New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) The no-confidence motion aimed at Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was dismissed through a voice vote on Wednesday. This decision followed over 13 hours of extensive debate regarding the motion, during which the Opposition accused the Speaker of being biased and partisan against them.

The vote was presided over by officiating Speaker Jagdambika Pal, amid significant turmoil in the House, as members of the Opposition protested vehemently against Home Minister Amit Shah's response to the no-confidence motion. The Opposition benches rose together, vociferously chanting slogans in protest, evidently displeased with Shah's pointed remarks directed at Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).

This outcome, while anticipated, serves as a setback for the Opposition, which found itself under scrutiny for its own failings rather than successfully challenging the Speaker or highlighting the government's 'high-handedness' in legislative proceedings.

In his defense of the Speaker's position, the Home Minister referenced instances from previous Congress administrations, contrasting them with the current government’s approach.

Shah emphasized that the Speaker's role is sacrosanct, with his decisions being beyond the reach of even the Supreme Court. He pointed out the hypocrisy of the Opposition, noting that it was the Samajwadi Party and the Communist Party—allies of Congress today—that previously brought forth similar no-confidence motions against the Speaker during the Congress-led governments.

Unlike past proceedings where the Speaker remained in the Chair, Om Birla established a new Parliamentary precedent by stepping down until the motion was resolved, as highlighted by Shah.

Shah also criticized Rahul Gandhi’s frequent foreign trips during Parliamentary sessions, questioning his commitment to participating in significant debates, including the Union Budget and the Women’s Reservation Bill. “When sessions occur, he schedules overseas travels. Will he address the House from abroad?” Shah queried.

It is worth noting that the motion against Speaker Om Birla was initiated by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed. The resolution garnered substantial backing from the Opposition, with 118 MPs endorsing the motion, accusing Birla of exhibiting partisan behavior and failing to uphold the impartiality expected from his prestigious position.

The debate was permitted by Jagdambika Pal on Tuesday, who chaired the proceedings and allocated 10 hours for discussion. The voice vote was also conducted under his leadership.

The debate commenced yesterday, featuring pointed exchanges between the Opposition and the ruling BJP. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi kick-started the discourse, asserting that the motion aimed to uphold the dignity of Parliament rather than attacking Birla personally, followed by a robust defense from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who staunchly supported Birla’s balanced and neutral conduct.