Opposition accuses Speaker Om Birla of bias, claims repeated denial of speaking rights during ongoing Budget Session in Parliament
New Delhi: Political tensions in Parliament have intensified as Opposition parties prepare to move a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, sources said on Monday. The motion is expected to be introduced during the second half of the ongoing Budget Session, following the mandatory notice period under parliamentary rules.
This rare move reflects growing dissatisfaction among Opposition leaders over the way proceedings in the Lok Sabha are being conducted.
Claims of unfair conduct
Opposition parties have accused Speaker Om Birla of acting in a partisan manner and giving preferential treatment to members of the ruling party. They allege that their voices are being consistently sidelined and that parliamentary conventions are not being followed in spirit.
According to Opposition leaders, the Speaker’s rulings have limited meaningful debate and weakened the role of dissent in the House.
Rahul Gandhi at centre of dispute
A key trigger behind the planned motion is the Opposition’s claim that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak during important discussions, including the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address.
Earlier this week, Rahul Gandhi wrote to Speaker Om Birla, alleging that he was deliberately prevented from speaking on issues of national importance. Congress leaders argue that denying the Leader of the Opposition an opportunity to speak violates long-standing parliamentary traditions.
Protests disrupt proceedings
The issue led to repeated protests in the Lok Sabha. On Monday, proceedings were disrupted shortly after Question Hour began as Opposition MPs raised slogans demanding fair speaking opportunities. The uproar forced the Speaker to adjourn the House within minutes.
Congress MP K C Venugopal said the Opposition was being systematically silenced and claimed that there was “no space left for the Opposition” in the Lower House.
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Grounds for no-confidence motion
Sources said the Opposition plans to mention several issues in the no-confidence motion, including:
- Repeated denial of speaking opportunities to Opposition leaders
- Alleged bias by the Speaker in managing debates
- Suspension of multiple Opposition MPs for the entire session
- Preferential treatment given to ruling party members
- Opposition leaders believe these actions undermine democratic debate and damage the neutrality of the Speaker’s office.
Budget Session marked by clashes
The Budget Session, which began with the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27, has been marked by sharp confrontations between the government and the Opposition. Several sittings have seen disruptions due to protests, sloganeering, and adjournments.
Both sides have blamed each other for stalling parliamentary work, adding to the tense atmosphere in the House.
Opposition defends decision
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram defended the plan to bring a no-confidence motion, calling it a legitimate democratic tool. He said the Opposition has the right to express protest through parliamentary mechanisms when it feels that rules and conventions are being ignored.
He added that the motion is meant to draw attention to concerns about fairness and accountability in the functioning of Parliament.
Speaker Response
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and leaders of the ruling party have so far taken a cautious stand on the Opposition’s plan to move a no-confidence motion. Birla has earlier denied allegations of bias and said that he conducts House proceedings strictly according to parliamentary rules.
During a previous exchange in the Lok Sabha, Birla said that members, including Rahul Gandhi, would get the opportunity to raise their issues during Budget discussions. He emphasised that the Chair follows established procedures while managing debates.
As protests in the House grew louder and continued to disrupt proceedings, Birla adjourned the Lok Sabha till noon. The repeated disruptions reflected the deepening political standoff and strengthened the Opposition’s resolve to move ahead with the motion.
Rare move in Parliament
Political analysts say that a no-confidence motion against a Speaker is highly unusual in Indian parliamentary history. Traditionally, such motions are aimed at the government, not the presiding officer of the House.
The move highlights the deepening trust deficit between the government and the Opposition during a crucial legislative session.
What lies ahead
Under parliamentary rules, the Opposition must give at least 20 days’ notice before the motion can be taken up. As a result, the motion is likely to be discussed, if admitted, during the second phase of the Budget Session.
While it remains uncertain whether the motion will be allowed for debate, it has already intensified political confrontation and ensured that Speaker Om Birla’s role remains under sharp focus in the days ahead.
