Nagarkurnool MP Dr Ravi says Opposition will move no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

New Delhi: In a major escalation of the standoff in the Parliament, Nagarkurnool MP Dr Mallu Ravi announced on Monday that the Congress and other opposition parties have decided to move a No-Confidence Motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Speaking at the Telangana Bhavan, Dr Ravi revealed that the official letter, already signed by several lawmakers, will be submitted to the Speaker’s office on Tuesday.

The move comes amidst a heated Budget Session where the opposition has accused the Chair of a ‘partisan’ approach and stifling the voice of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi.

The China and trade row

The primary catalyst for the motion is the alleged refusal to allow Rahul Gandhi to speak on critical national security issues.

Dr Ravi highlighted that Gandhi sought to discuss revelations from former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) MM Naravane’s memoir regarding Chinese incursions into Indian territory.

“Democratic values are being severely undermined,” Dr Ravi said. “When the LoP tries to raise issues of national security or the US-India trade agreement, his microphone is cut off, or the House is abruptly adjourned.”

Eight MPs suspended

A central point of contention remains the suspension of eight Congress MPs for the remainder of the Budget Session. The government moved for their suspension following ‘unruly behaviour’ during protests last week.

The eight suspended lawmakers are:

Amarinder Singh Raja Warring

Manickam Tagore

Gurjeet Singh Aujla

Hibi Eden

C Kiran Kumar Reddy

Prashant Yadaorao Padole

S Venkatesh

Dean Kuriakose

Dr Ravi termed these suspensions ‘unfortunate’ and a ‘shameful’ attempt to silence the opposition.

Key charges against the Speaker

The opposition’s motion is expected to list several grievances regarding the conduct of the House:

Partisan Agenda: Allegations that the Speaker is prioritising the BJP’s legislative agenda over parliamentary debate.

Targeting Women MPs: Dr Ravi dismissed the Speaker’s earlier remarks about women MPs obstructing the PM as ‘bizarre,’ stating that such claims were made to deflect from the government’s own failures.

Mismanagement: The opposition argues that the frequent adjournments and refusal to discuss the India-US trade framework prove the government’s incompetence in running the House. “The House is a platform for debate, but it is being run like a political tool for the BJP. This is dangerous for our democracy,” said Dr Mallu Ravi

Centre defends Speaker

The government has yet to issue a formal response to the proposed motion, though Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju previously defended the Speaker, stating that the opposition’s ‘ruckus’ had made the proceedings untenable.