New Delhi : During a debate in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized the opposition for moving a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla, calling the move unfortunate and harmful to parliamentary traditions. A heated exchange ensued between the ruling party and the opposition in Parliament. Opposition MPs continued to create a ruckus during the Home Minister’s speech, and Presiding Chairman Jagdambika Pal was seen advising the MPs.
Responding to the discussion in the House, Shah said parliamentary proceedings are built on mutual trust between the ruling party and the opposition. He emphasized that the Speaker functions as a neutral authority who represents the entire House rather than any political party.
During a debate in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly defended the functioning of the House and rejected the Opposition’s claims that they were not being given adequate opportunities to speak.
Responding to questions raised by Opposition members, Shah said that in his nearly 30 years as a legislator and Member of Parliament, he had never witnessed a situation like the one facilitated by the current Speaker, Om Birla, where members were allowed to raise issues during Zero Hour until as late as midnight. Despite this flexibility, he said, the Opposition continues to complain about not being given time to speak.
Shah also highlighted the role played by the Speaker in ensuring greater participation of women MPs. He noted that when a record 78 women were elected to Parliament in 2019, the Speaker ensured that each of them was given an opportunity to speak in the House.
He further pointed out that the use of regional languages in parliamentary proceedings has increased under the Speaker’s leadership, with speeches delivered in nearly 14 different languages.
Citing data on speaking time, Shah said that during the 17th Lok Sabha, the Indian National Congress was allotted 157 hours and 55 minutes of speaking time despite having only 52 members. In comparison, the Bharatiya Janata Party was allotted 349 hours and 8 minutes even though it had 303 MPs.
He added that in the current 18th Lok Sabha, the Congress had used 71 hours of speaking time despite having 99 members, while the BJP had received 122 hours with a strength of 239 MPs.
Shah argued that these figures clearly show that the Opposition has been given ample opportunity to express its views. However, he said that when it is time to participate in debates, some Opposition leaders are often abroad, referring to instances when they were reportedly in countries such as Germany or England.
Shah pointed out that this was the first time in nearly four decades that such a motion had been brought against the Speaker, describing it as a regrettable development for parliamentary democracy. He noted that when Om Birla was elected as Speaker, leaders from both the treasury benches and the opposition had supported his appointment.
The Home Minister said that while members may disagree with certain rulings, the rules of the Lok Sabha clearly state that the Speaker’s decisions are final. Questioning the integrity of the Chair, he added, undermines the dignity of the institution.
Calling the Lok Sabha the “largest panchayat of Indian democracy,” Shah said the credibility of India’s democratic system is recognized globally. However, casting doubts on the integrity of the Speaker, he warned, could damage the reputation of the country’s democratic institutions.
Shah also recalled that his party had spent long years in the opposition but never brought a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. According to him, parliamentary traditions and decorum must be respected by all members.
He further remarked that debates and disagreements are part of democracy, but members must follow the rules and procedures of the House while expressing their views. Respect for the institution of the Speaker, he said, is essential to maintaining the dignity and smooth functioning of Parliament.