Lok Sabha to Debate Rare Motion for Speaker Om Birla's Removal on Monday
The Lok Sabha has officially listed a notice moved by opposition members seeking a resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla from office for Monday, setting the stage for a highly unusual and intense debate in the House. According to the agenda paper, this notice stands as the sole item scheduled for discussion on that day, highlighting its significance in the parliamentary calendar.
Parliamentary Procedure and Threshold Requirements
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had previously indicated that the motion would be taken up when Parliament reconvenes for the second phase of the Budget session on March 9. Under the established rules of procedure, the motion will only be considered if at least 50 members stand in support when called by the Chair. If this threshold is met, the resolution will be admitted, followed by a full debate and a final vote. Conversely, if fewer than 50 members support it, the motion cannot be moved forward, effectively halting the process.
Details of the Opposition Notice and Allegations
The notice has been formally submitted by Congress MPs Mohamed Jawed, K Suresh, and Mallu Ravi, and it has garnered signatures from 118 opposition MPs across various political parties. Notably, Trinamool Congress members have chosen not to back this motion, indicating some division within the opposition ranks.
The proposed resolution levels serious accusations against Speaker Om Birla, alleging that he has acted in a "blatantly partisan" manner and failed to uphold the impartiality expected of his position. Specific claims include that he repeatedly disallowed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other opposition members from speaking in the House and made "unwarranted allegations" against women opposition MPs. Additionally, the motion cites the suspension of opposition MPs for an entire session over raising issues of "public concern," while asserting that ruling party members faced no reprimand for making derogatory remarks against former prime ministers.
Historical Context and Political Reactions
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that the resolution was moved in strict accordance with parliamentary rules and conventions. He stated that the opposition has cited "specific instances of partisan behaviour" that warrant a thorough debate in the House. Ramesh described it as a legitimate democratic process, noting that similar motions have been moved in the past, including against Speaker GV Mavalankar in 1954.
In preparation for the anticipated proceedings, both the BJP and Congress have issued three-line whips directing their MPs to be present in the House from March 9 to 11. Under the Constitution, Speaker Om Birla retains the right to defend himself during the debate and can also vote on the resolution. A Speaker can be removed from office if the House passes the resolution by a simple majority. Historical precedents show that similar motions against former Speakers GV Mavalankar in 1954, Hukam Singh in 1966, and Balram Jakhar in 1987 were all defeated, underscoring the rarity and high stakes of such actions.
The Congress has further reinforced its stance by issuing a whip specifically directing its MPs to remain present in the Lok Sabha from March 9 to 11, when the notice is expected to be taken up, ensuring full participation in this critical parliamentary event.
