New Delhi: A light-hearted moment in Parliament quickly turned into a viral flashpoint on Thursday after Om Birla took a sharp dig at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during proceedings in the Lok Sabha. The exchange came after Gandhi briefly raised concerns over whether Congress MP KC Venugopal’s microphone was functioning. Responding to the interruption, the Speaker quipped, “Mic chalu hai, aapka hi band hota hai,” triggering laughter in the House and quickly going viral online. The remark was widely seen as a pointed reference to Gandhi’s past allegations that Opposition microphones are often switched off in Parliament, adding a political edge to what began as a routine procedural moment.
Mic Moment That Turned Viral
The exchange took place during a discussion when KC Venugopal was speaking on the government’s proposal regarding women’s reservation. As confusion arose over whether his microphone was working, Opposition members flagged the issue, with Rahul Gandhi also gesturing and saying, “No mic.”That’s when Speaker Om Birla responded with the now-viral quip, drawing laughter and reactions across the House.
Old Allegations Resurface
Birla’s remark appeared to hint to Rahul Gandhi’s earlier claims that Opposition voices are muted in Parliament. During a visit to the UK in 2023, Gandhi alleged that his microphone had been switched off multiple times while speaking in the House. Similar claims resurfaced in 2024, sparking protests and disruptions by Congress leaders.The moment came amid a broader and more contentious debate in the House. Venugopal questioned the government’s intent behind implementing 33% reservation for women, asking why it was not rolled out earlier. This prompted a sharp response from Amit Shah, who objected to questioning the bill’s merits before formal discussion.The special session of Parliament saw intense exchanges as the government introduced key legislations, including: The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026The Delimitation Bill, 2026The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026The proposals, particularly around delimitation, have triggered concerns among southern states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana, which fear losing parliamentary representation if the Lok Sabha’s strength is expanded to around 850 seats.Addressing the opposition's concerns, PM Modi sought to allay Opposition concerns over the proposed women’s reservation and delimitation bills, asserting that the reforms would not lead to any injustice or discrimination, particularly against southern states. Emphasising clarity of intent, the Prime Minister said there was no need for wordplay when the government’s commitment was firm, adding that whether termed a “guarantee” or a “promise,” the assurance remains the same. Without naming the Opposition, he also took a swipe at critics, stressing that the government views India as one unified entity rather than in fragments.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-177636426633193838.webp)
