Parliament – Lok Sabha to Consider Motion Seeking Speaker Om Birla’s Removal
Parliament – As Parliament resumes the remaining phase of the Budget Session on Monday, the Lok Sabha is expected to witness a significant procedural development. A notice seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla from office is scheduled to be taken up for consideration the same day. Anticipating an important discussion in the House, the Congress party on Friday issued a three-line whip directing all its Members of Parliament to remain present from March 9 to March 11.
Notice Filed for Discussion on Speaker’s Conduct
According to information from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Congress MP R Mallu Ravi has been listed to move the resolution calling for Birla’s removal. The notice alleges that the Speaker acted in a “blatantly partisan manner” during recent proceedings in the lower house.
If the motion is formally taken up, it would mark an unusual moment in parliamentary functioning. During such discussions, the Speaker does not preside over the proceedings. Instead, the chair is typically occupied by another member, while the Speaker sits among other MPs during the debate.
Opposition MPs Cite Specific Incidents
The proposal to move the motion has been backed by at least 118 members from various opposition parties. The lawmakers claim the decision stems from several incidents during the Budget Session, including allegations that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other members were not allowed sufficient opportunity to speak during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address.
Opposition leaders have also referred to the suspension of eight MPs during recent sittings as one of the reasons behind the notice. According to them, these developments raised concerns about the impartial functioning expected from the presiding officer of the House.
While motions seeking the removal of a Speaker are permitted under parliamentary rules, such instances remain rare in India’s legislative history.
Opposition Parties Unite Behind Motion
The notice submitted to the Lok Sabha Secretariat was formally presented by Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, party chief whip K Suresh, and whip Mohammed Javed. The proposal received support from several opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, MPs belonging to the Trinamool Congress did not sign the notice supporting the motion. Despite this, opposition leaders said a broad coalition of parties has endorsed the initiative.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh stated that the resolution had been submitted in accordance with parliamentary procedures. He said the opposition MPs had cited specific examples they believe justify a discussion on the Speaker’s role.
According to Ramesh, most opposition parties, except the Trinamool Congress, have supported the proposal seeking the Speaker’s removal and are prepared to participate in the debate if the motion is taken up.
Congress Calls for Debate on West Asia Situation
Alongside the procedural motion in the Lok Sabha, the Congress party also raised another issue on Friday related to foreign policy discussions in Parliament. The party urged the government to allow a short duration discussion on the evolving situation in West Asia.
Congress leaders argued that the developments in the region carry significant global implications and warrant a detailed debate in Parliament. They said that a suo motu statement from the government alone would not be adequate to address the matter comprehensively.
The party has maintained that Parliament should serve as a forum where members can raise questions, seek clarifications, and discuss international developments that may affect India’s interests.
Key Parliamentary Week Ahead
With both the proposed motion concerning the Speaker and the demand for a discussion on West Asia, the upcoming week of the Budget Session could see intense parliamentary activity. The presence of a large number of opposition MPs during this period is expected following the Congress whip issued earlier.
How the House proceeds with the resolution and whether a debate takes place will depend on parliamentary procedures and the decision of the presiding authorities. Regardless, the developments underline a politically charged environment as the Budget Session continues.