India, March 8 -- In an interesting note, two-days ahead of the Lok Sabha, taking up a motion of no-confidence moved by the Opposition parties against Speaker Om Birla, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described Birla as an outstanding Member of Parliament and "excellent" Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Modi praised Birla for functioning above party lines and carrying everyone along while presiding over the House.

"Om Birla ji is as outstanding a Member of the Parliament, and he is an excellent Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He is fully dedicated to the Constitution, and he maintains complete allegiance to parliamentary procedures. Today, he is not a member of any one side; he is completely above party lines when it comes to ruling side and...