Opposition Plans No-Confidence Motion Against Speaker Om Birla
Drive launched to collect signatures of 100 MPs
Opposition parties have decided to move a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, turning the issue of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak in the House into a major political confrontation. To support the motion, opposition parties have begun collecting signatures from more than 100 Members of Parliament.
The opposition alleges that Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were prevented from speaking, eight MPs were suspended during the Budget session, and unfounded accusations were made against women MPs. Calling the Speaker’s decisions biased, opposition leaders are preparing a formal notice for the no-confidence motion.
At the same time, opposition parties have kept the door open for dialogue. On Monday, Akhilesh Yadav, Abhishek Banerjee, and T.R. Baalu met Speaker Birla to discuss ways to avoid escalation. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi told the Speaker that the opposition is ready for discussions, provided they are given the opportunity to present their views, including on issues related to General V.K. Naravane’s book.
Sources said the opposition is demanding the revocation of the suspension of eight Congress MPs and the withdrawal of allegations against women MPs. The Speaker reportedly assured them that he would consult the government and update opposition leaders.
Later, Rahul Gandhi told reporters that he had sought permission to speak on four issues so that the budget debate could begin. Opposition leaders are expected to decide their next step after observing the Speaker’s final decision and the government’s stance in the House.
The decision to move the no-confidence motion was taken at a meeting of INDIA bloc parties at the office of Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament. Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Left parties were among those present.
The notice for the motion will be submitted under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, and more than 100 opposition MPs have already signed it.
However, even if the motion is introduced, the ruling side currently has a majority in the House, so Speaker Birla’s position is not seen as being under immediate threat. In the past, no-confidence motions have been brought against Speakers three times, but none have succeeded. The first was against G.V. Mavalankar, the second against Hukam Singh, and the third against Balram Jakhar.
