The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has declared its intention to back a no-confidence motion aimed at Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This decision aligns with directives issued by the party’s chairperson, Mamata Banerjee. As the second phase of the budget session approaches, which is set to begin on March 9, three Congress MPs will propose the resolution calling for Birla’s removal. This motion stems from the Speaker’s decision to prevent the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, as well as other opposition leaders, from addressing the House.

Accusations Against the Speaker

Congress Members Mohammad Jawed, Kodikunnil Suresh, and Mallu Ravi have leveled accusations against Om Birla, claiming he displays bias and has made “unwarranted allegations” against women MPs in the opposition. They assert that while opposition members have faced suspension for the entire parliamentary session for bringing up public issues, no action has been taken against ruling party officials who have made derogatory comments regarding former Prime Ministers. The agenda for the Lok Sabha highlighted these claims, criticizing the Speaker’s capacity to maintain the impartiality required to inspire confidence among all legislators.

Challenges to Parliamentary Functioning

The Congress MPs further alleged that Om Birla has consistently favored the ruling party’s stance on various contentious issues, which they argue threatens the effective functioning of the Lok Sabha. Both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party have issued a directive to their Lok Sabha members, requiring their attendance in the House from March 9 to March 11, amidst this political turbulence.

Previous Motion and Parliamentary Disruptions

Earlier in this budget session, the Congress had initiated a no-confidence motion against Om Birla. Following this, the Speaker announced that he would refrain from presiding over the House until the motion was resolved on moral grounds. The House had experienced significant disruptions after Rahul Gandhi sought to reference an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane that detailed the 2020 standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. This led to the suspension of eight opposition MPs for the remainder of the session due to alleged violations of parliamentary rules.

Ongoing Tensions in the Parliament

The initial phase of the budget session witnessed ongoing difficulties, with frequent adjournments resulting from persistent disruptions. The AITC’s commitment to support the no-confidence motion against Om Birla further underscores the escalating tensions within the Parliament as the session unfolds. As the opposition raises concerns regarding the Speaker’s conduct, the atmosphere in the Lok Sabha is likely to remain contentious in the days ahead.

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