No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker Scheduled for March 9 Debate and Vote
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju declared on Sunday that the debate and subsequent vote on the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be taken up on March 9. This announcement sets the stage for a pivotal parliamentary event as the second part of the Budget session commences.
Budget Session's Second Phase to Feature Critical Legislation
Rijiju emphasized that the upcoming session, scheduled from March 9 to April 2, promises to be "interesting" with several important legislations and a critical bill slated for presentation, debate, and passage in Parliament. He cautioned opposition parties that continued protests, similar to those witnessed in the first part of the session, would ultimately prove detrimental to their interests.
"On March 9 in the Lok Sabha, we will have the debate on the no-confidence motion moved against the speaker. It is the rule to take it up on the first day. There will be a vote following the debate," Rijiju stated in an interview with news agency PTI.
Warning Against Disruptions and Opposition Unity Concerns
Highlighting the potential consequences of parliamentary obstructions, Rijiju warned, "If the opposition doesn't allow the House to function, we will go for the guillotine. It will be a loss for them." He further noted that opposition non-participation in debates would similarly disadvantage them.
Hinting at a potential crack in opposition unity, Rijiju pointed out that the Trinamool Congress did not sign the no-confidence motion against Speaker Birla. "Most of the smaller parties are not in favour of stalling the House. They want to raise their issues, especially ahead of the assembly polls," he added, suggesting internal divisions within opposition ranks.
Background of Recent Parliamentary Turmoil
The first part of the Budget session was marked by significant disruptions, beginning on February 2 after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disallowed by the chair from quoting excerpts from former army chief M M Naravane's unpublished memoir, which referenced the 2020 India-China conflict.
On February 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unable to respond to the debate on the Motion of Thanks due to opposition protests. In an unprecedented move, the Motion of Thanks was passed on February 5 without the customary prime ministerial speech. Speaker Birla read the motion to the president, and it was approved by voice vote amid opposition sloganeering.
Birla later explained that he received concrete information suggesting several Congress MPs might carry out an "unexpected act" near the prime minister's seat, prompting him to advise Modi against attending the House. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra refuted this claim.
Subsequently, eight opposition members were suspended for the remainder of the Budget Session due to unruly behavior in the House. Last week, Speaker Birla decided to step aside from his presiding role hours after the opposition submitted a motion for his removal, alleging "blatantly partisan" conduct.
