven by motives of self-interest and that certain individuals steeped in “dynastic mindset” want to confine democratic institutions within their own narrow spheres.

Modi made the remarks in a letter to Birla, days after the resolution moved by the Congress-led Opposition for the removal of the Lok Sabha speaker from office was defeated in the House. Expressing his deep gratitude for the letter, Birla said the prime minister has always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India’s parliamentary democracy.

Following the PM’s letter, Birla too wrote to all political parties having members in Lok Sabha, where he expressed “deep concern” over the showing of banners, placards, posters and use of certain language inside the House by some MPs and urged leaders of all political parties to ensure discipline and high ethical conduct among their members.

In his letter in Hindi, Modi said, “The no-confidence motion brought against you in the Lok Sabha was defeated in the House. I also congratulate the members of the House for the decisive manner in which they rejected this political misdeed.”

“I listened attentively to the statement you delivered in the House following the defeat of the no-confidence motion. The balance, patience, and clarity with which you referenced parliamentary history, the duties of the Speaker, and the supremacy of the rules were truly impressive. For this, I offer you my commendation,” he said.

“Your statement was not merely a response to that specific moment; rather, it served as a profound and measured exposition of Indian parliamentary traditions and democratic propriety,” the prime minister said.

“Differences of opinion are inherent in a democracy. Indeed, it is the diversity of ideas that infuses democracy with vitality. However, it is equally true that there exists a distinct demarcation between disagreement and disrespect,” the prime minister said. It is a matter of concern for all those who place their faith in democracy and its institutions that, at times, political disagreement appears to morph into a disregard for parliamentary decorum, Modi said. Such moments, he said, serve as a true test for the individual occupying the Chair.

The restraint, composure, and impartiality with which you navigated these circumstances are truly commendable, the prime minister said. “It is regrettable that such tendencies persist even today. Such behaviour is not merely directed at an individual; rather, it undermines the dignity of the institution itself, “an institution that stands as a symbol of our entire democracy,” Modi said.

He asserted that the fundamental essence of Parliament lies in dialogue, reasoned debate, and deliberation.

Sharing Prime Minister Modi’s letter on X, Birla said the PM has always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India’s parliamentary democracy. “Your letter articulates those highest ethical values of public service that you have embodied throughout your long public life, “currently as the Prime Minister of India, and previously as the Chief Minister of Gujarat,” Birla said in his post in Hindi.

In his letter to political parties Birla said the House has always had a glorious tradition of dignified discussion and dialogue but for some time now, the dignity and prestige of the country’s parliamentary democracy are being undermined by some of the members -- both inside and outside the chamber and within the Parliament complex.

“There is a need for all of us to engage in serious reflection and analysis of this situation, both individually and collectively,” he said in the letter written in Hindi. The letter was sent to the leaders of the political parties days after a motion to remove Birla was defeated in Lok Sabha by a voice votes.

In the past, Birla said in the letter, whenever a decline in the standards of conduct and behaviour was felt within the House, conferences were organised from time to time by all political parties and other stakeholders, where discussions and dialogues were held on the preservation and promotion of the dignity and prestige of the country’s democratic institutions.

The Speaker said the time has come to engage in serious contemplation and introspection to maintain the high dignity and prestige of the democratic institutions.

Birla said the Parliament is the supreme democratic institution representing the sovereign aspirations of the 140 crore citizens of the country and every voice expressed in the Parliament represents the hopes, aspirations, and expectations of millions of citizens.