In an unprecedented escalation of the ongoing friction in Parliament, the INDIA bloc has decided to move a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The decision was formalized during a high-stakes meeting at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence on Monday, with the Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Left parties backing the move.

The opposition’s grievances are centered on four major points. They allege that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is being systematically silenced and was prevented from raising crucial national security concerns. The frustration also stems from the Speaker’s recent statement where he claimed to have “inputs” that women opposition MPs might physically target the Prime Minister—a charge the Congress has labeled as “defamatory and baseless.” Furthermore, the suspension of eight opposition MPs for the remainder of the session and the alleged preferential treatment given to BJP MPs like Nishikant Dubey have added fuel to the fire.

Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, a resolution to remove the Speaker requires at least 50 signatures and a prior notice of 14 to 20 days. Sources confirm that the opposition has already gathered the necessary signatures and intends to formally table the motion during the second leg of the Budget Session. While the NDA holds a numerical advantage, this strategic move by the opposition aims to put the Speaker’s impartiality under public and parliamentary scrutiny.