Parliament – PM Modi Praises Om Birla Amid Airport Project Launch
Parliament – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appreciated Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota Member of Parliament Om Birla for his role in promoting development in the region. The remarks were made during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the proposed Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport, a project expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic opportunities in Rajasthan’s Hadoti region.
Airport Project Expected to Boost Regional Connectivity
The upcoming Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport is estimated to cost around Rs 1,507 crore. Once completed, the airport is expected to enhance transportation links in the area and open new avenues for tourism, trade, and investment. Local authorities believe the project will strengthen the region’s infrastructure and make travel easier for residents, businesses, and visitors.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister acknowledged the role of local leadership in advancing several development initiatives in Kota and nearby districts. He specifically referred to Om Birla’s involvement in promoting projects that aim to improve public facilities and create long-term growth.
Modi Highlights Birla’s Contribution to Kota Development
In a video message shared during the event, PM Modi credited Birla for consistently working toward improving opportunities for people in the region. He noted that a number of infrastructure initiatives have gained momentum under Birla’s leadership.
According to the Prime Minister, the airport project is part of a broader push for regional progress that also includes the establishment of a new campus for the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) and expansion of major road networks. These projects, he said, are expected to improve education, transportation, and employment prospects in the area.
Modi said Birla has shown a strong commitment to public service and development, emphasizing that his efforts have contributed to accelerating growth across Kota and the wider Hadoti region.
Praise for Birla’s Role as Lok Sabha Speaker
Apart from development work, the Prime Minister also spoke about Birla’s performance as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He described Birla as a leader deeply committed to constitutional values and parliamentary traditions.
PM Modi noted that Birla’s leadership in the lower house of Parliament reflects a balanced approach, where he works to ensure that both government and opposition members can participate in parliamentary proceedings. He said the Speaker maintains a calm demeanor even during heated debates and disagreements.
The Prime Minister also remarked that Birla manages the functioning of the House with patience and respect toward all members, highlighting his ability to handle challenging situations while maintaining parliamentary decorum.
Political Context Surrounding the Remarks
The Prime Minister’s comments come at a time when political tensions have risen over a motion concerning the Lok Sabha Speaker. A group of opposition Members of Parliament recently submitted a no-confidence motion against Om Birla, with signatures from 118 MPs supporting the move.
The second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on March 9. During this period, three Congress MPs—Mohammad Jawed, Kodikunnil Suresh, and Mallu Ravi—are expected to introduce a resolution seeking Birla’s removal from the Speaker’s position.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Parliamentary Conduct
The opposition leaders have accused the Speaker of allegedly preventing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other opposition members from presenting their views in the House. They also claimed that certain remarks directed at women MPs from opposition parties were inappropriate.
In their statement, the MPs argued that opposition members have faced suspension for raising issues they describe as matters of public concern, while similar disciplinary action was not taken against ruling party members accused of making offensive remarks about former Prime Ministers.
The Congress representatives further alleged that the Speaker has sided with the ruling party on contentious issues, which they believe affects the neutrality expected from the position.
Whips Issued Ahead of Key Parliamentary Session
Amid the growing political debate, both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress have issued a three-line whip to their Lok Sabha members. The directive requires MPs to remain present in the House from March 9 to March 11, when discussions related to the motion are likely to take place.
The upcoming session is expected to witness intense debate as both sides prepare to present their positions regarding the role and conduct of the Lok Sabha Speaker.