Chicago – July 02, 2024
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP, wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about his concerns over removing essential parts of his speech during the Motion of Thanks at the President’s address on Monday.
In his letter, Gandhi expressed shock and disappointment over the deletion of his remarks, stating it undermined parliamentary democracy and the rights of elected officials. He acknowledged that the Chair has the authority to expunge remarks under Rule 380 of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure but argued that his speech did not violate this rule.
Gandhi wrote, “I am shocked to see large portions of my speech removed under the pretext of expunction.” He included relevant parts of the uncorrected debates from July 2 to support his claim.
Gandhi emphasized that his expunged remarks reflected real issues and facts, asserting his right to speak freely as guaranteed by Article 105(1) of the Indian Constitution.
