On March 26, 2025, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of stifling democracy by denying him the chance to speak in Parliament. Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, claimed his requests to address critical issues like the Maha Kumbh Mela and unemployment were ignored, alleging the House was being run undemocratically. “I was quietly sitting, but whenever I stand, I'm stopped,” he told reporters outside Parliament.

The remarks followed Speaker Birla's call for Gandhi to adhere to Rule 349, emphasizing the need to uphold the House's dignity. Birla noted instances of unbecoming conduct without specifying Gandhi's actions, adjourning the session soon after. Gandhi countered that he wasn't given a chance to respond. Around 70 Congress MPs, including Gaurav Gogoi and KC Venugopal, met Birla to protest the alleged suppression. The clash highlights escalating tensions in India's parliamentary proceedings.