Opposition mulls motion to remove LS Speaker Birla, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Opposition parties in the INDIA alliance are considering a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
• The motion accuses Speaker Birla of partisan conduct and denying the Leader of the Opposition a chance to speak.
• The move follows the suspension of eight Opposition MPs and allegations against a BJP MP.
• Over 100 MPs from parties like Congress, DMK, and SP have reportedly signed a notice for the motion.
• Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the Opposition lacks the numbers to pass the motion.

Detailed Insights:

• The no-confidence motion is rooted in the Opposition's claim that Speaker Birla has been biased in his rulings.
• The Opposition alleges the Speaker failed to act against a BJP MP for objectionable remarks against former Prime Ministers.
• The Constitution's Article 94(c) requires a 14-day notice for a resolution to remove the Speaker.
• Opposition leaders met with Speaker Birla to express concerns about the House being run in a "one-sided" manner.
• The Trinamool Congress seeks to raise the issue of the SIR, while the Samajwadi Party plans to discuss the alleged vandalization of Ahilyabai Holkar's statue.
• Proceedings in the Lok Sabha have been paralyzed due to the ongoing stand-off between the government and the Opposition.

Key Concepts Involved:

• No-Confidence Motion: A parliamentary procedure to remove a government or official from power by demonstrating a lack of confidence.
• Leader of the Opposition: The officially recognized leader of the largest party not in government in a parliamentary system.
• Article 94(c): A constitutional provision outlining the procedure for removing the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.