Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla returned to the Chair on Thursday after the House rejected a no-confidence motion against him moved by the opposition, bringing an end to a heated debate that lasted nearly 12 hours over two days.Addressing the House after the resolution seeking his removal was defeated through a voice vote amid loud sloganeering by opposition members, Birla said the discussion allowed members from across parties to present their concerns.

“In the parliamentary history of independent India, this is the third time that the House has discussed a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Over the past two days, honourable members have held extensive discussions so that the views, arguments and concerns of all members could be presented before the House,” Birla said.He noted that the Lok Sabha reflects the democratic will of the country’s citizens and that members come to the House with the responsibility of representing public concerns.“This House represents the sovereign will of 1.4 billion citizens of India. Every member present here comes with the mandate of lakhs of citizens and carries the hope of addressing their problems, deprivations and difficulties, as well as fulfilling their aspirations and expectations,” the Speaker said.“I have tried to provide adequate opportunities to all members for this purpose. This august House gave me the responsibility and opportunity to serve as Speaker for a second time. I have always tried to conduct the proceedings of the House with impartiality, discipline, balance and in accordance with the rules. Along with all members, I have tried to maintain order, harmony and efficiency in the functioning of the House while fulfilling my responsibilities,” he added.Birla also acknowledged the contributions of previous Speakers in strengthening parliamentary traditions and said decorum must be preserved.“My predecessors strengthened the dignity and traditions of this House and always enhanced its prestige. Institutions, decorum and traditions remain permanent. I express my gratitude to all members for the confidence expressed in me by the House. I assure you that I will consider this trust as my responsibility and will strive to fulfil it with complete dedication, impartiality and adherence to constitutional propriety,” he said.Reacting to allegations that leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak, Birla said members are given opportunities according to parliamentary rules.“Every member has the right to speak as per the rules,” he said adding that no one is above the rules.The resolution seeking Birla’s removal had been backed by 118 opposition MPs, who accused him of bias. More than 42 members participated in the debate during the discussion on the motion.The proceedings also witnessed sharp exchanges in the House. Union home minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of spreading “lies” about Indian farmers suffering losses due to the India-US interim trade deal, saying the real setback occurred during negotiations at the World Trade Organisation in 2013 under the Congress-led government.