Microphone Allegations Rock Parliament: Who's in Control?

Parliament's presiding officers denied allegations by opposition members claiming their microphones were turned off during speaking. Both Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar clarified that they don't control the mics, emphasizing that microphone management is automated and not in their direct control.

In a dramatic session on Monday, Parliament's presiding officers vehemently denied allegations from opposition members that their microphones were intentionally turned off. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the claims, underscoring the automated nature of microphone control in the chambers.

Birla objected strongly to insinuations of bias, describing the matter as gravely concerning. 'The Chair only gives directives; the mike is controlled as per the Chair’s instructions but not by the Chair directly,' he stated, urging members to deliberate on this important issue.

Rahul Gandhi reignited the controversy later in the day, yet Birla reiterated, 'There is no button to switch off the microphone. Such accusations undermine the dignity of the Chair.'