TMC Declines Immediate Support for Speaker Removal Motion, Advocates for Due Process
In a significant political development, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) opted not to sign the opposition's notice for a resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday. The party's Lok Sabha MP and national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, clarified that while the TMC has "no problem" with the motion, it insists on a procedural step first.
Strategic Stand: Letter Before Motion
Speaking to journalists within the Parliament complex, Banerjee outlined the TMC's position. He emphasized that the opposition should formally write to Speaker Om Birla, articulating their grievances—including the recent suspension of eight opposition MPs—and grant him an opportunity to address these concerns. "If the Speaker does not act or fails to provide satisfactory responses, a no-confidence motion can be brought after waiting for three days following the sending of the letter," Banerjee stated.
He assured that all 28 TMC MPs would sign the motion if this condition is met. However, if the motion is introduced immediately, the TMC will maintain its stance that the letter must be sent first. True to this position, TMC MPs refrained from signing the notice submitted to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General by the opposition later that day.
Political Strategy and Broader Implications
Banerjee framed the TMC's approach as one rooted in parliamentary decorum and accountability. "My stand is we should be tolerant. Otherwise, what is the difference between us and the BJP? Instead of trying to flex our muscles, we want to give an opportunity to the Chair," he remarked, underscoring the party's belief in debate and institutional respect.
This move is widely interpreted as a politically strategic maneuver, reinforcing the TMC's distinct identity within the INDIA alliance, which is led by the Congress. The timing is particularly notable as it precedes upcoming elections in West Bengal, where the TMC has explicitly ruled out alliances with the Congress or Left parties. Party chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has affirmed that the TMC will contest independently against the BJP and other rivals.
Clarification on Election Commissioner Impeachment Plans
When questioned about potential plans to initiate an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Banerjee provided clarity. He noted that the TMC does not intend to pursue impeachment as a first step. Instead, the party has repeatedly engaged with the Election Commission regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision, but has received no response. "Impeachment is the last resort," Banerjee asserted, highlighting a methodical approach to addressing electoral concerns.
This statement follows Banerjee's call last week for the impeachment of the CEC, where he expressed willingness to collaborate with the Congress and other opposition parties to garner support on the issue. The TMC's measured stance on both the Speaker and Election Commissioner matters reflects a broader strategy of emphasizing due process while positioning itself as a principled and independent force within the opposition landscape.
