Lok Sabha: Opposition's no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla defeated by voice vote

New Delhi: The no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, whcih was brought by the Opposition parties, was dismissed by a voice vote in the Lower House of Parliament on Wednesday. The no-confidence motion was brought by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and was supported by several Opposition MPs. 

What happened in the Lok Sabha?

The motion to remove Om Birla from the post of Speaker was rejected by voice vote in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, dealing a blow to the opposition. Amid protests and sloganeering, which included demands for an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chairperson Jagdambika Pal announced that the no-confidence motion had been rejected. Pal urged the opposition to return to their seats so he could vote on the motion. However, as the protests continued, he demanded a vote from the House, and the motion was rejected by voice vote, following which he adjourned the House for the day. Earlier, the Home Minister had criticized the opposition for bringing the motion to remove Birla from the post of Speaker.

What did the opposition do?

The opposition objected to some of Shah's remarks and began shouting slogans, disrupting proceedings, and demanding an apology from him. Responding to the two-day debate, Shah stated that the House would run by its own rules, not those of any party. He said, "This is not unusual, as such a motion has been brought against the Speaker after almost four decades." The Home Minister said it is unfortunate for parliamentary politics that some opposition parties are questioning the Speaker's integrity. Shah said the BJP has been in the opposition for the longest time, but the party has never brought a no-confidence motion against any Speaker.

He said, "As per the established history of this House, its proceedings are based on mutual trust. The Speaker acts as a neutral custodian, representing both the ruling party and the opposition. It is unfortunate for parliamentary politics that a motion to remove the Speaker has been brought." Shah said the opposition questioned Birla's integrity and said it amounted to questioning the country's democratic processes. Birla was not present in the House during the entire debate.

How did Amit Shah react?

Home Minister Amit Shah, targeting the opposition for bringing a resolution against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, said on Wednesday that the opposition parties have questioned Birla's integrity, which is very regrettable. Responding to the discussion on the opposition resolution in the House, he also said that no one has the right to speak against the rules. Shah said that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi claims that he is not allowed to speak in the House, whereas "he himself does not want to speak." Referring to the bills introduced by the government in the last few years, he said that the Leader of the Opposition did not participate in the discussions on the bills. He claimed that he (Rahul) was on a visit to Germany during the winter session last year. Shah said, "Whenever there is an important session, he goes on a foreign tour. How can you speak when you are abroad? There is no provision for video conference here. If such a provision had been there, he would have been given a chance to speak."