A light-hearted yet sharp remark by Om Birla during a heated session in the Lok Sabha has grabbed national attention.
The Speaker took a witty dig at Rahul Gandhi after the Congress leader pointed out an issue with a microphone during proceedings.
What Happened in the House
The incident occurred when Congress MP K. C. Venugopal was speaking during the special session of Parliament. Questions were raised from the Opposition benches about whether his microphone was functioning properly.
At this moment, Rahul Gandhi also gestured towards the mic, saying it was not working.
Responding instantly, Speaker Om Birla quipped:
“The mic is working… only yours doesn’t work.”
The remark triggered reactions across the House and quickly went viral online.
Context: Debate Over Women’s Reservation Bill
The exchange took place amid discussions on key legislative proposals, including:
- Women’s reservation bill (33% quota in Lok Sabha)
- Delimitation-related amendments
- Changes concerning Union Territories
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also intervened during the debate, questioning the Opposition’s stance on the proposed legislation.
Background of Mic Controversy
The comment also referenced past allegations made by Rahul Gandhi, who has previously claimed that microphones are switched off when Opposition leaders speak in Parliament.
These claims have led to political debates in recent years, adding context to the Speaker’s remark.
Political Tensions Continue in Special Session
The Parliament session witnessed heated exchanges between the government and Opposition leaders, including:
- Kiren Rijiju
- Akhilesh Yadav
- K. C. Venugopal
Key bills introduced include:
- Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Delimitation Bill, 2026
- Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026
The proposed expansion of Lok Sabha seats has raised concerns among southern states over representation.
