Lok Sabha Takes Up Opposition Resolution to Remove Speaker Om Birla
Debate begins after motion alleging bias by the Speaker is admitted for discussion in Parliament.
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up a resolution moved by opposition members seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, triggering a heated debate in the House.
The notice for the resolution was read out by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed. The motion was also supported by fellow Congress members K. Suresh and Mallu Ravi.
The opposition has accused Birla of showing bias in favour of the ruling party, prompting the demand for his removal from the Speaker’s post.
Soon after the notice was read, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi raised a point of order. He questioned the decision to allow BJP MP Jagdambika Pal to preside over the proceedings, arguing that Pal had been appointed to the panel of chairpersons by Speaker Birla himself.
Responding to Owaisi’s objection, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey defended the arrangement, citing constitutional provisions, relevant laws and parliamentary rules.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also rejected the objection, stating that Owaisi’s argument was not valid and that Pal was fully authorised to preside over the House during the discussion on the resolution.
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy suggested that the government should move a separate motion to appoint a presiding officer specifically for the discussion on the Speaker’s removal.
Despite the objections, Jagdambika Pal proceeded with the process and asked members supporting the motion to stand up. After at least 50 MPs rose in support — the minimum required for such a motion — the notice was formally admitted in the House.
Following this, Mohammad Jawed read out the resolution, which was accepted for discussion.
The debate began with Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi initiating the discussion. The House has allocated 10 hours for the debate on the motion.
During his opening remarks, Gogoi again raised concerns over who should preside over the proceedings while the House debates the resolution seeking the Speaker’s removal.
