No-confidence motion not against Speaker, but government: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Amit Shah

Partaking in the debate on the non-trust motion brought against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said when such a motion is moved against the Speaker it raises broader questions on India's democratic and established parliamentary procedures and sends a wrong message internationally. He added that the motion is not against the Speaker, but against the government.

Slamming the opposition, Shah said India's parliamentary history is testimony to the impartial role performed by the Speaker over the years. He added that when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was in opposition it never brought no-confidence motion against Speaker.

Outlining the constitutional provisions, Shah said: "Constitution has given the role of a mediator to the Speaker. You cast suspicions on the mediator. In 75 years, both the Houses have made the foundation of our democracy deeper than 'paatal'. Opposition has questioned the reputation of that deep foundation."

“When the current Speaker was appointed, both the treasury bench and the Opposition Bench put him in his seat together,” Shah reminded the opposition.

“Generally, a no-confidence motion does not come forward. Usually, they speak to the Speaker in the chamber, or the Speaker calls a special meeting of both sides, and the issues usually get resolved. But now, there is an atmosphere of worry about the safety of the Speaker. There is nothing worse than that, Shah added.

He also said that the Speaker is above the party. The constitution has made the role of the Speaker as a mediator. “But you have questioned the mediator’s role, quipped Shah.