RK Laxman Birth Anniversary: Common man's cartoonist, who represented average Indian

The debate over the motion against Om Birla witnessed a fiery intervention by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the Lok Sabha. Moitra accused the Speaker of silencing Opposition voices by turning off microphones when they attempt to speak. She alleged that ruling party members are often allowed extended speaking time while the Opposition faces interruptions. During her speech, Moitra also referred to the absence of a Deputy Speaker and questioned current parliamentary practices. She cited historical precedents, including debates involving India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, to argue that strong Opposition voices have always been part of India’s democratic tradition. Her comments sparked protests from treasury bench MPs and added intensity to the ongoing parliamentary debate.