What’s Brewing in Parliament? Opposition Targets Speaker Amidst Tensions in West Asia
Parliament's Budget Session Set for Turbulent Start
New Delhi: The second phase of the Budget session in Parliament is anticipated to kick off with significant tension on Monday, as the Lok Sabha prepares to address a resolution proposed by the opposition aimed at ousting Speaker Om Birla.
The ongoing crisis in West Asia is expected to be a major topic, with the opposition criticizing the government's approach towards Iran and the recent US waiver concerning India's oil imports from Russia.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to address the Lok Sabha regarding the 'Situation in West Asia,' as per the updated agenda for the Lower House circulated on Sunday evening.
Additionally, the repercussions of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, which resulted in the removal of nearly 6 million votes, are likely to influence discussions in Parliament.
The opposition is also poised to question the interim trade agreement between India and the US following a Supreme Court ruling that challenged tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.
The latter part of the Budget session will concentrate on the Demands for Grants for various ministries for the fiscal year 2026-27, alongside the passage of the Finance Bill, which encompasses all tax proposals introduced in the Union Budget on February 1.
Both Houses of Parliament will deliberate on the functioning and the Demands for Grants of five ministries each.
The no-confidence motion against Birla was initiated by several opposition leaders who accused him of exhibiting a biased approach in the House.
They also claimed that he made misleading statements regarding Congress members during discussions about unexpected actions in the Lok Sabha and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refrain from addressing the House during the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
Birla has stepped back from House proceedings since the notice was submitted, with the Lok Sabha Secretariat indicating he would return only after the agenda 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 parliamentary democracy.
In addition to the no-confidence motion, the session is likely to address the US-Israel strikes on Iran and escalating tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted crude oil supplies and driven up prices, prompting the opposition to scrutinize the government's policies.
TMC MPs are expected to intensify discussions regarding the SIR issue, while the BJP may highlight a protocol breach involving President Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit to West Bengal.
The government is also anticipated to advance the Electricity Amendment Bill during the remaining Budget session, along with addressing other legislative matters pending from the first half of the session.
According to the agenda for Monday, the resolution against the Speaker and Jaishankar's statement on the West Asia situation are key items on the Lok Sabha's schedule.
Both the ruling BJP and the main opposition Congress have instructed their Lok Sabha MPs to be present when these issues are discussed.
Opposition parties are set to convene a strategy meeting in the chamber of the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, at 10 am on Monday.
The numbers are heavily in favor of the government, which is likely to ensure the resolution's defeat.
The Congress has called for a debate on the notice submitted by 118 MPs, and the Trinamool Congress has expressed its intention to support the resolution against Birla.
The Lok Sabha may not conduct the Question Hour between 11 am and 12 noon on Monday, as it may adjourn to honor the memory of sitting member Ricky Syngkon from Shillong, who passed away on February 19.
Historically, three Lok Sabha speakers—G V Mavlankar (1954), Hukam Singh (1966), and Balram Jakhar (1987)—have faced no-confidence motions, all of which were ultimately rejected.