Parliament Session: Motion to Remove Speaker Om Birla and Iran Discussion

The second phase of the Parliament's Budget Session is set to begin today, Monday, March 9. This phase follows the initial segment held from January 28 to February 2, during which the Union Budget was presented on February 1. The current session is scheduled to continue until April 2, 2026. According to parliamentary officials, the resumption of the session is expected to be stormy as the opposition has moved a notice for the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker. The proceedings will focus on legislative business, budgetary allocations, and critical international developments affecting India's interests.

Motion for Removal of Speaker Om Birla

The primary agenda for the first day of the second phase involves a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla from his office. The notice for this motion has been submitted by Congress Members of Parliament, including Dr. Mohammad Jawed, K. Suresh, and Dr. Mallu Ravi. Under the constitutional framework, specifically Article 94 and 96, a Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha, provided at least 14 days' notice has been given. If the motion is admitted today, it will lead to a significant debate regarding the conduct and impartiality of the chair, marking a rare procedural event in the lower house.

BJP Issues Three-Line Whip to Members

In response to the opposition's move against the Speaker, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a three-line whip to all its Lok Sabha members, while the whip mandates their presence in the house on March 9 and March 10 to support the government's position. Parliamentary strategists indicate that the ruling coalition is determined to defeat the motion and ensure the stability of the house leadership. The issuance of a whip is a formal instruction that ensures party discipline during crucial votes or discussions, reflecting the high stakes involved in the opening days of this session phase.

EAM S. Jaishankar on West Asia and Iran Crisis

Beyond domestic political confrontations, the Parliament will address significant geopolitical issues. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to provide a comprehensive statement on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, specifically focusing on the tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. According to ministry officials, the statement will outline India's diplomatic stance, the safety measures for the Indian diaspora in the region, and the potential economic impact of the conflict on energy security. India has consistently advocated for de-escalation and a return to dialogue, a position the Minister is expected to reiterate before the house.

Legislative Agenda and Budgetary Discussions

The second phase of the Budget Session is traditionally dedicated to the discussion and voting on the Demands for Grants for various ministries. The session, spanning from March 9 to April 2, will see the passage of the Finance Bill and the Appropriation Bill, which are essential for the government's expenditure in the upcoming fiscal year. Also, several pending legislations are expected to be introduced or taken up for consideration. Opposition parties have indicated their intention to raise issues such as inflation, unemployment, and agrarian distress, suggesting that the legislative process will face rigorous scrutiny and debate over the next three weeks.