New Delhi: Opposition parties have given a notice to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying he is not working in a fair manner. They have moved this resolution under Article 94(c) of the Indian Constitution.
The Opposition claims that the Speaker often stops Opposition leaders from speaking in Parliament. They say this goes against democratic values.
They pointed to a few recent events to support their demand:
On 2 February 2025, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to finish his speech during the discussion on the President’s Address.
On 3 February 2025, eight Opposition MPs were suspended for the whole Budget Session, which the Opposition says was unfair.
On 4 February 2025, a ruling party MP made personal comments about two former Prime Ministers. The Speaker, according to the Opposition, did not take any action.
On 5 February 2025, Speaker Om Birla accused Congress MPs of planning trouble in the House. The Congress party rejected these claims and said the remarks were wrong and insulting.
The Opposition says the Speaker should stay neutral and protect the dignity of Parliament, but they believe this has not happened.
The notice was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary-General Utpal Kumar Singh by Congress leaders K. Suresh, Gaurav Gogoi, and Mohammad Javed. Reports say 118 MPs have signed the proposal.