Congress leader KC Venugopal has expressed strong criticism towards the BJP-led government for its failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha, a position that has remained vacant for the past seven years.

During a parliamentary debate concerning a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla, Venugopal accused the government of exploiting what he termed a “constitutional vacuum of their own creation.” His remarks were dismissed by Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the session.

“We are witnessing Constitutional gap”: Venugopal

Venugopal stated, “In today’s no-confidence motion against the Speaker, we are witnessing the ruling regime take advantage of a constitutional gap they have orchestrated. For seven years, the position of Deputy Speaker has been empty, and it is this official who is meant to preside over such proceedings.” He emphasized that the absence of a designated presiding officer significantly undermines the integrity of the parliamentary process.

The Congress leader highlighted the complications arising from the current situation, as someone from the Panel of Chairpersons is overseeing the no-confidence motion. He pointed out that this panel is appointed exclusively by the Speaker, thus questioning its impartiality to manage discussions related to the Speaker’s removal. Venugopal reiterated his call for the House to elect a presiding officer specifically for this motion to ensure fairness and propriety in the proceedings.

BJP referred to parliamentary rules

In response, members of the BJP referred to parliamentary rules, asserting that it is permissible for a member from the Panel of Chairpersons to oversee the proceedings. Despite the contentious debate, discussions surrounding the opposition’s no-confidence motion against the Speaker remained unresolved on Tuesday and are slated to resume on Wednesday.

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