The Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was decisively defeated by voice vote, reaffirming the government’s numerical strength in the House.
The motion, spearheaded by Congress and supported by INDIA bloc allies, accused the Speaker of partisanship, unfair suspensions, and curbing Opposition voices.
The debate quickly escalated into a charged confrontation, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah defending the Speaker and accusing the Opposition of undermining parliamentary dignity. His sharp remarks aimed at Rahul Gandhi triggered uproar, leading to slogan-shouting and members storming into the Well of the House.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi clarified that the motion was not personal but intended to safeguard the dignity of Parliament. However, the government’s majority—293 MPs against the Opposition’s 238—ensured the motion’s defeat.
The session also highlighted deeper tensions, with Opposition members alleging suppression of dissent, citing the suspension of eight MPs during the Budget Session and restrictions on Rahul Gandhi’s references to an unpublished book by former Army chief MM Naravane.
The day ended with the government consolidating its position, while the Opposition used the motion as a symbolic protest against what it described as democratic erosion.
