New Delhi

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday rejected an opposition resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla through a voice vote amid noisy scenes in the House.

The development came after a two-day debate on the resolution moved by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, during which members of the opposition and the treasury benches exchanged sharp remarks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah replied to the debate and criticised the opposition for bringing what he described as a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, saying the move undermined the dignity of parliamentary institutions.

“This is not ordinary. After about four decades, a no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker has been brought. It is unfortunate for parliamentary politics and this House,” Shah said.

He said parliamentary proceedings are traditionally conducted on the basis of mutual trust and the Speaker acts as a neutral custodian representing both the ruling party and the opposition.

“According to the established history of this House, the Speaker serves as a neutral custodian representing both sides. This House is not a marketplace; members are expected to follow the rules and procedures,” he added.

Shah also accused the opposition of casting doubt on an institution that has strengthened Indian democracy for decades.

“The Constitution has given the role of a mediator to the Speaker. By casting suspicion on the mediator, the opposition has raised questions about the deep foundation of India’s democracy,” he said.

During the proceedings, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the House, asked Jawed to speak after the home minister’s reply but said he could do so only when protesting Congress members returned to their seats.

Amid loud sloganeering by opposition MPs, Pal called for a voice vote and declared that the resolution had been defeated.

Congress members were protesting remarks made by Shah against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, leading to repeated disruptions in the House.

Shah also said that although the Bharatiya Janata Party had spent years in opposition, it had never moved a no-confidence motion against a Lok Sabha Speaker.

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According to officials, more than 42 members participated in the debate before the House voted down the resolution.