New Delhi: On Tuesday a group of opposition MPs moved a resolution seeking a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. According to reports, 118 Opposition MPs have signed the motion, citing that the Speaker is acting in a manner favourable to the ruling party, particularly by not allowing time for Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak.
The move triggered a debate in the House over allegations of partisan conduct. The Budget Session of Parliament, which began on January 28, is currently underway in its second part which is set to conclude on April 2.
A major step
As the debate began in the parliament, Congress MP KC Venugopal said the government had not appointed a Deputy Speaker for several years, arguing it had created a constitutional vacuum. “The government has not appointed the Deputy Speaker for the last several years, which has created a constitutional vacuum,” he said. Presiding over the proceedings, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who was in the Chair, informed members that 10 hours had been allotted for the debate on the resolution.
Pal further noted that the Speaker had been generous in allowing the Opposition to bring the resolution and in facilitating the procedure for the debate. “The Speaker was generous with the permissions and procedure for the Opposition resolution,” he added. He also asked members to adhere to the time limit and maintain focus on the resolution during their speeches. Responding to these allegations, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad also pushed back, claiming how they were unfounded, saying, “Opposition objections are baseless.”
Latest reports say that Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to initiate the discussion from the government’s side. Several BJP MPs, including Anurag Thakur, Nishikant Dubey, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Bhartruhari Mahtab are also expected to participate in the debate. From the Opposition side, Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, Manish Tewari, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Jothimani are likely to take part in support of the resolution.