Parliament's Budget Session Set for Tense Start with Speaker's No-Confidence Motion
Parliament's Upcoming Challenges
New Delhi, Mar 8: The second phase of the Budget session in Parliament is anticipated to begin with significant tension on Monday, as the Lok Sabha is poised to address a resolution initiated by the opposition aimed at the removal of Speaker Om Birla.
The agenda for Monday indicates that this resolution is the sole item on the Lok Sabha's schedule for the day.
Both the ruling BJP and the main opposition party, Congress, have instructed their Lok Sabha members to be present when this matter is discussed.
The no-confidence motion against Speaker Birla was introduced by various opposition leaders who accused him of displaying a "blatantly partisan" attitude during House proceedings.
They also claimed that the Speaker made misleading statements regarding Congress members when he referred to some "unexpected actions" in the Lok Sabha and requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refrain from attending the House for the debate on the Motion of Thanks regarding the President's Address.
Birla has stepped back from House proceedings since the notice was submitted, with the Lok Sabha secretariat confirming he will return only after the resolution is addressed.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi expressed his support for Birla, asserting that he has worked collaboratively with all Parliamentarians and is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and the principles of Parliamentary democracy.
The government holds a significant majority, which is likely to lead to the resolution's defeat.
In addition to the no-confidence motion, the ongoing tensions in West Asia are expected to be a focal point, as the opposition criticizes the government's approach towards Iran and the US's "waiver" concerning India's oil purchases from Russia, among other matters.
Furthermore, the implications of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, which resulted in the removal of nearly 60 lakh votes, are anticipated to influence parliamentary discussions.
The government is also expected to advance the Electricity Amendment Bill during the remainder of the budget session, along with addressing other pending legislative matters from the first half.
It is likely that the Lok Sabha will not conduct the Question Hour between 11 am and 12 noon on Monday, as it may be adjourned to honor the late member from Shillong, Ricky Syngkon, who passed away on February 19.