A day after the Opposition's no-confidence motion against him was defeated in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla on Thursday (March 12) rejected allegations that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi or other members were prevented from speaking in the House, asserting that "every MP has the right to speak as per the rules".Thursday was the first time Birla came to the House to conduct the proceedings since the notice of no confidence was given during the first part of the Budget session, which came to an end on February 13. The second part of the session began on March 9.

Addressing the House, Birla said he was grateful to MPs for raising issues related to his functioning during the debate on the motion seeking his removal on March 10, including concerns about transparency. He assured members that he would continue to uphold the constitutional dignity of Parliament.

Birla referred to the resolution seeking his removal that was moved on March 10 and said the debate lasted nearly 12 hours, during which several Opposition MPs questioned the impartiality of the Chair and alleged that their voices were being suppressed. "The House represents the will of 140 crore Indians. I have always tried to ensure that every member gets an opportunity to express himself or herself under the laid-down rules and procedures," Birla said.