No-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla defeated by voice vote
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New Delhi: The no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated by a voice vote on Wednesday, following more than 13 hours of marathon debate in the House. The Opposition had accused the Speaker of being “biased and partisan” against it.
The voice vote, conducted by officiating Speaker Jagdambika Pal, took place amid chaos in the House, with Opposition members creating a ruckus over Home Minister Amit Shah’s responses to the motion. Opposition benches engaged in intense sloganeering against the Home Minister, apparently irked by his sharp retorts to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
The outcome, though expected, was seen as an embarrassment for the Opposition, as it appeared cornered on its own shortcomings rather than highlighting the Speaker or the government’s alleged “high-handedness” in parliamentary proceedings.
During the debate, Home Minister Shah defended the sanctity of the Speaker’s office, citing instances from past Congress governments to contrast with the current dispensation. He emphasised that the Speaker’s rulings remain sacrosanct and immune, even to the Supreme Court. Highlighting perceived double standards, Shah noted that during Congress-led governments, allies such as the Samajwadi Party and Communist Party had themselves introduced no-confidence motions against the Speaker.
Shah further pointed out that Om Birla had vacated the Chair until the motion was decided, setting a new parliamentary precedent, unlike previous instances when Speakers remained seated during such motions.
The Home Minister also targeted Rahul Gandhi, questioning his repeated foreign visits during parliamentary sessions and his lack of participation in key debates, including on the Union Budget and the Women’s Reservation Bill. “When sessions come, he plans foreign trips. So, will he speak here from abroad?” Shah remarked.
The motion against Speaker Birla was introduced by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and had the support of 118 Opposition MPs, who alleged that Birla displayed “partisan behaviour” and failed to maintain impartiality expected from his high office.
The debate, allowed by Jagdambika Pal on Tuesday, was allotted 10 hours. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi initiated the discussion, stating the motion was meant to protect parliamentary dignity rather than target Birla personally, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly defended Birla’s balanced and neutral approach.
With IANS inputs