Union Home Minister Amit Shah mounted a sharp attack on the opposition INDIA alliance and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi while addressing Parliament during the debate on the no-confidence motion against Om Birla. Defending the Speaker, Shah criticised Gandhi over his alleged low attendance in parliamentary sessions and accused him of conduct he described as inappropriate during proceedings, including gestures such as winking and blowing flying kisses.
The previous day, the Lok Sabha witnessed intense exchanges after opposition parties moved the motion alleging biased functioning under the Speaker. Leaders from the INDIA bloc accused the chair of partiality, claiming microphones were switched off and that disciplinary action disproportionately targeted opposition MPs. In response, members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance defended Birla, stating that numerous significant laws had been passed smoothly during his tenure.
As discussions continued, Shah reiterated his support for the Speaker and questioned the relevance and intent of the motion. He argued that the Speaker, elected with backing from both treasury and opposition benches, represents the authority of the House, and casting doubts on his neutrality weakens democratic institutions. Using a metaphor, Shah said the opposition had pushed the foundations of Indian democracy to depths lower than “patal,” suggesting severe institutional damage.
Shah also targeted Gandhi over what he described as frequent absences during important parliamentary debates. He questioned the Leader of the Opposition’s participation record and alleged that Gandhi often travelled abroad instead of being present for key legislative discussions.
Responding to Gandhi’s earlier claims that he was prevented from speaking on serious matters, Shah rejected the accusation and asserted that no one had blocked him from addressing the House. Instead, Shah alleged that Gandhi chose not to participate in important debates due to pre-scheduled overseas visits to countries such as Germany and United Kingdom.
Continuing his remarks, Shah criticised Gandhi’s past gestures inside Parliament, referring to incidents where he appeared to wink and blow flying kisses during proceedings. Shah described such behaviour as unbecoming of parliamentary decorum and urged opposition leaders, particularly members of the Congress party, to maintain discipline and respect within the House.
The remarks triggered loud protests from opposition benches, with MPs raising slogans and demanding that Shah apologise for his statements targeting the Leader of the Opposition. The disruptions intensified as tempers rose during the exchange.
Senior Congress leader K. C. Venugopal intervened during the speech and questioned the chair, asking whether the no-confidence motion was directed against Speaker Birla or Rahul Gandhi. At the time, the proceedings were being overseen by Jagadambika Pal, who was presiding over the session.
Despite the uproar, Shah continued his address and further questioned Gandhi’s credibility in his role as Leader of the Opposition. He claimed that Gandhi’s attendance record was below the national parliamentary average and alleged that he had missed the President’s address on multiple occasions.
