The no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, was rejected by voice vote on Wednesday.
Amid protests and slogans raised by opposition members demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who was chairing the House, announced that the no-confidence motion had been defeated.
Pal repeatedly urged opposition lawmakers to return to their seats so that the motion could be put to a vote. However, as the protests continued, he proceeded to seek the opinion of the House of Representatives, and the resolution was rejected by a voice vote. The session was then adjourned for the day.
Read also When a motion of no confidence is presented to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the opposition in Lok Sabha, accusing it of questioning the foundations of Indian democracy by moving a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla.
“The Constitution has given the Speaker the role of mediator. It has cast doubt on the mediator. In 75 years, both houses have made the foundation of our democracy deeper than the ‘pattal’. The opposition has cast doubt on the reputation of this deep foundation,” he said.
Shah defends the role of Speaker of the House
Shah emphasized that the Council’s work depends on mutual trust and adherence to the rules. He said that the responsibility of the Speaker of the House of Representatives is to act as an impartial guardian of the House of Representatives.
“As per the established history of this House, its proceedings are conducted on the basis of mutual trust. The Speaker acts as a neutral guardian, representing both the ruling party and the opposition. Specific rules have been created by the Lok Sabha itself to guide how the Speaker runs the sessions. This House is not a marketplace; members are expected to speak and participate in accordance with its rules and procedures,” he said.
