The no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated through a voice vote after over 13 hours of debate where the Opposition accused him of bias. Officiating Speaker Jagdambika Pal conducted the vote amid chaos, with the Opposition protesting Home Minister Amit Shah’s response to the motion. The move, anticipated by many, turned into an embarrassment for the Opposition as they found themselves criticized for their own failings rather than targeting the Speaker or the government.
The Home Minister defended the sanctity of the Speaker’s position and highlighted contrasts with past Congress regimes. He emphasized the Speaker’s authority, immune even to Supreme Court intervention, and criticized the Opposition for their double standards. Shah also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s absence from crucial debates, citing his frequent foreign trips during parliamentary sessions. The motion against Speaker Om Birla was brought by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and garnered support from 118 MPs, alleging partisan conduct and a lack of impartiality.
During the debate, sharp exchanges occurred between the Opposition and the ruling BJP, with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi leading the charge to protect Parliament’s dignity. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended Birla’s impartiality, countering accusations of bias. The motion, introduced by Congress, saw intense debate and chaos in the House, ultimately resulting in its defeat through a voice vote.
