No-Confidence Motion Against Speaker Scheduled for March 9

Kiren Rijiju Announces Debate Amid Allegations of Partisanship

India, February 15, 2026, Sunday, 2026

India, October 31, 2023, Tuesday, 2023

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has confirmed that the Lok Sabha will engage in a debate and vote on a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla on March 9. This announcement comes in response to a formal submission by 118 Congress Members of Parliament (MPs) who have raised concerns about the Speaker's alleged partisan conduct during parliamentary proceedings.

The move to initiate a no-confidence motion is significant. Such motions against Speakers are historically uncommon in India. The last few decades have seen only a handful of instances where Speakers faced such challenges. Notable past cases include motions against GV Mavalankar, Sardar Hukum Singh, and Balram Jakhar. Each of these instances sparked considerable debate and discussion within the political landscape.

The current situation reflects a growing tension between the ruling party and the opposition. The Congress party's decision to file the motion indicates a serious concern regarding the impartiality of the Speaker. They argue that Birla's actions have favored the ruling party, thereby undermining the democratic process.

The no-confidence motion is a tool that allows the opposition to express its dissatisfaction with the Speaker's performance. If the motion passes, it could lead to significant political ramifications. The Speaker plays a crucial role in maintaining order and fairness in the House. A loss of confidence in this role could disrupt parliamentary proceedings.

The Congress party has been vocal about its grievances. They claim that the Speaker has not adequately addressed their concerns during debates. This has led to accusations of bias, which the opposition believes undermines the integrity of the Lok Sabha.

In response to these allegations, Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum in the House. He stated that the upcoming debate would provide an opportunity for all parties to express their views. The government is keen to ensure that the proceedings remain respectful and constructive.

The historical context of no-confidence motions against Speakers adds depth to the current situation. In the past, such motions have often been politically charged. They reflect the broader struggles between the ruling party and the opposition. The outcomes of these motions have varied, with some leading to significant changes in leadership and others resulting in reaffirmation of the Speaker's position.

As the date approaches, political analysts are closely monitoring the situation. The outcome of the debate on March 9 could set a precedent for future interactions between the Speaker and the opposition. It may also influence the dynamics within the Lok Sabha, particularly as the country gears up for the next general elections.

The Congress party's strategy appears to be focused on rallying support from other opposition parties. They aim to present a united front against the Speaker. This coalition-building is crucial, as the success of the no-confidence motion will depend on the ability to garner enough votes.

In addition to the political maneuvering, the upcoming debate is likely to attract significant media attention. Journalists and commentators will scrutinize the proceedings closely. The public's perception of the Speaker's role and the opposition's tactics will be shaped by how the debate unfolds.

The historical precedents of no-confidence motions against Speakers serve as a reminder of the delicate balance of power within the Indian parliamentary system. Each instance has contributed to the evolving narrative of political accountability and governance.

As the Congress party prepares for the debate, they are also likely to draw on historical messages from prominent leaders. The resurfacing of Jawaharlal Nehru's 1954 message about the importance of impartiality in parliamentary proceedings underscores the gravity of the current situation. Nehru emphasized that the Speaker must rise above party politics to uphold the dignity of the House.

This historical reference may resonate with many MPs, potentially influencing their stance during the debate. The Congress party could leverage this sentiment to strengthen their argument against the Speaker.

The political landscape in India is ever-changing. The upcoming no-confidence motion against Om Birla is a reflection of the ongoing struggles for power and representation. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on the Lok Sabha. The outcome of this motion could have lasting implications for the functioning of the House and the relationship between the ruling party and the opposition.

In summary, the announcement of the no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla has set the stage for a significant political event. With the Congress party alleging partisanship and rallying support, the debate on March 9 promises to be a pivotal moment in Indian politics. The historical context and the potential ramifications of this motion will undoubtedly shape the discourse in the coming months.

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