Gogoi, Amit Shah spar during no-confidence motion against Om Birla; ‘LoP interrupted 20 times…’

A heated exchange broke out in the Lok Sabha during the debate on a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, as Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP, questioned how Jagdambika Pal was selected to preside over the proceedings. Gogoi argued that both the Speaker and the presiding member must remain completely impartial, citing the Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker ruling. He demanded clarity on how the panel of chairpersons appointed by the Speaker chooses who sits in the Chair during such crucial debates. Responding strongly, Amit Shah, India’s Union Home Minister, intervened and said the opposition was misinterpreting parliamentary rules. Shah clarified that the office of the Speaker never becomes vacant and that the Speaker’s administrative powers, including appointing members from the panel to preside, remain valid even during elections or exceptional circumstances.