Priyanka Gandhi Should Have Been LoP: Kiren Rijiju
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Lok Sabha. Image credit Video grab Lok Sabha TV
Parliamentary Affairs Minister slams Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, says Priyanka Gandhi should have led the Opposition bench
By NIRENDRA DEV
New Delhi, March 10, 2026 —Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took a sharp jibe at the Congress party on Tuesday, asserting that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should have been appointed as Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, not Rahul Gandhi.
Opposition’s No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker Slammed
Launching a strong offensive against the opposition, Rijiju claimed that at least 50 MPs from across Opposition benches had personally met him and stated that they do not support the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
“Till now, no one has ever questioned the position of the Lok Sabha Speaker. It now appears that the opposition’s primary intention is to attack Indian democracy by targeting the office of the Speaker,” Rijiju said.
Minister Praises Om Birla’s Contributions to Parliamentary Democracy
Rijiju highlighted the record parliamentary productivity achieved under Speaker Om Birla’s tenure, noting that the highest number of matters were raised during his term. He also credited Birla with strengthening parliamentary democracy and establishing 64 parliamentary friendship groups with countries across the world — initiatives undertaken under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“One should not forget to be thankful to him for his good works,” Rijiju added.
Rijiju Quotes Nehru on No-Confidence Motion Against Speaker
In a pointed historical reference, Minister Rijiju quoted former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s remarks during a no-confidence motion against the Speaker in 1954, underscoring that even the founding leaders of Indian democracy viewed such motions as a serious misuse of parliamentary proceedings.
Nehru had then said that it was a “gross abuse of one’s intelligence” to bring forward or support such a motion, urging members to carefully read what they had signed before lending it their support.
Congress Accuses Speaker of Muting Rahul Gandhi’s Microphone
In response, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the Leader of Opposition’s microphone was switched off during proceedings, and that Rahul Gandhi was repeatedly interrupted while addressing the House. Gogoi also criticised the ruling dispensation, saying the leadership of the country was weak.
Motion Against Om Birla: Why Opposition Is Playing Long Game
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