Opposition INDIA Bloc Plans No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker

Opposition parties under the INDIA alliance are set to move a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, multiple sources confirmed on Monday, escalating the ongoing standoff in Parliament during the Budget Session.

The move comes after repeated allegations of bias and partisan conduct by the Speaker, including claims that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was denied the opportunity to speak on key issues. Reports cite incidents such as restrictions during discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, where Gandhi was reportedly barred from quoting certain references, and denials related to the India-US interim trade framework.

A meeting chaired by Congress Parliamentary Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly discussed the strategy, with floor leaders from the INDIA bloc aligning on the plan. Congress leader KC Venugopal indicated impending action, stating there was “no space for opposition” in the House and urging to “wait for action.” Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav affirmed that all opposition parties would follow senior INDIA alliance decisions.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon shortly after convening on Monday amid opposition sloganeering over the trade deal, with no legislative business transacted in the initial minutes. Speaker Birla has previously accused opposition members, particularly from Congress, of planning disruptions, including an “unforeseen act” against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and warned of safety concerns leading to advice against the PM attending certain sessions.

While a no-confidence motion against the Speaker is procedurally possible under Lok Sabha rules, it requires substantial support to succeed. Given the ruling NDA’s majority in the House, the motion is widely seen as unlikely to pass and remove Birla from office. Instead, it appears positioned as a strong symbolic protest against perceived curbs on debate and opposition voices.

The development fits into broader clashes this session, including suspensions of MPs, lost hours due to disruptions (over 19 hours reported earlier), and opposition demands for discussions on trade agreements and other national issues.

Parliamentary proceedings remain disrupted, with further updates expected as the day progresses.