Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a fierce offensive against the INDI alliance in Parliament on Wednesday, accusing the opposition of undermining the very bedrock of Indian democracy by bringing a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla. In a scathing critique, Shah remarked that by targeting the Chair, the opposition had dragged the standards of parliamentary conduct "deeper than paatal" (the underworld).
Lok Sabha saw a heated argument as opposition party leaders accused Birla of biased treatment by often cutting off the microphone of opposition MPs and lopsidedly suspending opposition MPs. On the other hand, National Democratic Alliance party leaders stood by Birla, highlighting his role in allowing the smooth passage of crucial bills. Shah also supported Birla, saying that he is "Chief" of the House after being unanimously elected to his position. He also warned that any attempt to question his integrity is an attempt to undermine the faith of all Indians.
The argument took a personal turn when Shah directed his attention to Rahul Gandhi. Shah, who is the Home Minister of India, questioned the credibility of the Leader of Opposition, mocking Gandhi’s frequent trips to Germany and England. He also dismissed Gandhi’s claims of being "silenced" in the House, arguing that no one had stopped Gandhi from speaking, but it was Gandhi’s absence in key debates that had been a problem.
Shah’s remarks triggered an uproar. Opposition MPs erupted in slogans, demanding an apology for the remarks directed at their leader. At one point, Congress veteran KC Venugopal pointedly asked the Chair whether the no-trust motion was intended for Om Birla or Rahul Gandhi, given the direction of the Home Minister's speech.
Undeterred by the chaos, Shah continued to highlight that Gandhi’s parliamentary attendance remains below the national average and noted his absence during several presidential addresses. As the House descended into further shouting matches, Shah urged the opposition to maintain decorum, sharply reminding them that the temple of democracy "is not a fish market."
Also read: ECI observers to oversee CAPF deployment in WB polls 2026
Follow us
