Oppn motion against Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla defeated by voice vote

The Opposition-sponsored resolution seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker was on Wednesday defeated by a voice vote in the Lok Sabha, capping a stormy debate marked by protests from the Opposition benches demanding an apology from Union home minister Amit Shah.

Amid sloganeering and disruptions, presiding officer Jagdambika Pal asked Opposition members to return to their seats so that the motion could be put to vote. As protests continued, he proceeded with the voice vote, declaring the resolution defeated before adjourning the House for the day.

The uproar erupted after Shah, replying to the two-day debate on the motion, criticised the Opposition for bringing a resolution against the Speaker. Opposition members objected to certain remarks made by the home minister and demanded an apology, leading to noisy scenes in the House.


Defending Birla, Shah asserted that the Speaker serves as a neutral custodian of the House and warned that parliamentary proceedings cannot be run by "the rules of a party".

"It is not an ordinary occurrence. After nearly four decades, such a motion has been brought against the Speaker," Shah said, describing the move as unfortunate for parliamentary politics.

He accused Opposition parties of questioning the integrity of the Speaker and thereby casting doubt on the credibility of democratic institutions. Shah pointed out that despite spending long years in the Opposition, BJP had never moved a no-confidence motion against a Speaker.

"According to the established history of this House, its proceedings are conducted on the basis of mutual trust. The Speaker serves as a neutral custodian representing both the ruling side and Opposition," he said.

Shah maintained that members may disagree with the rulings of the Chair but must abide by them under parliamentary rules.

Notably, Birla was not present in the House during the debate on the motion seeking his removal.