NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha is set to witness an unusual moment tomorrow when Speaker Om Birla will face a motion moved by the Congress-led Opposition for his removal. At the same time, the escalating West Asia crisis, the controversial special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and the downing of an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean region are among the key issues expected to dominate the second half of the Budget session, beginning Monday.
Heated exchanges are likely in both Houses, with the Opposition expected to demand a discussion on the West Asia conflict and corner the government on its foreign policy.
The motion to remove the Speaker is the only major agenda item listed for Monday. The Lok Sabha is likely to take up the notice to move a resolution to remove Birla from office for allegedly acting in a “blatantly partisan” manner.
Although Birla will not chair the proceedings, he is likely to be seated among the members if the House takes up the motion, Constitutional experts said.
In a significant boost to the Opposition, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a key constituent of the INDIA bloc, has decided to support the motion. While TMC MPs did not initially sign the notice, party sources on March 7 confirmed that they would vote in favour of the motion. Nearly all TMC MPs are expected to be present on Monday, barring those who are unwell. TMC leaders are also coordinating with other alliance members, including the Congress.
Last month, when the Congress introduced the motion, all Opposition parties except the TMC had signed it. At that time, 118 Opposition MPs had signed the notice.
The resolution to be moved by Congress chief whip K Suresh and MPs Mohammad Jawed and Mallu Ravi states: “That this House, having taken into consideration the conduct of the Speaker of the House as regards disallowing the Leader of the Opposition and other Opposition leaders to speak, making unwarranted allegations against women MPs belonging to the Opposition, suspending Opposition MPs for an entire session for raising issues of public concern and not rebuking ruling party members for making wholly objectionable and derogatory remarks against former PMs, feels he has ceased to maintain an impartial attitude necessary to command the confidence of all sections of the House.”
According to rules and procedure, Birla will have the right to defend himself when the resolution is discussed in the Lok Sabha. The notice will first be taken up for admission once called by the chair. For the resolution to be admitted, at least 50 members must stand in its support when it is put before the House. If fewer than 50 members stand, the process ends there. If the required number supports it, the motion will be admitted and taken up for discussion and voting.
Both the BJP and the Congress have issued whips directing their MPs to be present in the House on Monday. Article 96 of the Constitution bars the Speaker or Deputy Speaker from presiding over the House while a resolution for their removal is under consideration.