On February 4, 2026, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated that he had advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi against entering the House due to intelligence reports of potential “unexpected acts” near the PM’s seat. Birla described the conduct of certain opposition MPs during the session as a “black spot” in the parliamentary chamber.
The comments followed disruptions during the Motion of Thanks debate, when PM Modi’s address was canceled amid protests by opposition MPs, including women MPs seated near the treasury benches. Birla’s remarks suggested that the decision to prevent the PM from entering the House was based on concerns for his personal security amid the unrest.
Priyanka Gandhi Rejects Speaker’s Claims
Reacting outside Parliament, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strongly refuted the Speaker’s claims, calling them an “absolute lie.” She asserted that there was no question of harming the Prime Minister, emphasizing that the allegations were entirely unfounded.
Gandhi accused the government of “hiding behind the Speaker,” suggesting that Birla’s statements were made on instructions from higher authorities. She said the PM “did not have the guts” to face the House, particularly in light of the protests involving three women MPs near the treasury benches.
She also questioned why opposition voices, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, were barred from speaking or citing public sources during the session. Gandhi urged the media to scrutinize the events and statements surrounding the parliamentary session.
On Protests and Parliamentary Conduct
Priyanka Gandhi clarified that the protests in the Lok Sabha were part of parliamentary procedure and centered on MPs voicing dissent against what they considered irrelevant or incorrect statements in the debate. She stressed that the demonstrations were non-violent and that no plans existed to physically threaten any member, including the Prime Minister.
