Rahul Gandhi protests Speaker’s move, calls it blot on democracy
Rahul told Om Birla Speaker sought magazine proof when he raised India China conflict during President’s address debate
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He raised a strong protest over not being allowed to speak in the House. He called the incident a blot on India’s democracy. He said he was stopped while trying to speak on an issue linked to national security.
In his letter, Mr. Gandhi referred to events from the previous day. On Monday, February 2, he was speaking during the debate on the Motion on the President’s Address. During his speech, he wanted to refer to a magazine article. The topic was the India China conflict of 2020. At that point, the Speaker asked him to authenticate the magazine.
Mr. Gandhi said he followed the rule. He authenticated the document and took full responsibility for its contents. He reminded the Speaker that this has been the long standing practice in Parliament. He said past Speakers have given clear rulings on this matter many times.
According to Mr. Gandhi, once a member authenticates a document, the Speaker usually allows the reference. After that, it becomes the government’s duty to reply. He said the role of the Chair normally ends there. This is how debates have worked for years, he wrote.
However, Mr. Gandhi said he was still not allowed to continue speaking. He said this action broke parliamentary convention. He also said it raised a serious concern. He felt there was a deliberate effort to stop him from speaking as Leader of the Opposition.
He stressed that the issue he wanted to raise was not a minor one. National security, he said, was a key part of the President’s Address. Such issues must be discussed openly in Parliament. Blocking debate on them weakens democracy, he added.
In the letter, Mr. Gandhi reminded the Speaker of his constitutional role. He said the Speaker is an impartial guardian of the House. It is the Speaker’s duty to protect the rights of all members. This includes members of the Opposition.
Mr. Gandhi said the right to speak in the House is central to democracy. This right belongs to every elected member. It carries special importance for the Leader of the Opposition. He said denying this right damages trust in parliamentary processes.
He ended by urging the Speaker to reflect on the incident. He asked that such actions not be repeated. Parliament, he said, must remain a place for free and fair discussion. Only then can democracy stay strong and alive.