Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, citing what he said was low attendance and frequent foreign travel during parliamentary sessions.
Speaking at the conclusion of the debate on a no-confidence motion moved against Speaker Om Birla, Shah said the Speaker’s primary duty is to uphold rules and that his decisions in the House are final. He described the Speaker’s integrity as beyond doubt and said questioning it was inappropriate.
Shah alleged that whenever time and opportunity are available to speak in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi leaves for foreign countries, including Germany. He also claimed that Gandhi did not attend the President’s address and was absent during key debates and bills, including discussions around the abrogation of Article 370.
Arguing that the Opposition cannot “bend rules at will”, Shah said he was ready to discuss how rules were violated during the Congress era. The no-confidence motion against the Speaker was later put to a voice vote and defeated.
