New Delhi – A group of women Members of Parliament from the Congress party has written a strong three-page letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. In the letter, they reject the allegation that they posed any threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They say the Prime Minister’s decision not to come to the House was not because of any fear of them, but “an act of fear” because he did not want to face the Opposition.

The letter is written on the letterhead of S Jothimani, Congress MP from Karur, Tamil Nadu. It carries signatures of several women parliamentarians, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, Jyotsna Charandas Mahant, R Sudha, and others.

This comes after Speaker Om Birla told the House that he had advised the Prime Minister not to come and reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address because he had information that some Congress women MPs had gathered near the PM’s seat and an “untoward incident” could happen.

The Letter in Detail

The women MPs begin the letter by saying they write “with deep anguish and a strong sense of constitutional responsibility”. They call the Speaker’s allegations “false, baseless, and defamatory”.

They remind the Speaker that he is the constitutional custodian of the House and should protect the dignity of Parliament. They say it is unfortunate that he has been “forced by the ruling party” to make such charges against women MPs from the Opposition.

The letter points out that for four consecutive days, the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha, which goes against normal parliamentary practice. They also mention that eight INDIA alliance MPs were suspended while a BJP MP was allowed to speak in a “vulgar and obscene manner”.

When the women MPs met the Speaker earlier, he had accepted that a “grave mistake” had happened and asked them to come back at 4 pm. But later, under pressure, he made these serious allegations.

They write: “His absence from the House was not due to any threat from us, it was an act of fear. He did not have the courage to face the Opposition.”

They also say they are being targeted only because they have been raising voice against the government’s “anti-people” policies.

What Triggered the Controversy

During the Budget Session 2026, the Lok Sabha saw a lot of noise and protests. The Opposition was demanding discussion on several issues. When it was time for the Prime Minister to reply to the Motion of Thanks, he did not come to the House.

Speaker Om Birla later explained in the House that he had received information that some women Congress MPs had gathered around the Prime Minister’s seat and something inappropriate could happen. He said he advised the PM not to come to avoid damaging the democratic structure.

The Congress strongly denied this. They said their protests were peaceful and within democratic norms. Most of these women MPs come from humble backgrounds and have worked hard to reach Parliament.

Reactions from Congress Leaders

S Jothimani, who is the main signatory, told reporters that the Speaker’s statement was “completely unsubstantiated, false, and vile”. She said women MPs face many challenges to reach Parliament and such allegations hurt their dignity.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also spoke about the pressure on the Speaker. She said it is not right for the Speaker to face such pressure.

Congress has hinted that the INDIA bloc may bring a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. Senior leader K C Venugopal said, “Wait for the action.”

Background of the Women MPs

Many of the signatories are first-generation politicians. They come from different states and have fought elections facing resistance. They say questioning their integrity is an attack on every woman in public life.

The letter ends by saying they believe transparency is the only way to restore the dignity of the Speaker’s office.

What Happens Next?

The letter has once again brought focus on the ongoing tensions in Parliament. The Opposition says the Speaker is not neutral. The ruling side has not given any official reaction yet to this letter.

If the INDIA bloc moves a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, it will need support from many parties. Article 94 of the Constitution allows removal of the Speaker with a resolution passed by majority.

For now, the letter stands as a strong protest from women MPs against what they see as unfair treatment.

Quotes from the Letter

• “Let history remember you as one who stood for what was right… Let it not remember you as one who bowed to pressure…”
• “Our protests have been unrelentingly peaceful, firm, and entirely within democratic norms.”
• “We are brave women elected representatives who will not be silenced by intimidation.”

FAQs

Q1. Who wrote the letter?

A: It was written on the letterhead of S Jothimani, MP from Karur, and signed by several women MPs of the Congress party, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Varsha Gaikwad, Jyotsna Mahant, R Sudha and others.

Q2. What is the main demand?

A: They want the Speaker to act as an impartial custodian, reject pressure from the ruling party, and protect the rights of the Opposition.

Q3. Why did PM Modi not come to Lok Sabha?

A: Speaker Birla said he advised the PM not to come because of information about possible inappropriate behaviour by some women Congress MPs. The women MPs reject this and call it an “act of fear”.

Q4. Is there a no-confidence motion planned?

A: Congress leaders have hinted that the INDIA bloc may bring such a motion against the Speaker. Details are not yet final.

Q5. What does the letter say about suspensions?

A: It points out that eight INDIA alliance MPs were suspended while a BJP MP was allowed to make vulgar remarks without action.

Q6. When was the letter sent?

A: February 9, 2026.

This letter has once again shown the deep divide in Parliament. It has raised important questions about the role of the Speaker, the rights of the Opposition, and how women in politics are treated.