Heated Debate Erupts in Lok Sabha
New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday moved a resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, triggering a heated debate over parliamentary procedure and who should preside over the proceedings.
Congress MP Mohammed Jawed formally introduced the motion, which reportedly carries the signatures of 118 Opposition MPs. The Opposition has accused the Speaker of displaying “partisan” conduct, particularly after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was allegedly not allowed to speak in the House.
Soon after the motion was introduced, a debate erupted over whether Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the session, could continue to conduct the proceedings.
Owaisi Raises Procedural Objection
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi raised a point of order and cited parliamentary rules, arguing that the Speaker cannot preside over proceedings when the House is considering a motion seeking the Speaker’s removal.
Owaisi also pointed out that the House has not appointed a Deputy Speaker. He argued that the presiding member had effectively been nominated with the Speaker’s approval and suggested that the House should first decide who would preside over the debate.
Government Responds
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey countered the objection, saying parliamentary rules allow any member presiding in the Chair to exercise powers similar to those of the Speaker. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju supported this interpretation and backed Dubey’s argument.
Congress MP K. C. Venugopal criticised the government for failing to appoint a Deputy Speaker and insisted that the House should reach a consensus on the presiding authority before proceeding with the debate.
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also intervened and stated that the member occupying the Chair has full authority to conduct the proceedings of the House.
10-Hour Debate Scheduled
After hearing arguments from both sides, Jagdambika Pal ruled that the Speaker’s position was not vacant and that the Chair had the authority to continue conducting the proceedings.
The House then scheduled a 10-hour discussion on the motion seeking the removal of Om Birla. Pal praised Birla’s “generosity,” noting that the Speaker had allowed corrections to the initial notice after procedural errors were identified. He also said Birla had voluntarily decided not to preside over the House during the debate.
Several members attempted to raise additional points of order, but Pal said they would be given an opportunity later.
Following this, Mohammed Jawed formally moved the motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla in the Lok Sabha.
