Speaker’s 2-Minute Silence On Emergency Triggers Protests, Adjournment

New Delhi: 

Smiles and handshakes between rivals followed the re-election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker today. The rare moment of bonhomie was, however, short-lived and chaos returned after the newly-elected Speaker mentioned the “dark days of Emergency” and called for 2-minute silence.

Soon after Mr Birla, a three-time MP, was re-elected by voice vote, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi walked up and congratulated him. Mr Gandhi also shook hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Then, the two leaders, along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, escorted Mr Birla to the Speaker’s chair.

Congratulating Mr Birla, the Prime Minister said his “sweet smile keeps the entire House happy”. “It is a matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for the second time,” the Prime Minister said.

Opposition leaders also congratulated the Speaker, but added a sharp message that the Opposition must be allowed to speak, as they too represent the voice of