New Delhi’s parliamentary corridors are buzzing with fresh tension as opposition MPs launch a bold challenge against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. On Tuesday, a group of 118 opposition lawmakers submitted a notice under Rule 94(C) to the Lok Sabha Secretary General, accusing the Speaker of blatant partisanship in conducting House proceedings.
The motion, tabled by Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi, invokes Article 94(C) of the Constitution to seek Birla’s removal. It paints a picture of systematic bias, claiming the Speaker repeatedly silences opposition voices while favoring the ruling party. Key incidents highlighted include the curtailment of Rahul Gandhi’s speech on February 2 during the President’s address thanks motion, arbitrary suspensions of eight opposition MPs on February 3, and unchecked remarks by a BJP MP against former Prime Ministers on February 4.
Further grievances point to Birla’s post-voice vote comments on February 5 during the Motion of Thanks, where he allegedly made unsubstantiated claims against opposition members for creating unprecedented scenes and even requesting the Prime Minister to stay away. The notice brands these as false and defamatory, arguing that the Speaker, as guardian of parliamentary decorum, misused the House floor.
Despite expressing personal respect for Birla, the opposition laments the consistent muzzling of legitimate public concerns. This dramatic escalation in the Budget Session underscores deepening divides, with the motion’s fate hanging on procedural hurdles and political arithmetic. As the House grapples with disruptions, this could redefine Speaker accountability in India’s democracy.