Congress Women MPs Criticise PM Modi's Absence from Lok Sabha

Women Members of Parliament from the Indian National Congress party have raised concerns regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from the Lok Sabha during the recent Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. In a letter directed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on February 9, 2026, the MPs refuted allegations made by the Speaker that suggested they posed a threat to the Prime Minister.

The controversy arose after Speaker Birla announced that he had received credible information indicating that Congress MPs might engage in unexpected protests at Mr. Modi's designated seat. As a result, he advised the Prime Minister not to attend the session scheduled for responding to the Motion of Thanks. Following this, the Prime Minister's traditional reply was cancelled amidst ongoing protests from the opposition.

In the letter, signed by notable Congress figures such as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotsna Charandas Mahant, the women MPs asserted that Mr. Modi's absence stemmed from fear rather than any threat posed by them. They expressed their discontent at being targeted for opposing the government and called for accountability from the Prime Minister.

The MPs emphasised that the Speaker's remarks were influenced by pressure from the ruling party, suggesting that his statement undermined the dignity of the Speaker's office. “The Speaker should act as an impartial custodian of the Lok Sabha,” they stated, underscoring their belief in democratic values and transparency.

The letter described the treatment received by the opposition in parliament as unprecedented, noting that the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, had been repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak during the Motion of Thanks discussions. In their communication, the Congress MPs called for fairness and highlighted the importance of preserving the democratic integrity of the House.

Ms. Vadra stated, "He [Mr. Birla] should not have made the statement; he has been pressured to say it by the government." They expressed their aspiration for the Speaker to uphold his constitutional responsibility and resist external pressures, urging him to ensure that history remembers him as a defender of democratic principles rather than as someone who yielded to governmental pressure.

The letter concluded with a plea for the Speaker to promote transparency within parliamentary proceedings, asserting their respect for his office while highlighting concerns over perceived interference by the ruling party. The MPs reiterated their stance as representatives committed to democratic virtues and human dignity, seeking to ensure that parliamentary decorum is maintained.

This incident comes amidst a wider context of protests and political tensions within the Indian Parliament, where opposition parties have frequently challenged the government on various issues, pressing for accountability from the Prime Minister and the ruling party as a whole. As political dynamics continue to unfold, the call for integrity and transparency remains a central theme in the discourse surrounding governance in India.