The Opposition's bid to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla failed on Wednesday as the no-confidence motion against him was defeated by a voice vote amid loud protests by Congress members.
Amit Shah slammed the Opposition for moving the resolution and said the 'regretful' move came for the first time in nearly four decades.
He alleged that Rahul Gandhi was frequently absent from the House, didn't participate in key proceedings, and chose to travel abroad during sessions.
Shah said the BJP was in the Opposition longer than it had been in power but never moved or supported a motion against the Speaker.
He took a swipe at the opposition parties and said while the motions against GV Mavalankar and Hukam Singh were moved by the socialists and the Samajwadi Party, the Communist Party of India moved the motion against Balram Jakhar.
Shah questioned the intent behind the Speaker's ruling, which is binding on the members, and said it casts a shadow on democracy.
He denied all allegations against Birla and said that issues have to be raised within the ambit of the laid-down rules.
Shah also took potshots at the Congress and the Opposition, pointing out how Birla had to twice ask them to correct the anomalies in the resolution seeking his removal.
