Opposition Prepares No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla: Sources

New Delhi: Tensions between the treasury and opposition benches in the Lok Sabha have reached a critical point. According to sources, opposition parties are preparing to move a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla. This development follows continuous disruptions during the ongoing Budget Session and repeated allegations of partiality leveled against the Chair by opposition members. The move marks a significant escalation in the political confrontation within the lower house of Parliament.

Escalating Friction in the Budget Session

The Budget Session has been marred by frequent adjournments and heated exchanges since its commencement. Following the President's address, the discussion on the Motion of Thanks witnessed unprecedented scenes of protest. Sources suggest that opposition leaders are increasingly frustrated with the conduct of house proceedings. A crucial meeting was convened at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, where leaders from various opposition outfits deliberated on the strategy to challenge the Speaker's authority through a formal motion.

Allegations of Bias and Interruption of PM Speech

The core of the opposition's grievance lies in the allegation that the Speaker provides preferential treatment to the ruling party while restricting the voice of the opposition. These tensions culminated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the Motion of Thanks. The Prime Minister faced continuous sloganeering and protests, with several opposition MPs, including women legislators from the Congress, surrounding the well of the house. The Speaker's repeated attempts to restore order were unsuccessful, leading to multiple adjournments and a breakdown in communication between the two sides.

Constitutional Procedure for Removal of Speaker

The removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker is governed by Articles 94 and 96 of the Indian Constitution. To initiate a no-confidence motion, a formal notice must be submitted to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha at least 14 days in advance. Plus, the motion requires the support of at least 50 members of the house to be admitted for discussion. Once admitted, the Speaker doesn't preside over the sitting while the resolution for his removal is under consideration. Sources indicate that the opposition is currently gathering the necessary signatures to submit the notice shortly.

Analysis of Political Implications

According to political analysts, moving a no-confidence motion against the Speaker is a rare parliamentary maneuver intended to signal deep-seated discontent. While the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) maintains a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha, the opposition's move is seen as an attempt to consolidate its ranks and highlight issues of parliamentary fairness. Analysts suggest that such a move could further polarize the house and hinder the passage of crucial legislative business during the remainder of the session.

Ultimately, the potential no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla underscores the widening rift in Indian parliamentary politics. While the Speaker has consistently urged members to maintain the decorum of the house, the opposition remains steadfast in its claim of being sidelined. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining whether the formal notice is served and how the government intends to navigate this procedural challenge.