'You Bowed To PM Modi While Shaking Hands': Rahul Gandhi To Om Birla; Speaker Responds

In a heated session of the Lok Sabha today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made pointed remarks directed at Om Birla, stressing the need for impartiality in the Speaker's role.

"Speaker sir, when you were put on the chair, I walked with you to your chair. You are the final arbiter of Lok Sabha. What you say fundamentally defines Indian democracy," Gandhi began, setting the stage for his critical observation.

"Speaker sir, there are two people sitting in the chair, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Mr. Om Birla. When I shook your hand, you stood straight and shook my hand. When Modi ji shook your hand, you bowed down."

These comments elicited an immediate response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who accused Gandhi of disrespecting the chair.

However, Birla addressed Gandhi's comments directly, explaining his actions.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the Leader of the House. Mera sanskar kehta hai ki jo hamse bade hain unse jhuk ke namaskar karo and barabar walo se seedhe khade hoke (My culture teaches me to bow down in front of elders and shake hands with equals by standing straight)," Birla said.

Gandhi, in a measured response, reiterated his respect for the Speaker but maintained his stance on the importance of the Speaker's impartiality.

"I respect your words, but in this House, no one is bigger than the Speaker," Gandhi stated.

During the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address to a joint sitting of Parliament, Gandhi held up a picture of Lord Shiva and spoke about fearlessness and non-violence. He also cited teachings from various religions to underscore his point, reported Hindustan Times.

Gandhi's criticism of the BJP caused members of the treasury benches to react strongly, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that labeling the entire Hindu society as violent is a serious accusation.

Gandhi clarified that his comments were directed at the BJP, RSS, and PM Modi, not the entire Hindu society.