The no-confidence motion, backed by 118 Opposition MPs and introduced by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, was rejected after a marathon debate in the Lok Sabha that saw sharp exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he always strives to ensure every MP can express views within parliamentary rules. | ANI
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said he has always tried to ensure that every member of the House gets an opportunity to express their views within parliamentary rules, a day after a no-confidence motion moved against him was defeated in the Lok Sabha.
“For the third time in the parliamentary history of independent India, the Lok Sabha discussed a motion of no-confidence. I have always strived to ensure that every member in the House expresses their views on issues within the rules and procedures,” Birla said while reacting to the development.
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Expanding on his remarks, Birla said he has consistently tried to conduct the House in a fair and disciplined manner. “I have always tried to ensure that the proceedings of the House are governed by fairness, discipline, and rules. On the 10th, some members of the Opposition submitted a no-confidence motion. During the discussion on the motion as well, I did not attend the proceedings of the House,” he said.
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His remarks came after the Lok Sabha rejected the no-confidence motion against him through a voice vote on Wednesday, following a lengthy and often heated debate that stretched for more than 13 hours.
The motion, moved by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and backed by several Opposition parties, alleged that the Speaker had shown partisan behaviour and failed to remain impartial while conducting proceedings.
The discussion on the resolution began earlier this week and saw sharp exchanges between the ruling side and the Opposition. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi opened the debate, saying the move was aimed at protecting the dignity of Parliament rather than targeting Birla personally.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the allegations and defended the Speaker’s conduct, calling his approach balanced and fair.
Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised the Opposition during the debate, stressing that the Speaker’s office is a respected constitutional position. He pointed out that no-confidence motions against Speakers had also been moved during earlier Congress-led governments by parties that are now aligned with the Opposition.
The voice vote on the motion was conducted by presiding officer Jagdambika Pal amid loud protests in the House. Opposition members raised slogans during Shah’s reply, creating noisy scenes before the motion was eventually defeated.
According to the Opposition, 118 MPs had supported the resolution accusing Birla of failing to maintain neutrality in the House.
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