Opposition likely to move resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Birla
On February 10, 2026, opposition parties formally submitted a notice to move a resolution for the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The move follows a week of parliamentary deadlock and escalating tensions during the Budget Session.
Key Developments
- Official Notice Submitted: The notice was delivered to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh on Tuesday afternoon by Congress leaders, including K. Suresh, Gaurav Gogoi, and Md. Javed.
- Support & Signatories: Approximately 118 to 120 MPs from the INDIA bloc, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK, have signed the notice. However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has reportedly opted to wait and did not sign the initial notice.
- Reasons for the Resolution:
- "Partisan Conduct": The opposition alleges Birla has acted in a "blatantly partisan" manner and "abused" his constitutional office.
- Silencing the LoP: A primary grievance is that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly denied opportunities to speak on national security issues and the Motion of Thanks.
- Suspension of MPs: The suspension of eight opposition MPs (seven from Congress and one from CPI(M)) earlier in the session is cited as a key trigger.
- Controversial Allegations: The Speaker recently claimed he had information that Congress MPs were planning an "unforeseen act" or physical attack against PM Narendra Modi inside the House, a claim the opposition called "blatantly false" and "derogatory".
Procedural Next Steps (Article 94(c))
- 14-Day Notice: Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, a mandatory 14-day notice must be given before the resolution can be formally moved in the House.
- Admissibility Check: The Lok Sabha Secretariat will now examine the notice to ensure it contains specific, non-defamatory charges.
- Presiding Restrictions: While the resolution is being discussed (after the 14-day period), Om Birla cannot preside over the House, though he has the right to speak and vote in the first instance.
- Majority Required: For the Speaker to be removed, the resolution must be passed by a majority of all then members of the House (effective majority), rather than just those present and voting.
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