Congress Steps Up Pressure In Parliament, Weighs No-Confidence Motion Against Speaker Om Birla

New Delhi: Efforts to stop the uproar in the Lok Sabha have intensified. Speaker Om Birla met top leaders of the government and opposition on Monday. His aim was to bring the proceedings of the House back on track. The opposition showed preparation to bring a no-confidence motion against Birla. Congress MPs said that 103 signatures have been received on the notice. At least 100 signatures are required for a no-confidence motion against the Speaker.

When did the talk of a no-confidence motion start?

There was discussion in the floor leaders meeting of the opposition in the morning. Congress leader KC Venugopal suggested bringing the proposal. Three grounds were mentioned. Rahul Gandhi is not being allowed to speak. A false rumor was spread about Congress women MPs attacking the Prime Minister. The opposition is not allowed to speak but BJP MPs make objectionable comments on Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

Which parties can get support?

The Samajwadi Party and DMK can support. The Trinamool Congress has not yet clarified its stance. 103 opposition MPs signed the notice. The Lok Sabha Secretariat said that no notice was received.

What happened in the meeting with the speaker?

Rahul Gandhi, Abhishek Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and TR Baalu ​​met Birla. The opposition demanded to run the House and let Rahul speak. Asked to withdraw the suspension of eight MPs. Birla said that the opposition has the right to bring a no-confidence motion.

Why was Rahul not allowed to speak?

Rahul was trying to speak for a few minutes in the House. Sandhya Rai was presiding. Rahul said that the speaker had agreed to speak. Rijiju said that Rahul cannot speak alone. Other members will also speak. The government will answer. The House was adjourned.

What did Rijiju say?

Rijiju said that the opposition is insulting the institution. Had climbed on the table. We could have demanded action. Bring a no-confidence motion but don't have the numbers. Shashi Tharoor said that discussion took place but no notice.

Why did the proceedings of the House stop?

There has been an uproar since last week. Rahul mentioned the book of General Naravane. The speaker said that the women MPs planned to attack the PM's seat. The opposition denied. The House could not function. PM could not even respond.

What effect on the budget debate?

Only four days are left in the first part of the session. Passing the budget is a constitutional requirement. It will be difficult if the House does not function. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was present. The debate was to start at 12 noon. This uproar is raising questions on the dignity of the Lok Sabha. Talks are going on between the Speaker and the opposition. The House may function tomorrow, or a no-confidence motion may arise.