New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday admitted an opposition resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla over allegations of bias towards the ruling party, sparking a contentious debate over the chair conducting the proceedings.
The motion was tabled by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, alongside MPs K Suresh and Mallu Ravi, amid the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament. Birla, elected Speaker in June 2024 following the Lok Sabha polls, has faced repeated opposition criticism for allegedly favouring BJP members in rulings on disruptions, suspensions, and debates.
As Jawed read out the notice, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi raised a point of order questioning the decision to allow Jagdambika Pal to chair the proceedings as he was appointed to the panel of chairpersons by Birla.
BJP’s Nishikant Dubey countered the claim, citing constitutional provisions, law and House rules. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Owaisi’s claim was irrelevant as Pal was competent to preside over the Lok Sabha when the resolution was taken up.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said Rijiju should move a motion to appoint a presiding officer specifically for the purpose. Rejecting the claims, Pal put the notice to move the resolution to vote and asked at least 50 MPs to stand up in support. Once the required number of members stood up, the notice was accepted and Jawed read out the resolution, which was also admitted for discussion.
Congress’ Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, began the discussion for which 10 hours have been allocated. Initiating the debate, Gogoi once again raised the question of who should preside over the proceedings when the resolution for the speaker’s removal is being discussed.
