India, March 12 -- 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 against Union home minister Amit Shah's sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

In his speech, Amit Shah slammed the Opposition for moving the resolution and said the "regretful" move came for the first time in nearly four decades. He also alleged that Gandhi was frequently absent from the House, didn't participate in key proceedings including discussions on the President's address and the Union Budget, and chose to travel abroad during sessions.

"The LoP has been complaining that he is not allowed to speak. It's not the...