Bahujan Samaj Party leader Rashid Alvi made a passionate plea for national unity and to end divisive politics on Tuesday in the Lok Sabha as he stood up to oppose the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition Congress.

Complete coverage of no-confidence motion

Alvi quoted the Independence Day speech of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President A P J Abdul Kalam's televised address on the eve of August 15, where they both appealed against divisive politics and communalism.

Alvi said what they said was what prominent national figures, including Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, had said 56 years back. He expressed dismay against "those who play the politics of dead bodies."

"We are passing through a tough time. The need is to strengthen this country. There is no time to argue and counter argue," Alvi, who represents Amroha in the Lok Sabha, said.

Making a strong case for people of all religion co-existing peacefully in the country, he said his party was committed to upholding the Supreme Court's verdict on the Ayodhya dispute.

His reference to riots in Uttar Pradesh during Samajwadi Party's rule triggered pandemonium in the House with Yadav's party colleagues pouring their wrath on the BSP member.

It was only after Deputy Speaker P M Sayeed's intervention that order could be restored in the House.