INDIA Bloc Parties Rally for No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
In a significant political development, the INDIA bloc has united to bring a motion of no-confidence against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This move comes in response to his recent remarks regarding the conduct of Opposition MPs, which have sparked widespread condemnation from the opposition benches.
Congress MP Jothimani's Strong Condemnation
Congress MP S Jothimani from Karur, Tamil Nadu, has been at the forefront of this protest. She has termed Speaker Om Birla's statement about women Opposition MPs as "completely unsubstantiated, false, and vile". Jothimani expressed her dismay over the adjournment of the House, emphasizing that such actions undermine parliamentary decorum.
Jothimani, along with five other senior opposition MPs including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, wrote to Speaker Birla to address the ongoing issues in the Lower House. According to sources, she also intended to formally bring the no-confidence motion against the Speaker, highlighting a growing rift between the opposition and the presiding officer.
Allegations of Pressure and Lack of Proof
During a recent session, Speaker Om Birla stated that he had "credible information that several members from the Congress" would create "an unprecedented incident after reaching the Honourable Prime Minister's seat". He further revealed that he had requested the Prime Minister not to attend the House, where a reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address was scheduled.
Jothimani countered these claims, asserting that the allegations were made "without any proof". She suggested that the Speaker had come under "pressure from the ruling BJP", which she described as a concerning development for parliamentary democracy. "Speaker is the custodian of the House... where else do we go if we have issues? But here the Speaker himself has become the accuser," she remarked.
Unity Among Opposition Parties
When questioned about the support from other opposition parties, Jothimani confirmed that the INDIA bloc is fully on board. "Yes, all INDIA bloc parties are on board with the motion, all opposition parties will bring the motion," she told The Indian Express. This unity signals a coordinated effort to challenge the Speaker's actions and uphold parliamentary norms.
Jothimani also highlighted the challenges faced by women MPs, noting that many come from non-political families and rural backgrounds. "We, the women MPs, are coming to the Parliament against all odds. It's not easy. It's not that overnight we became MPs," she said, underscoring the dedication and resilience required to serve in such roles.
Background and Implications
The controversy erupted during the Budget session of Parliament, as the Motion of Thanks was passed without the Prime Minister's reply. Speaker Birla's intervention to prevent the Prime Minister's attendance has raised questions about security and procedural integrity in the House.
This incident has intensified political tensions, with the opposition accusing the Speaker of bias and overreach. The no-confidence motion, if tabled, could lead to a heated debate and potentially impact the functioning of Parliament in the coming sessions.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the INDIA bloc's next steps and how the ruling party responds to these allegations. The outcome may set a precedent for parliamentary conduct and the role of the Speaker in maintaining impartiality.
