Lok Sabha to Debate Speaker Om Birla Removal Motion on March 9, Says Rijiju
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed on Sunday that the Lok Sabha will take up the opposition's notice for a resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla on the first day of the second part of the Budget session, March 9. The government aims to swiftly address this issue to allow Birla to resume presiding over House proceedings, as he has chosen not to attend until the matter is resolved.
NDA's Majority Likely to Defeat Opposition's Bid
With the BJP-led NDA commanding 293 members in the 542-member Lok Sabha and expected support from several fence-sitters, the opposition's attempt to oust Birla over allegations of partiality appears destined to fail. "On March 9 in Lok Sabha, we will have the debate on the no-confidence motion moved against the Speaker. There will be a vote following the debate," Rijiju stated in an interview with TOI.
Official sources indicate the NDA is eager to resolve this matter promptly to ensure Birla can return to his duties during this crucial session. The government's decision to send Birla to the swearing-in ceremony of BNP leader Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh's Prime Minister on February 17 is viewed as a strong signal of support for the Speaker.
Congress's Strategy and Broader Political Dynamics
Birla drew Congress's ire after alleging that the party planned to deploy its women contingent in the Lok Sabha to act in an "unprecedentedly indecorous" manner against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech on the motion of thanks to the President's address. In the lead-up to the vote, Congress is actively seeking support from TMC and AAP for the anti-Birla motion.
Reports suggest Congress has offered a quid pro quo by proposing a motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. TMC has been vocal in its opposition to the CEC over the Special Intense Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound West Bengal.
Government's Legislative Agenda and Upcoming Challenges
Speaking to PTI in Arunachal Pradesh, Rijiju expressed hope that Congress and other opposition parties would allow Parliament to function smoothly but emphasized the government's commitment to advancing its legislative agenda. "The Finance Bill will have to be passed," he noted, adding that the Appropriation Bill will also be approved during the session.
Amid escalating tensions between the treasury and opposition benches, the government has previously passed key bills amidst uproar, asserting that governance must not be hindered by disruptions. Additionally, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's notice for a motion to expel Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is expected to feature on the session's agenda, likely sparking significant protests from opposition parties if raised in the House.
Session Coincides with Key State Elections
Rijiju described the upcoming part of the session as "interesting," noting its timing alongside assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. "We will bring some important bills, including one critical bill. We will not disclose now as to what the bill is, but we will bring up one very important business in the second part. We will pass all these bills," he revealed, underscoring the government's determination to push through its legislative priorities despite the contentious political climate.
