Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday criticised the opposition during a debate in the Lok Sabha over the no-confidence motion moved against Speaker Om Birla, stating that the move is not truly directed at the Speaker but is instead an attempt to target the government.
Participating in the discussion, Shah argued that bringing such a motion against the Speaker raises serious concerns about India’s parliamentary traditions and democratic institutions. He warned that such actions could also send an incorrect message about India’s democratic system to the international community.
Speaker’s Role Should Remain Above Politics
Shah highlighted the historical role played by the Speaker in India’s parliamentary democracy, emphasizing that the office is meant to remain impartial and above party politics.
He noted that the Constitution assigns the Speaker the role of a mediator, responsible for maintaining balance between the government and the opposition.
“You have cast doubts on the mediator,” Shah said, adding that questioning the Speaker’s neutrality undermines the credibility of Parliament’s functioning.
BJP Never Brought Motion Against Speaker: Shah
The Home Minister also criticised the opposition by pointing out that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) never brought a no-confidence motion against the Speaker even when it sat in the opposition benches.
According to Shah, India’s Parliament has strengthened democratic traditions over the past 75 years, with both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha contributing to deepening the foundations of democracy.
Concerns Over Parliamentary Atmosphere
Shah also said that disagreements with the Speaker are typically resolved through discussions rather than public confrontations.
He explained that in most cases, opposition leaders raise concerns directly with the Speaker in private meetings or special discussions between both sides are arranged to settle disputes.
However, he warned that the current situation has created an atmosphere where concerns are even being raised about the safety and dignity of the Speaker’s position.
“There can be nothing worse than questioning the neutrality of the Speaker,” Shah said.
Opposition Criticised for Undermining Institution
Concluding his remarks, Shah reiterated that the Speaker’s office stands above party affiliations and plays a crucial role in maintaining parliamentary order.
He argued that the opposition’s move effectively challenges the integrity of the institution rather than addressing procedural concerns, and therefore amounts to a political attack on the government.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
