Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla may face a no-confidence motion on March 9. The second phase of the Budget Session begins on the same day. Parliamentary sources expect the House to take up the motion immediately. The debate may continue for one or two days.
The move has intensified political tensions in Parliament.
Opposition Submits Formal Notice
Opposition parties submitted a formal notice to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. A total of 118 Members of Parliament signed the motion. They handed over the notice on Tuesday morning.
The Opposition wants permission to introduce the motion to remove the Speaker. This step marks a rare challenge to the Speaker’s position.
Allegations Against the Speaker
Opposition leaders accused Om Birla of acting in a partisan manner. They claimed he failed to remain neutral while conducting House proceedings. They also alleged that he misused his constitutional authority.
In addition, they said he made unfair remarks against Congress members during earlier sessions. These accusations triggered strong protests inside and outside Parliament.
Row Over PM Speech and Women MPs
Tensions increased after the Speaker announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not deliver a speech. He cited intelligence inputs that suggested possible disruption by some women MPs.
Opposition leaders strongly objected to this statement. They said the remark unfairly targeted women parliamentarians. They also accused the Speaker of damaging their reputation.
Furthermore, the Opposition criticised him for not acting against a BJP MP. They alleged that the MP spread misleading information about women members of the House.
Speaker to Stay Away During Debate
Sources indicate that Om Birla may not preside over the House during the debate. He reportedly decided to stay away until the discussion ends. Parliamentary tradition supports such a decision in similar situations.
NDA Holds the Numbers
Despite the controversy, the ruling National Democratic Alliance holds a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. Political observers believe the motion is unlikely to pass.
However, the debate could turn intense. Both sides are expected to defend their positions strongly. The March 9 session may therefore witness a major political showdown.
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