Opposition Moves No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Over Alleged Bias During Budget Session

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu ) — The Budget Session of Parliament has been witnessing frequent disruptions, and on Tuesday the Opposition intensified its stand by moving against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of biased conduct in the functioning of the House.

Opposition MPs submitted a notice of a no-confidence motion against the Speaker to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha under Rule 94(c). The notice carries the signatures of 118 Opposition members and was moved by Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi. The motion invokes Article 94(c) of the Constitution, which provides for the removal of the Speaker.

In the notice, the Opposition alleged that the Speaker has been openly conducting House proceedings in a partisan manner and has repeatedly denied Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, the opportunity to speak.

To support their claims, several instances were cited. The notice stated that on February 2, Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to complete his address during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. On February 3, eight Opposition MPs were allegedly suspended arbitrarily for the remainder of the Budget Session, which the Opposition described as a punishment for exercising their democratic rights.

The letter also referred to an incident on February 4, when, despite repeated objections from Opposition members, a BJP MP was reportedly allowed to make objectionable and personal attacks on two former Prime Ministers without any reprimand from the Chair, and no action was taken against the concerned member.

The Opposition further objected to remarks made by Speaker Om Birla on February 5 after the Motion of Thanks was passed by voice vote. Birla had accused Opposition members of creating scenes unprecedented in parliamentary history and said he had requested the Prime Minister not to attend the House to avoid any possible unpleasant situation.

According to the Opposition, these remarks contained false and defamatory allegations against Congress MPs. The notice stated that the Speaker, who is expected to be the custodian of parliamentary procedure and decorum, chose the floor of the House to make such statements, amounting to a misuse of a constitutional institution.

The Opposition clarified that while it respects the Speaker personally, it is deeply concerned and distressed that Opposition MPs are being consistently prevented from raising legitimate issues of public interest in the Lok Sabha.