Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla clarified today that the Speaker has no control over the microphones of Members of Parliament in both Houses. This statement came in response to accusations from the Opposition that the microphone of Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had been turned off.

Addressing the MPs, Birla said, “Outside the House, some MPs level allegations that the Speaker switches off the mic. The control of the mic is not in the hands of the one who sits on the Chair.”

Despite this clarification, tensions remained high as the opposition staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha over the pre-medical entrance examination, NEET issue. The opposition parties walked out despite assurances from the Centre regarding their concerns.

Earlier in the day, opposition members staged a protest on the Parliament premises, criticizing the central government for the alleged misuse of central agencies, including the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).