India, March 11 -- The Opposition's no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated on Wednesday after a heated debate in the lower house, marked by sharp exchanges and loud protests from Opposition benches.

The motion, moved by the Opposition accusing the Speaker of partisan conduct, was rejected by a voice vote amid continued slogan-shouting.

The outcome was widely expected given the numbers in the Lok Sabha, where the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds a comfortable majority.

"Sir, they are talking about conduct. When their supreme leader himself winks, goes and hugs the Prime Minister, and blows a flying kiss, this shows he is provoking," Shah said, referring to Gandhi.

Amid the uproar, Jagdambika...