PM lauds Speaker for conducting Lok Sabha proceedings with ‘dedication, patience and impartiality’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (March 15, 2026) commended Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for conducting the House proceedings with “dedication, patience, and impartiality”, saying that his actions would strengthen the country’s parliamentary democracy.

In a letter to Mr. Birla, the Prime Minister congratulated the members of the House for rejecting “political misconduct” by defeating the Opposition’s no-confidence motion brought against the Speaker in the Lok Sabha.

“After the no-confidence motion was defeated, I listened carefully to the statement you delivered in the House. The way you referred to parliamentary history, the responsibilities of the Chair, and the supremacy of the rules, with balance, patience, and clarity, is very impressive. I congratulate you for this,” he said.

‘Disagreement turned into disrespect’

Describing Parliament as the highest platform of democratic institutions, Mr. Modi said the Lok Sabha Speaker’s responsibility was not only to conduct the proceedings, but also to protect democratic traditions, rules, and institutional dignity.

The Prime Minister said differences of opinion were natural in a democracy, but added that it was a matter of concern when political disagreement turns into disrespect for parliamentary dignity. “In such moments, the person occupying the Chair is tested. The gentleness, balance, and impartiality with which you faced these situations is commendable,” he said.

During the tenure of Sumitra Mahajan as the Lok Sabha Speaker too, the behaviour of some members was not in keeping with the dignity expected of them, Mr. Modi said. “Unfortunately, even today such tendencies are visible... it affects the dignity of the institution that is the symbol of the entire democracy,” he said.

He said that “some people with a dynastic and feudal mindset” were unable to easily accept any new person coming forward, or the new and young MPs getting equal opportunity to speak. Under Mr. Birla’s tenure, the spirit of giving a place to the voice of every section of society had continuously expanded, and he discharged his duties even in adverse circumstances, the Prime Minister said.

‘Dialogue, debate and deliberation’

Mr. Birla shared the letter through a post on X, saying that Mr. Modi’s message would inspire all elected representatives in Parliament, State legislatures, and local bodies, transcending party boundaries.

“Your letter expresses those highest ethical values of public service that you have lived by throughout your long public life; both in your current role as Prime Minister of India and previously as Chief Minister of Gujarat. You have always held a deep belief in the fundamental nature of Parliament: dialogue, debate, and deliberation,” said the Speaker.

In a communication to all political parties, Mr. Birla called on them to join hands and strive to further strengthen the public’s faith in parliamentary democracy. The dignity and prestige of India’ s parliamentary democracy has recently been undermined by the conduct of some members, he said.

“The manner in which banners, placards, and signboards are being displayed inside the Chamber and the Parliament complex, the kind of language being used, and the nature of the conduct and behaviour being exhibited, are matters of deep concern for all of us. It is imperative that we all, both individually and collectively, engage in serious reflection and analysis regarding this situation,” he said.