In a dramatic turn inside the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the opposition’s motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla over alleged bias toward the ruling party was formally accepted for discussion, triggering intense arguments over parliamentary procedure and who should preside over the House during the debate.
The notice for the motion was read out by Congress MP Mohammad Javed, who accused the Speaker of displaying partisan conduct in favor of the ruling side. The proposal was supported by fellow Congress MPs K. Suresh and Mallu Ravi, marking a rare and politically significant attempt by the opposition to challenge the authority of the Lok Sabha Speaker.
However, the proceedings quickly descended into a procedural dispute. AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the legitimacy of Jagdambika Pal presiding over the House in Birla’s absence. Owaisi argued that only the Speaker or Deputy Speaker has the authority to decide on the admissibility of such a motion, and Pal holds neither position. He raised a point of order seeking clarification.
Responding to the objection, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey cited constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules to defend the process and dismiss the opposition’s concerns. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also rejected Owaisi’s claim, stating that Jagdambika Pal was fully authorized to preside over the House when the motion was taken up.
The controversy also drew intervention from Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy, who suggested that the government should formally appoint a presiding officer through a specific motion to avoid procedural confusion while discussing a resolution related to the Speaker’s removal.
Despite the objections, Jagdambika Pal proceeded with the process and asked members supporting the notice to stand up. As the required minimum of 50 MPs stood in support, the motion was officially admitted for discussion in the House.
Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi opened the debate, reiterating concerns over the neutrality of the Speaker’s office and again raising the question of who should chair the proceedings during discussions on the motion itself. The Lok Sabha has allocated ten hours for the debate.
Shortly after the discussion began, the House adjourned for its scheduled lunch break at 1 pm for one hour, temporarily pausing what is expected to be a prolonged and politically charged debate.
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