The Congress and other Opposition parties have submitted a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, escalating political tensions in Parliament amid ongoing disputes over parliamentary procedures and debates during the Budget session.
TMC Refuses to Support Motion
However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has made it clear that it will not support or sign the motion against the Speaker, refusing to join the Opposition’s strategy despite the push from Congress and some INDIA bloc allies.
Why the Motion Was Moved
The motion seeks to challenge Speaker Om Birla’s conduct amid repeated adjournments and controversies in the Lok Sabha. Opposition leaders including Congress MPs have accused the Speaker of not allowing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and others sufficient opportunities to speak during key debates.
Critics of the Speaker have also pointed to the suspension of eight opposition MPs and what they see as a lack of space for opposition voices during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address and other key debates.
Opposition Divisions Emerge
While parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and DMK have supported the move, TMC’s decision shows cracks in Opposition unity. TMC leaders say their focus is on ensuring Parliament runs smoothly and ensuring opposition MPs are allowed a fair chance to raise issues — but they are not aligned on targeting the Speaker.
Broader Political Context
The no-confidence motion is happening against the backdrop of heated debate and procedural disputes in the Lok Sabha. Opposition MPs have claimed that the Leader of the Opposition was repeatedly denied speaking time and that the motion of thanks was passed without customary procedures being followed.
Meanwhile, Speaker Birla has defended his actions and has cited concerns about disruptions in the House — including what he described as a potential threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in the chamber — which has been contested by opposition members.
What Happens Next
With the motion formally submitted despite TMC’s stance, attention is now on how the House manages the motion and whether more parties change their positions. The development reflects deepening political fault lines in the Parliament during a critical Budget session.