Source NDTV
NEW DELHI – In a high-voltage showdown during the Parliament’s Budget Session, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a blistering counter-attack on the Opposition, accusing them of undermining the very pillars of Indian democracy. His remarks came during a reply to the two-day debate on a rare no-confidence motion moved against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, which was ultimately defeated by a voice vote on Wednesday.
Defending the “Neutral Custodian”
Addressing a fractious House, Amit Shah described the resolution to remove the Speaker as “unfortunate” and “unprecedented” in the last four decades. He asserted that the Speaker serves as a neutral mediator between the ruling party and the Opposition, and questioning that integrity is a dangerous precedent.
“The Speaker does not belong to any party; the Speaker belongs to the entire House. By casting suspicion on the mediator, you are weakening the democratic foundation that has been built over 75 years,” Shah said.
The Home Minister highlighted that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spending decades in the Opposition, the party never sought to remove a Speaker, choosing instead to act as a “constructive Opposition.”
“This House is Not a Marketplace”
Shah took a direct jab at the behavior of Opposition members, particularly targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Responding to allegations that the Chair suppresses dissent, Shah claimed that the Opposition had spoken for over 175 hours during the session, asking, “Which Speaker stopped you?”
He further criticized the procedural lapses in the Opposition’s notice, noting that it was riddled with errors—including mentioning the year “2025” instead of “2026.” Shah suggested this reflected a “half-hearted” attempt or a hope that the Speaker would reject it on technical grounds.
Key Highlights of the Debate:
Constitutional Reference: Shah cited Article 94(c), explaining that a Speaker can only be removed under extraordinary circumstances and requires an “effective majority,” unlike a Prime Minister who can be removed by a simple majority.
Procedural Fairness: Shah noted that Speaker Om Birla showed “moral courage” by allowing the motion to be rectified and debated despite initial errors.
Opposition Walkout: Following Shah’s speech, the Opposition benches erupted in protest, demanding an apology for his remarks on member attendance and “false propaganda.”
Motion Defeated
The resolution, moved by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and backed by 118 members, accused Om Birla of “partisan behavior” and “weaponizing microphones.” However, when put to a vote by Jagdambika Pal (who was presiding in the Chair), the motion was soundly defeated by a voice vote amid loud sloganeering.
With the motion dismissed, the House has been adjourned to resume regular legislative business. The defeat marks a significant political victory for the NDA government, reinforcing its control over the House proceedings during a stormy Budget Session.
