Intro: BJP’s Sambit Patra accused Congress of bias and protocol violations, while Gaurav Gogoi confirmed no-confidence motion submission

New Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has decided not to attend House proceedings on moral grounds until a no-confidence motion against him is disposed of, sources said. This follows Congress submitting a notice of no-confidence against the Speaker, signed by 118 MPs under Rule 94C.

The Speaker has asked the House Secretary-General to review the motion and take appropriate action. Opposition MPs alleged that Birla’s conduct was “blatantly partisan,” citing instances where leaders like Rahul Gandhi were not allowed to speak during discussions, including on the motion of thanks to the President’s Address. Gandhi had referred to General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir to discuss the 2020 standoff with China.

BJP MP Sambit Patra criticized Congress for the motion, questioning its credibility and citing past impeachment attempts against a Tamil Nadu judge in the Deepam case. Patra said Congress leaders often ignore parliamentary protocols and accused them of undermining institutions.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi confirmed the submission of the no-confidence notice at 1:14 pm, emphasizing the procedural basis of the motion. Sources said the motion cites four incidents against the Speaker as evidence of alleged bias and unfair treatment of Opposition members.

The move has intensified political tensions in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the ongoing confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition. Speaker Birla’s decision to abstain from House proceedings is expected to continue until the motion is formally addressed, underscoring the procedural and ethical debates surrounding parliamentary conduct.