Opposition Considers Resolution to Remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Over Disallowed Discussions

The opposition is contemplating a resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This move comes after Rahul Gandhi and other leaders were barred from speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address. Additionally, eight MPs faced suspension, prompting this action. The opposition is gathering signatures for the resolution, with 103 MPs, including those from Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party, already in support.

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Rahul Gandhi, along with TMC's Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, and DMK's T R Baalu, met with Birla after the Lok Sabha adjourned on Monday. They aimed to resolve the ongoing impasse. During their discussion, they highlighted various reasons for their protests in the House. Gandhi expressed readiness for dialogue if allowed to speak.

Resolution Details and Opposition Strategy

The notice for the resolution is expected under Article 94-C of the Constitution. Over 100 opposition MPs have signed it. However, the TMC is more focused on addressing the SIR issue. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party wants to spotlight the alleged disrespect towards Malwa queen Ahilyabai Holkar. A final decision on submitting the notice will be made soon.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju commented on the situation. He acknowledged that while the opposition can propose such resolutions in a parliamentary democracy, they lack sufficient numbers to succeed. The resolution targets Birla for preventing Gandhi from speaking and not acting against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for accusations against Congress women MPs.

Opposition's Concerns and Demands

Gandhi informed Birla about issues he wished to discuss in Parliament, including the suspension of eight Congress MPs and allegations against women MPs. He urged Birla to lift these suspensions to resolve the deadlock. The Lok Sabha has struggled to function since Gandhi was denied a chance to speak on February 2.

After meeting Birla, Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for avoiding a response in the House. He claimed Modi feared former army chief MM Naravane's unpublished memoir. Gandhi challenged those alleging threats to Modi last Thursday to file FIRs against any such individuals.

Allegations Against Prime Minister Modi

Gandhi accused the government of fearing discussions on the Budget due to an India-US deal affecting farmers. He dismissed claims of threats against Modi as baseless and insisted that Modi avoided facing uncomfortable truths in Parliament. "He should have the courage to come," Gandhi stated.

Women Congress MPs have also written to Birla regarding unsubstantiated allegations made against them by Dubey. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was among those objecting to these charges in their letter.

Historical Context of Speaker Removal Notices

The decision to propose Birla's removal was made at a meeting led by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Parties like TMC, Left, DMK, SP, RJD, and RSP participated. If pursued, this would be only the fourth such notice against a sitting Lok Sabha Speaker. Previous attempts against Speakers G V Mavalankar, Hukum Singh, and Balram Jakhar were unsuccessful.

The Rajya Sabha has begun discussing the Union Budget for 2026-27 amidst these developments. The opposition awaits Speaker Birla's final decision after he promised to consult with government representatives before responding.

With inputs from PTI