Rijiju Issues Stern Warning to Congress Over Speaker Removal Motion
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has launched a fresh attack on the Congress party, delivering a stern warning just one day before the Lok Sabha is scheduled to debate the opposition's resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. Rijiju asserted that the main opposition party would ultimately "regret" its decision to move against the Chair, characterizing the action as consistent with what he described as Congress's habitual targeting of constitutional institutions.
Two-Day Parliamentary Debate Scheduled
According to informed sources, an extensive discussion on the matter is set to commence on Monday and may extend over two days. Members from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are expected to frame the notice submitted by 118 MPs from Congress and its allies—including the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)—as part of what they term a "historical" pattern of undermining democratic institutions.
In an exclusive interview with TOI, Rijiju emphasized that Congress and its allies lacked any valid justification for seeking Birla's removal. "It was an undesirable notice. Congress has sought this debate and we will take it up extensively. Congress will regret bringing this motion. Their allegations are nothing but a reflection on their attempt to play politics with the Speaker's post," he stated unequivocally.
NDA's Strategic Maneuvering for Maximum Support
With the NDA commanding 293 members in the Lok Sabha's effective strength of 541, the opposition's motion is almost certain to be defeated. However, alliance managers are working diligently to secure support from parties outside their bloc, aiming to rally maximum backing for Speaker Birla and deliver a significant political blow to their rivals. Rijiju noted that Birla enjoys "wide support from several smaller parties," which could prove crucial in the upcoming vote.
Parliamentary rules permit the Speaker to attend proceedings without presiding over the debate and even to defend himself against allegations. In a notable move, Birla voluntarily ceased attending the House on February 10, following the submission of the notice against him.
West Asia Statement to Precede Debate
Prior to the debate on the Speaker's removal, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to deliver a statement in the Lok Sabha regarding the escalating situation in West Asia. This issue has been a focal point for opposition criticism of the government, adding another layer of complexity to the parliamentary proceedings.
The upcoming sessions promise to be highly charged, with political tensions running high as both sides prepare for a contentious debate that could have lasting implications for parliamentary decorum and institutional integrity.
