LS takes up resolution on removal of Speaker as MPs trade accusations in House

POLITY – LEGISLATURE

11 MARCH 2026

• The Lok Sabha took up a resolution moved by the Opposition seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, with both the Treasury and Opposition benches trading sharp accusations over the neutrality of the Chair.
• Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the motion as an “attack on democracy itself”, while the Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, said the resolution was brought from compulsion to “protect the neutrality” of the institution of the Speaker.
• Initiating the debate, Mr. Gogoi slammed the Speaker’s conduct, alleging partisan behaviour and arguing that the motion was necessary to “save the Constitution”.
• The discussion, for which 10 hours have been allotted, will conclude with a vote.
• BJP MP Jagdambika Pal chaired the session, as he had been appointed to the panel of chairpersons by the Speaker.
• After the presiding officer asked members supporting the notice to stand up, more than the required 50 MPs rose in their seats, allowing the motion to be admitted for discussion.
• The Congress Deputy Leader, in his remarks, alleged that the Opposition had repeatedly been denied the opportunity to raise critical issues in the House and cited how microphones are being used to silence MPs. “This stands in direct contradiction with the rituals of this House,” he added.
• Mr. Gogoi also cited instances where Opposition members’ remarks were expunged, while allegations made by treasury bench members were allowed to remain on record.