Opposition issues notice for no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker; 118 MPs signed

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties submitted a notice for a no-confidence motion to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla from his post. The notice, signed by 118 MPs protesting the Speaker's actions, was sent to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. The notice was submitted by Congress leaders KC Venugopal, K Suresh, Gaurav Gogoi and Mohammed Javed. The notice for the motion to remove the Speaker was given under Article 94 (c) of the Constitution.

The opposition cited three reasons for the decision. The main allegation is the Speaker's decision denying time for the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, to speak during the discussion on the motion of thanks. The second reason involved the suspension of eight opposition MPs until the end of the second part of the Budget Session (until April 13). In addition, the opposition has pointed out that Rahul Gandhi was not given a chance to explain the allegations that women MPs tried to harm the Prime Minister. When the House met on Monday morning, Rahul Gandhi had demanded that he be given a chance to explain the allegations against women MPs. However, the Speaker did not accept it.

The opposition's move is to strongly protest against the Speaker, even though the possibility of the resolution being passed is slim, given that the ruling party has a majority in the House. The resolution can be passed only if it has the support of more than half of the total number of members in the House. The constitutional rules state that the Speaker cannot preside over the House during the discussion of the no-confidence motion and that another member should control the House instead. The Speaker will also have the right to explain his side when the issue is being discussed by Parliament.