New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla returned to the Chair on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with a firm message of neutrality and adherence to parliamentary discipline. Addressing the House for the first time since the Opposition’s motion to remove him was defeated by a voice vote, Birla asserted that every member, whether a Union Minister or an Opposition MP, possesses an equal right to speak, provided they follow the established rules.

His return was marked by intense drama as INDIA bloc MPs greeted him with heavy sloganeering and protests, leading to an initial adjournment of the House.

Responding to allegations from over 100 Opposition members who had questioned his impartiality, Birla thanked the House for its renewed trust. He emphasized that the Speaker's Chair belongs to the entire House and not any specific political faction.

"I thank everyone for putting their trust in me. I give you my confidence that I will always work to carry out my duties in an impartial, fair manner," Birla stated. Addressing claims that the Opposition's voice was being muzzled, he clarified, "Some members had said that Opposition MPs are not given a chance to speak, I want to make it clear that whether it is a minister of an Opposition MP, whichever member is there, every member has the right to speak according to rules."

Birla highlighted that the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha depends entirely on the "Rule Book," which serves as the ultimate authority over both the government and the dissenters.

The Speaker noted that rules were not created by the Government or the Opposition but are inherited traditions that apply equally to all.

He reminded the House that even the Prime Minister must give notice before speaking. "Whether there is any topic, either the PM, or any minister, each member has to give a notice that they will speak, only after that they will be allowed to speak. No member has the right to speak out of turn in this House," he added.

Despite the Speaker’s appeal for order, the morning session was disrupted by persistent protests. Birla urged the shouting members to respect the Question Hour, calling it a vital tool for holding the government accountable.

"Question Hour is a significant time (in Parliamentary proceedings), and I urge that we let it function. MPs can raise their issues in the Question Hour and hold the government responsible. At 12 noon, I will also present my views on the discussion that happened in the last two days. Do you not want the Question Hour to function?" he asked the protesting benches.

The Speaker had previously stayed away from the Chair on "moral grounds" while the resolution for his removal was being discussed. Following the marathon 12-hour debate on Wednesday, the motion was rejected, clearing the path for his official return to lead the Lower House.